PoliSCI

Scientists urge government to improve marine management measures

A team of scientists from across the UK, led by the Marine Conservation Research Group at the University of Plymouth, has urged the government to rethink its approach to marine conservation in order to address the decline in biodiversity. They published their research in the journal ‘Marine Policy,’ addressing the issue and making recommendations to Government ministers.

Read more here.

Government ends ban on onshore energy

The government has decided to support onshore wind projects following their pledge to cut carbon emissions to zero by 2050.

Greenpeace UK’s executive director, John Sauven, backs renewable energy stating that ‘Onshore wind and solar are not only some of the cheapest sources of energy, reducing costs for everyone, but they are a vital part of putting the UK on track to net zero as quickly as possible.’

‘The government now needs to engage with local communities in order to get large amounts of onshore wind and solar off the ground,’ Sauven added.

EU budget delay pushes back Horizon Europe

If EU member states fail to agree on the EU’s multiannual budget for 2021-2027, the launch of Horizon Europe will be pushed back. EU member states must reach an agreement before the end of this year for the European Parliament to finalise research missions and industry partnerships.

Ursual von der Leyen has warned that without an agreement made in time, ‘we will have no budget, no Erasmus programme, no resources for research, no resources for regional development or border protection.’

Von der Leyen adds, ‘If Europe wants to prosper in the next decade, it has to invest in innovation in research, it has to invest in new priorities.’