Nine principles for using our land wisely at a time of climate and nature crises
Sandra Bell01 May 2020
How we use our land sometimes seems like a 1000-piece jigsaw where we need to put the right pieces in the right places - to cut climate emissions and boost nature. It’s particularly tricky because there’s more than one correct way to complete it. In this article I propose 9 principles that fit with Friends of the Earth’s approach to tackling the climate and nature crises here and overseas – a guide to completing the jigsaw.
The impact of coronavirus on the planning system
Kate Gordon24 Apr 2020
COVID-19 is causing widespread disruption to the UK planning system, which is there to ensure that the development and use of land is in the public interest. How can the right of the public to hold local decision-makers to account (and scrutinise plans for development) be protected during these difficult times?
The role of hydrogen in our future
Mike Childs21 Apr 2020
Hydrogen fuel has long been hailed as the silver bullet that will free us from fossil fuels, but it's time for a reality check on its production and use in a low-carbon economy .
Ending plastic pollution – briefing
19 Mar 2020
Friends of the Earth's briefing on how to end plastic pollution.
Finding the land to double tree cover
Guy Shrubsole with research by Chris Gordon-Smith17 Mar 2020
Is there really space in the UK to double tree cover? And where’s best to grow all those trees?
Climate emergency – system change v lifestyle change
Clare Oxborrow02 Mar 2020
Based on recent research we argue that changing behaviour has an important role to play in transforming politics to save the planet.
Ruling against Heathrow expansion – impacts and significance
Katie de Kauwe28 Feb 2020
Friends of the Earth won its campaign to protect the climate from Heathrow's planned third runway. Lawyer Katie de Kauwe reflects on the significance of the win – and what it might mean for other projects.
Why the Agriculture Bill must support pesticides reduction
13 Feb 2020
After being on hold for a year the Agriculture Bill came back to Parliament in January 2020. The government promises it will help farmers boost nature and tackle climate change. Will it help reverse the damage from overuse of pesticides in our countryside?
Planting more trees can help cut pesticide use
Sandra Bell17 Dec 2019
Planting trees on farms can help reduce pests and diseases and cut the need for chemicals.
Public funding for UK trees, woodlands and forests
Paul de Zylva13 Nov 2019
Friends of the Earth analysis shows that UK governments are spending less than £1 per person per year on trees.
Transforming transport funding to meet our climate targets
Lynn Sloman and Lisa Hopkinson, Transport for Quality of Life04 Nov 2019
Money shouldn't be a barrier to providing brilliant public transport and cycling infrastructure. This briefing outlines the many sources of funding used overseas and makes recommendations for the UK.
Our 2019 General Election manifesto
31 Oct 2019
Friends of the Earth will assess the 2019 political party General Election manifestos based on 10 demands, ranging from policies on aviation to improvements in democracy.
A radical transport response to the climate emergency
Lynn Sloman and Lisa Hopkinson, Transport for Quality of Life26 Oct 2019
Transport is now the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK and emissions are rising. This briefing outlines far-reaching changes to deliver the reductions needed and ensure a decent transport system that works for everyone.
An Eco Levy for driving: cut carbon, clean up toxic air and make our towns and cities liveable
Lynn Sloman and Lisa Hopkinson, Transport for Quality of Life23 Oct 2019
This briefing identifies why road pricing is necessary to reduce traffic levels and how using the funds raised to support public transport is critical to its success.
Government spending needed on climate and nature emergency
02 Sep 20193.2 MB PDF file
Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and others have identified that the government needs to spend £42 billion a year on climate change and nature.