The bad…
EU climate service confirms September 2023 as hottest on record.
Average global temperatures were 0.93C higher than the 1991-2020 average (BBC, 2023). Smaller scale temperature fluctuations were even more drastic, with Europe experiencing temperatures 2.51C higher than the long-term average. We hope such extreme increases will put further pressure on politicians to act, raising the profile of the climate agenda at upcoming events such as the G20 Summit.
The mixed…
Manchester HS2 U-turn creates mixed environmental outcomes.
Whilst the government’s recent U-turn regarding the Northern leg of the HS2 railway line has been met with widespread criticism, it means 32 ancient woodlands will be saved from destruction. However, one of HS2’s key aims was to reduce domestic flights between major UK cities, this will be less successful as the line no longer connects London to Manchester, increasing flight emissions.
The good…
Montana Court Ruling: victory for youths’ environmental rights.
Youth stood up in court vs the state of Montana, the court ruled that the state had a commitment to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The ruling will expand the state’s constitution to include citizens’ right to a stable climate and access to a safe and healthy environment.
This decisive ruling signalled a historic moment in climate action where science literally took to the stand and won - placing the future of fossil fuels in the balance. This victory represents judicial recognition of climate change as human-caused, paving the way for more environmental cases. Does this mark the shifting tide of responsibility at the state level and the increasing authority of climate change in legal decision-making?
