Recently, Greenpeace UK has been in the news due to its vocal opposition to government plans for expanding fossil fuel production and infrastructure, particularly in England and Wales. The organization criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer's energy policies, claiming he has accepted industry narratives without scrutiny. Additionally, environmental groups, including Greenpeace, have expressed concerns over the UK government's commitment to maintaining stringent green targets amidst industry pressures for more lenient regulations.
Founded in 1971, Greenpeace UK is part of the larger international Greenpeace organization, which operates in over 55 countries. The organization was established by Canadian and US ex-pats Irving and Dorothy Stowe, aiming to address environmental issues through direct action and advocacy. Greenpeace UK focuses on various environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, and pollution, employing campaigns that often involve public engagement and civil disobedience to promote sustainability and protect the planet.
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A North Dakota jury has ordered Greenpeace to pay over $660 million to Energy Transfer for defamation and other claims related to protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The verdict raises significant concerns about free speech and the rights of environmental activists, with Greenpeace planning to appeal the decision.
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Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has announced the abandonment of the UK's commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, claiming it is 'impossible' to achieve. This decision has sparked backlash from environmentalists and former party members, indicating a significant shift in Conservative climate policy amidst ongoing criticism of the government's handling of disability benefits.
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Just Stop Oil announced it will cease direct action protests after achieving its goal of halting new oil and gas licenses in the UK. The group plans a final rally on April 26, 2025, and will shift focus to legal advocacy and a new strategy to address ongoing climate issues.
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The UK saw a 4% reduction in carbon emissions in 2024, reaching 371 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This decline is attributed to decreased reliance on gas and coal, alongside increased renewable energy usage. However, challenges remain, particularly in the transport sector, which continues to be the largest source of emissions.
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A recent study highlights how climate change and extreme weather events are disrupting blood donation and transport, risking blood supply safety. The findings indicate that rising temperatures and severe weather can lead to shortages when blood is most needed, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptation strategies.
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On April 10, 2025, Greenpeace activists poured biodegradable dye into a pond outside the US embassy in London, protesting arms sales to Israel. Six activists, including co-executive director Will McCallum, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. The protest aimed to highlight the humanitarian impact of US weapon sales amid ongoing violence in Gaza.
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The UK government is exploring a controversial zonal pricing plan for electricity, which would set different rates based on local supply and demand. This could lead to lower bills in renewable-rich areas like Scotland, while potentially increasing costs in the South. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasizes that no final decisions have been made.
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The Trump administration is advancing deep-sea mining initiatives, seeking to exploit mineral-rich areas in the Pacific Ocean. The Metals Company has applied for licenses to mine seabed resources, igniting a debate over environmental impacts and international law. This move aims to reduce U.S. reliance on China for critical minerals.
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Taiwan has commenced the shutdown of its last operational nuclear reactor at the Maanshan plant, which contributed about 3% of the island's power generation. This move comes amid rising electricity demands and a legislative amendment allowing nuclear plants to extend operational licenses, complicating Taiwan's energy strategy.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to buy back the Port of Darwin from Chinese company Landbridge Group, citing national interest. This follows concerns over the port's strategic importance amid rising geopolitical tensions. The port was leased to Landbridge for 99 years in 2015, a deal criticized by various political figures.
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As tensions escalate around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the IAEA has called for a ceasefire to ensure safety. Reports indicate Russia is constructing power lines to connect the plant to its grid, raising alarms over potential violations of international law and nuclear safety amid ongoing conflict.
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The Australian government has approved a 40-year extension for Woodside Energy's North West Shelf gas project, raising concerns over the impact on ancient Aboriginal rock art in Murujuga. Environmentalists and Indigenous groups warn that the decision threatens irreplaceable cultural heritage and exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions.
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The UK government has proposed a ban on bottom trawling in 41 marine protected areas (MPAs), covering 30,000 km² of ocean. This decision follows pressure from environmental groups and coincides with the UN Ocean Conference in France. The ban aims to protect marine ecosystems from destructive fishing practices.
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The UK government announced plans to require solar panels and low-carbon heating in new homes by autumn 2025. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and household energy bills, with potential savings of up to £530 annually. The Future Homes Standard will set new building regulations to support this transition.
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At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, world leaders pledged to ratify the High Seas Treaty by September 2025, aiming to protect marine biodiversity in international waters. The treaty, which requires 60 ratifications to take effect, is seen as a crucial step towards safeguarding the oceans amid rising threats from climate change and overfishing.
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At the recent UN Ocean Summit in Nice, world leaders emphasized the urgent need for ocean protection amid rising threats like deep-sea mining. The summit saw significant commitments towards the high seas treaty, aiming to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030, despite the absence of the US delegation.
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On June 17, 2025, two oil tankers, ADALYNN and Front Eagle, collided in the Gulf of Oman, leading to a small oil spill. Greenpeace warns of potential ecological damage, while the UAE authorities investigate the incident amid rising tensions in the region.