Guardian Environment
Weakening UK net zero policy would damage economy, chief climate adviser says
The UK's chief climate adviser has warned that rolling back net zero commitments would undermine economic growth by eroding investor confidence and destabilizing businesses dependent on clear policy signals. Nigel Topping, chair of the Climate Change Committee, argued that consistent climate policy is inseparable from the government's growth ambitions. His comments add pressure on ministers as debate intensifies over the pace and reliability of the UK's green transition.
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Europe heatwave live: UK braces for record-breaking temperatures; Italy issues red alert for 16 cities
A record-shattering heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with the UK bracing for temperatures of 40C while Italy issues red alerts for 16 cities and France records its hottest day in history. The deadly conditions have already claimed at least 40 lives by drowning in France alone as populations struggle to cope with unprecedented heat. The slow eastward spread of the extreme weather system means conditions are likely to worsen before they improve across the continent.
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US says chemical giant Chemours to pay $450m to settle ‘forever chemicals’ case
Chemours will pay $450 million to settle federal and state claims over illegal discharges of PFAS, the synthetic compounds linked to serious health risks that persist indefinitely in the environment and human body. The deal marks the first time the federal government has resolved enforcement claims against a major PFAS manufacturer, setting a significant legal precedent for holding chemical companies accountable. The settlement signals growing regulatory pressure on the industry as authorities work to address widespread contamination from so-called forever chemicals.
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UK records its hottest June day, beating highs from 1957 and 1976
A temperature of 35.7°C recorded in Charlwood, Surrey has shattered the UK's all-time June record, edging past a mark that had stood since 1976. The milestone arrives as a broader European heatwave prompts warnings from the World Health Organization that lives are at risk across the continent. Scientists attribute the intensifying heat to climate change, making record-breaking summers an increasingly routine threat.
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Wednesday briefing: How can the UK protect its landscape in an increasingly hot world?
Britain's June temperature record is on the verge of being shattered, with Bristol forecast to hit 39C as a rare red weather warning blankets southern England and Wales. The extreme heat is not merely uncomfortable — it signals a deepening crisis for ecosystems that evolved under far cooler conditions. The urgent question now is how the UK reshapes its landscape management to withstand a climate that is rapidly outpacing nature's ability to adapt.
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