Blue & Green Daily: Thursday 25 September round up

Today on Blue & Green Tomorrow, we reported on the public’s perception of fracking and and communities secretary Eric Pickles being criticised for interfering with wind farm applications.

Climate change could see rise of violent conflict in India, warns new report

A new report from the Global Sustainability Institute at Anglia Ruskin University warns that India is vulnerable to ‘climate conflict’, due to climate change having an impact on the country’s already stressed water resources.

UN Climate Summit: Nelson Mandela’s widow says leaders should step up the ambition

Graça Machel, widow of former South African president Nelson Mandela, has said that the world leaders gathered in New York for the UN Climate Summit have shown too little concern compared to the seriousness of the threats posed by climate change and called for more action.

Eric Pickles criticised for interfering with wind farm applications

Trade association RenewableUK has condemned communities secretary Eric Pickles for his “unprecedented interference” in renewable energy projects after Pickles intervened in 50 wind farm planning applications since January 2013.

London the world’s most expensive city

London has overtaken Hong Kong to become the most expensive city in which to live and work, according to a new report.

Decision over onshore barrier reef dredging put on hold by Australian court

Conservationists have gained more time as the federal court in Brisbane adjourned the case for the Queensland government to approve plans to dump dredging spoil from Abbot Point coal terminal onshore, where campaigners say it could damage the environment.

Two thirds of scientists advising EU on dangerous chemicals have industry links

Two thirds of scientists advising the EU on four controversial and potentially dangerous chemicals have links to industries that are affected by their assessments.

Ryder Cup: driving ahead with sustainability

As golf enthusiasts gear up to watch Team Europe vs Team USA in the Ryder from Friday, the real winner at the event could be sustainability.

Rio de Janeiro mayor: cities should have more say on energy and climate change policies

Eduardo Paes, mayor of Rio de Janeiro, has said that when it comes to climate and energy policies, cities should have more powers and autonomy, regardless of the national regulation that often does not consider their individual characteristics.

World Bank: cleantech SME’s in developing world to receive $1.6tr boost

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in bringing cleantech to developing countries could reap some $1.6 trillion (£980bn) over the next 10 years, as investors rush to tackle climate change.

Apple supplier accused of exploiting workers

An investigation by China Labour Watch (CLW) claims to have found evidence of the exploitation of workers in Apple’s supply chain, to meet demand for iPhone 6 covers. The accusations centre on the supplier Jabil Circuit.

Green Investment Bank to boost NHS Energy efficiency with £50m investment

The UK’s Green Investment Bank (GIB), along with financial firm DLL, has announced £50 million in joint funding for new energy efficiency measures for the NHS, which would help save money and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Poll: UK perception of fracking improves, but public prefers renewables

The UK public has warmed slightly to fracking, according to a new poll, though approval rates for shale gas exploration remain low when compared to renewable energy.

Labour Party Conference: Ed Miliband promises to increase tax on big tobacco to fund NHS

Labour party leader Ed Miliband has vowed to increase taxes on tobacco giants to boost NHS funding at the annual Labour party conference this week, placing health care at the centre of his election manifesto.

Photo: Sanja Gjenero via Free Images