Blue & Green Daily: Friday 14 February headlines

Blue & Green Daily finds and summarises the top sustainability stories around the web every morning. We start with our own picks from Blue & Green Tomorrow.

Sustainable banking: people want ‘to know what’s being done with their money’

New Arctic research project gives ‘holistic view’ of changing environment

Wall Street goes green ahead of sustainable finance event

Poor ISA rates deter consumers – costing £191bn in tax-free savings

Caribbean islands commit to renewable energy targets

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14 February headlines

Shale gas pioneer plans world’s first offshore wells in Irish Sea

The founder of shale gas firm Cuadrilla is planning a venture to frack in the Irish Sea. Dr Chris Cornelius believes there are large volumes of offshore gas that could be extracted, if successful it would be the first such project in the world. BBC.

Shell to sell three North Sea oil assets

Royal Dutch Shell is poised to announce the sale of three of its assets in the North Sea as the companies speeds up its plan to divest $15bn (£9bn) of assets. Staff are said to have been briefed about the sale with an announcement expected shortly. Telegraph.

UK looks at asking Brussels for flood aid

The UK will apply to the European Union for money to help with the aftermath of recent flooding, ministers suggested, as forecasters predicted further storms would lash the country on Friday. The prime minister has come under pressure to find the cash to deal with the floods after pledging that “money is no object”. Financial Times.

Pollution making Beijing hazardous place to live, says Chinese report

Dangerous smog levels make Beijing second worst of 40 global cities for environmental conditions, says new report. Pollution is a rising concern for China’s stability-obsessed leaders, keen to douse potential unrest as affluent city dwellers turn against a growth-at-all-costs economic model. Guardian.

Leaky natural gas system seen worsening climate change

Methane leaks in pipes, plants and drilling for natural gas are higher than government estimates, leading to a greater impact on climate change, according to a study backed by a pioneer of hydraulic fracturing. Bloomberg.

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Interesting picks

London wildlife crime summit: all eyes on China – Guardian

It’s a start, but the fight against illegal wildlife trade must continue – Independent

Are the global forest-destroyers turning over a new leaf? – Ecologist

A new calling for capitalism – Guardian