coal

It’s World Water Day on Saturday and this year’s theme highlights the facts that water is needed to produce nearly all forms of energy and the demand for both is rising.

What a month for the Big 6! Whether cuts to energy efficiency measures, a green light for unabated coal burning, fracking tax breaks that lock in the UK’s reliance on gas, or the multi-billion pound windfall due to companies like EDF and Centrica from an unchanged carbon floor price, the energy giants have won another round at the expense of ordinary people.

Almost as many people die each year from coal burning in the UK as road accidents, according to new figures out this week.

We’ve had a fantastic, hot summer this year, cooling down with a drink of water whenever needed.

So when I look at Bo Qiu’s photo feature of water shortages in Inner Mongolia it is a strong reminder that easy access to clean water is not a given for everyone.

For once, we all agree. 82% of people want to see more renewable energy. Yet George Osborne is still trying to keep us hooked on fossil fuels. On Tuesday, MPs must pick a side.

The third worst eyesore in Britain, according to readers of Country Life, and one of our top three polluters, closed forever today.