Is the government's levelling up plan any good?
Sandra Bell10 May 2022
The UK government has made levelling up a priority. Senior Sustainability Analyst Sandra Bell sets out 5 tests to assess the strength of the government’s approach and whether it will help the poorest communities. As the government's programme progresses, including draft legislation following the Queen’s Speech, Friends of the Earth will use these tests to report on progress.
Tackling climate breakdown – how do government strategies measure up?
Mike Childs16 Nov 2021
In the run-up to and at the climate talks at COP26, there was an avalanche of pledges, promises and strategies – but do they add up? Mike Childs, Head of Science, Policy & Research, gives his verdict.
20 actions parish and town councils can take on the climate and nature emergency
Mike Childs24 Jun 2021
Parish and town councils may not be as powerful as local authorities but they can be a force for change in addressing the climate and nature emergency.
Aviation and climate change: our position
11 Mar 2021
Emissions from aviation continue to grow but need to fall. There are no technical fixes. Instead we need to curb frequent flying and stop airport expansion.
Faster, deeper and fairer carbon pollution cuts needed
Mike Childs27 Jan 2021
Faster, deeper and fairer cuts to carbon emissions than those recommended by the Climate Change Committee are possible and necessary.
Climate emergency - how do local authorities get people out of their cars?
Mike Childs07 Jan 2021
Why making the right decisions about car use now can help local authorities on the pathway to net zero.
Why council action on climate is vital
Sandra Bell08 Dec 2020
Sandra Bell explains why local council action is vital to achieving a green recovery and net zero, and why the government must give them greater support as recommended by the Climate Change Committee.
Budget exacerbates climate breakdown
Mike Childs06 Mar 2020
We set ten tests for the Budget - just how well did the new Chancellor do?
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.
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.
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.
The future of the built environment – travel, green space and people power
24 Sep 2019
Craig Bennett shares his ideas for making cities healthier and more sustainable places with Joanna Watson.
A net zero carbon budget for the whole transport sector
Lisa Hopkinson and Lynn Sloman, Transport for Quality of Life27 Jun 2019
Analysis shows Department for Transport plans will cause UK to breach carbon budgets; radical new plan needed to cut aviation and road transport carbon by 2030