Tory victory a huge blow to UK green energy industry, campaigners warn
With its new majority in Parliament, the Conservative party could deal a blow to the renewables industry if it goes forward with a manifesto pledge to halt the spread of onshore wind farms, green campaigners have warned. Scrapping the Department of Energy and Climate Change is another potential threat to UK climate efforts, says E3G's Tom Burke. The Financial Times points out that the department has now lost the influence of Lib Dems like Ed Davey, leaving the Conservatives to pursue their own agenda. The Independent
Climate and energy news
Energy shares soar as Conservatives win majority
Following the Conservative's victory in last week's general election, shares in energy companies jumped. Centrica made the biggest gains, with its shares trading at 9% higher. The Big Six were relieved that they would not have to deal with the price freeze promised by Labour, while city analysts said they expected the Conservative government to be less renewables friendly than Labour would have been. The Financial Times
China oil imports surpass those of US for first time
China's crude oil imports hit a new high of 7.4 million barrels a day in April, surpassing the 7.2 million imported by the US. This is because the exploitation of shale resources in the US has reduced the need for imports, but also because China is increasing its refining capacity as its economy grows. More efficient motor vehicles also helped to curb consumption in the US after the financial crisis. The Financial Times
Brazil plans to 'nationalise' rainforest in pioneering plan to protect Amazon
Brazilian MPs are considering a bill that would effectively nationalise the Amazon, giving the government a monopoly over its resources. This would mean companies wanting to work in the area would require the permission of a new state council. While the bill was proposed as a means to halt destruction, campaigners have warned that it ignores the rights of indigenous people and creates unnecessary bureaucracy. The Independent
Crunch time for University of Edinburgh on fossil fuel divestment
The University of Edinburgh will today make a final decision on whether they will divest from fossil fuels. The outcome will be significant, as the institution has an endowment of £291 million - the largest in the UK after Oxford and Cambridge. RTCC also has the story, adding that around £9 million is invested in the likes of BP, Shell and BHP Billiton. The Guardian
Climate and energy comment
Here's how Bernie Sanders, the greenest presidential candidate, could get even greener
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has a reputation for being one of the greenest senators in the US, writes Ben Adler in Grist. While he is unlikely to beat Hilary Clinton to the role, a focus on environmental issues during the campaign could raise awareness and draw Clinton out on how she intends to deal with climate change herself. Ben Adler, Grist
Coal could be the comeback kid in US environment fight
The coal industry is on the legal offensive against Obama's clean power plan, and could potentially win some victories, writes John Dizard. There are currently two cases before the courts, and if the Environmental Protection Agency loses both, only around one-third of the prospective coal plant closures are likely to be required. In the Supreme Court, four out of nine justices have a reputation for being pro-industry. John Dizard, The Financial Times
Beyond the election - the energy agenda for the new government
To understand the future of energy policy, it's necessary to look beyond the Conservative manifesto and towards external events, writes Nick Butler in the Financial Times. Decisive issues will be the future of Hinkley Point in Somerset, North Sea oil, and the potential shale revolution. The failure of governments to tackle climate change through the UN means that by the end of this year, both the UK government and the EU will have to recognise that a "different approach is necessary", he adds. Nick Butler, The Financial Times
New climate science
Impact of climate change on staple food crop production in Nigeria
Rising temperatures are predicted to cause a decrease in crop yields in Nigeria, in spite of any corresponding increases in rainfall, a new study suggests. Researchers used crop simulation models to assess how staple food crops such as maize and sorghum could be affected by climate change in the coming century. The boost to plant growth from elevated carbon dioxide levels only partially offsets these reductions, the researchers say. Climatic change
Temperature Impacts on the Water Year 2014 Drought in California
Had temperatures in California during 2014 matched the climate of the 20th century, there is at least an 86% chance the drought would have been less severe, new research shows. Researchers used a hydrological model to assess the probability of a severe drought under past temperatures. The results show that under the climate of 1916-2012, snowmelt and soil moisture deficits would have been less drastic. Geophysical Research Letters