Nature Hub

 From - BBC World News  By -    Justin Rowlatt  ,  Climate Editor     Editted by - Amal Udawatta       AFP via Getty Images The new project could link offshore wind farms in the North Sea to more than one country via 'interconnectors' The UK is set to back a vast new fleet of offshore wind projects in the North Sea alongside nine other European countries including Norway, Germany and the Netherlands. The government says the deal will strengthen energy security by offering an escape from what it calls the "fossil fuel rollercoaster". For the first time, some of the new wind farms will be linked to multiple countries through undersea cables known as interconnectors, which supporters say should lower prices across the region. But it could prove controversial as wind farm operators would be able to shop around between countries to sell power to the highest bidder - potentially driving up electricity prices when supply is tight...

 From - BBC NEWS  By  - Richard Garry  Edited by - Amal Udawatta By Richard Gray 27th December 2023 From new artificial islands to the environmental devastation caused by  From new artificial islands to the environmental devastation caused by the breach of Ukraine's Kakhovka Dam – this is how humanity has changed the face of our planet throughout the past year. T There are few places on the Earth where humans have not left a mark of some kind. An estimated  95% of our planet's landmass  – not including Antarctica, even though humanity has left its imprint there, too – now show some signs of human activity. About  16% of that land has been heavily modified , according to one recent analysis. Urban development, large-scale engineering works and mining projects are reshaping entire landscapes, while deforestation and agriculture are altering entire ecosystems. Pollution produced by humans can be found in almost  every corner of our planet . Pear...

 From - BBC News, Edited by - Amal Uawatta, IMAGE SOURCE, NATURESCOT Image caption, Species on the Edge will work to secure the future of species such as butterflies and bumblebees Eight leading conservation organisations have joined forces to help reverse the decline of vulnerable coastal species in Scotland. The Species on the Edge programme will focus on the conservation of 37 priority species such as bumblebees. It aims to secure the future for coastal and island species as well as raising awareness of biodiversity in Scotland. Many of the species the programme will help are at risk of extinction. Climate change and farming driving insect decline 'Insect apocalypse' more complex than thought 'Alarming' loss of insects and spiders recorded The scheme was officially launched at an event in Balnagowan Estate in Invergordon on Saturday. Nick Halfhide, NatureScot's director of nature and climate change, said: "It is an excellent example of what can be achieved t...