UK gambling with climate targets over carbon capture, say campaigners

Potential IPCC rule changes could award planned carbon savings from burning US wood pellets to the exporter, not the importer

The UK government is gambling with its own climate targets on claims that the Drax power plant will create “negative emissions” because new rules could hand the carbon savings to the US, campaigners say.

The owners of the North Yorkshire power plant have promised ministers that a key project to capture the carbon emissions created from burning biomass wood pellets imported from US forests will count as negative emissions in Britain’s carbon accounts.

Topics

Justin Baldoni's ex-publicist sues over alleged Blake Lively smear campaign

Stephanie Jones has sued Baldoni and his crisis PR team alleging a smear campaign to discredit her and Blake Lively during the fallout from 'It Ends With Us.'
Los Angeles Times - 1h
Reform UK has more members than Tories, Farage says

Reform UK leader Farage says his party has made history and is now the "real opposition".
BBC News - 5h
Dirty water, sentient trees and hope in a climate crisis: 10 environmental long reads to digest over Christmas

In this week’s Down To Earth newsletter: These essential features – chosen by the Guardian’s Long Reads editors, cover everything from dirty water and sentient trees to how to find hope in a ...
The Guardian - 8h
Starbucks Strike to Affect to Over 300 stores on Christmas Eve, Union Says

The five-day labor action is expected to involve more than 5,000 U.S. employees in the largest-ever labor action against the coffee chain.
Inc. - 2d
Justin Baldoni’s Ex-Publicist Sues Over Alleged Blake Lively Smear Campaign

An ousted P.R. executive alleges a conspiracy to harm her and steal her clients, in connection with an effort to tarnish Blake Lively.
The New York Times - 2d
UK government art collection should be more visible to public, says minister

Sir Chris Bryant says works must also remain a valuable part of the country’s soft power
Financial Times - 1d
He Inherited a Seat in the House of Lords. The UK Government Says He Will Lose It in 2025.

The U.K. government has pledged to remove hereditary peers from Parliament in 2025. For Lord Cromwell and 87 others, it is a wistful departure.
The New York Times - 2d
UK launches review of targets for sales of electric vehicles

Carmakers say current plan could lead to job cuts as shift away from petrol and diesel engines stalls
Financial Times - 2d
Mauritius says talks with UK over Chagos Islands are stuck over money

The deputy PM said the UK was "quibbling" over the sum to be handed over to Mauritius.
BBC News - 3d