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West Midlands Health and Planning group

Background
In 2010, West Midlands PCT's and local authorities came together to prepare a joint public health response to the Local Transport Plan 3. Subsequent work with Centro has demonstrated how this response influenced the final Local Transport Plan and associated implementation plan.

In 2011 a wider group prepared a joint response to the National Planning Policy Framework. It was clear that there was a wide range of healthy urban environment work underway across the West Midlands and extensive local experience and learning. Working with the West Midlands Learning for Public Health Network (LfPHWM) a West Midlands Health and Planning group was established.

The objective of the group is to share learning and experience and coordinate joint work across the West Midlands. With the constraints on people’s time and capacity it was felt that the group needed to take a practical approach to sharing best practice and identify opportunities to undertake joint work across specific areas of practice. The underlying model for the work is the Marmot Review objective E – “To create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities”.

WMHPG news, information and resources 25 September 2020

We do not accept responsibility for the availability, reliability or content of these news items and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.

Sustainable development goals

ADPH Presidential Blog: The Path Ahead: https://www.adph.org.uk/2020/09/adph-presidential-blog-the-path-ahead/

Scrapping Public Health England is the wrong way to shake up public health: https://neweconomics.org/2020/08/scrapping-public-health-england-is-the-wrong-way-to-shake-up-public-health

Sustainable Development goals are ‘the future’ Malala tells major UN event, urging countries to get on track: https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1072782

Healthy planning & environment

PHE Healthy Places Webinar: Health Impact Assessment in Planning: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/phe-healthy-places-webinar-health-impact-assessment-in-planning-tickets-112886990026

RTPI - Dementia and Town Planning: https://www.rtpi.org.uk/dementia

Dementia-friendly places could reduce burden on social care, says RTPI report: https://www.rtpi.org.uk/press-releases/2020/september/dementia-friendly-places-could-reduce-burden-on-social-care-says-rtpi-report/

Shared Assets – September Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sharedassets/the-shared-assets-newsletter-hopeful-times-ahead

GOV.UK - Research and analysis - State of the environment: health, people and the environment: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-of-the-environment/state-of-the-environment-health-people-and-the-environment#flooding-and-health

Live: Activists create protected area in North Sea to stop destructive fishing: https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/live-activists-north-sea-destructive-fishing/

The Local Plan Transition – From the NPPF (2019) and the Standard Method to a new White Paper Planning System: https://lichfields.uk/blog/2020/september/18/the-local-plan-transition-from-the-nppf-2019-and-the-standard-method-to-a-new-white-paper-planning-system/

Over 1/4 of global topsoil could be dead in less than a century, new study: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/over-1-4-of-global-topsoil-could-be-dead-in-less-than-a-century-new-study/

Greenpeace drops boulders in North Sea conservation zone to prevent illegal fishing: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/greenpeace-north-sea-uk-government-b531806.html

England's Green Space Gap: https://policy.friendsoftheearth.uk/insight/englands-green-space-gap

How beavers became North America's best firefighter: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/09/beavers-firefighters-wildfires-california-oregon/

Housing

New Economics Briefing: How can we resist an avalanche of evictions? https://neweconomics.org/2020/08/new-economics-briefing-how-can-we-resist-an-avalanche-of-evictions

Homes, health and COVID-19: https://www.ageing-better.org.uk/publications/homes-health-and-covid-19

Calls for £1.3bn fund to buy-up private housing for social rent: https://www.localgov.co.uk/Calls-for-1.3bn-fund-to-buy-up-private-housing-for-social-rent/51125

Climate change & sustainability

Svalbard glaciers lost their protective buffer in the mid-1980s and have been melting ever since: https://theconversation.com/svalbard-glaciers-lost-their-protective-buffer-in-the-mid-1980s-and-have-been-melting-ever-since-146706

Arctic sea ice hits second-lowest level on record: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02705-7

Arctic sea ice shrinks to second-lowest summer minimum on record: https://www.carbonbrief.org/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-second-lowest-summer-minimum-on-record

Arctic sea ice is being increasingly melted from below by warming Atlantic water: https://theconversation.com/arctic-sea-ice-is-being-increasingly-melted-from-below-by-warming-atlantic-water-144106

Aboveground carbon loss associated with the spread of ghost forests as sea levels rise: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/aba136

Explainer: How climate change is affecting wildfires around the world: https://www.carbonbrief.org/explainer-how-climate-change-is-affecting-wildfires-around-the-world

Climate Change: The perfect fuel for wildfires? https://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/2020/09/21/climate-change-the-perfect-fuel-for-wildfires/

Guest post: Calculating the true climate impact of aviation emissions: https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-calculating-the-true-climate-impact-of-aviation-emissions

Citizens’ assembly: what we’ve learned about the kind of climate action the public wants to see: https://theconversation.com/citizens-assembly-what-weve-learned-about-the-kind-of-climate-action-the-public-wants-to-see-146161

Military-style Marshall Plan needed to combat climate change, says Prince Charles: https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-new-york/military-style-marshall-plan-needed-to-combat-climate-change-says-prince-charles-idUKKCN26C2DP

UK plans to bring forward ban on fossil fuel vehicles to 2030: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/21/uk-plans-to-bring-forward-ban-on-fossil-fuel-vehicles-to-2030

Revolutionising the commute is key to reducing CO2 emissions: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/revolutionising-the-commute-is-key-to-reducing-co2-emissions/

SME Climate Hub - Where small and medium-sized businesses come to curb emissions and gain a competitive edge: https://smeclimatehub.org/

Airbus reveals plans for zero-emission aircraft fuelled by hydrogen: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/21/airbus-reveals-plans-zero-emission-aircraft-fuelled-hydrogen

World's richest 1% cause double CO2 emissions of poorest 50%, says Oxfam: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/21/worlds-richest-1-cause-double-co2-emissions-of-poorest-50-says-oxfam

A third of my country was just underwater. The world must act on climate: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2020/sep/22/climate-change-action-bangladesh-paris-agreemen

Low tax on heating is bad for climate, report says: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54271903

How long until it’s too late to save Earth from climate disaster? This clock is counting down: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2020/09/21/climate-change-metronome-clock-nyc/

UK plans to boost climate ambition face delays amid rising Covid-19 cases: https://www.climatechangenews.com/2020/09/23/uk-plans-boost-climate-ambition-face-delays-amid-rising-covid-19-cases/

China pledges to achieve CO2 emissions peak before 2030, carbon neutrality before 2060: Xi: https://kfgo.com/2020/09/22/china-pledges-to-achieve-co2-emissions-peak-before-2030-carbon-neutrality-before-2060-xi/

Climate crisis: news outlets still giving a platform to dangerous and outdated views: https://theconversation.com/climate-crisis-news-outlets-still-giving-a-platform-to-dangerous-and-outdated-views-146366

How the oil industry made us doubt climate change: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-53640382

European Thinktanks Repeating ‘Well-worn’ US Climate Denial Tropes: https://www.desmog.co.uk/2020/09/17/european-think-tanks-repeating-well-worn-us-climate-denial-tropes

Active travel & transport

PHE Healthy Places Webinar: Active travel and health: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/phe-healthy-places-webinar-active-travel-and-health-tickets-97790842041

Electric cars won't solve our pollution problems – Britain needs a total transport rethink: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/23/electric-cars-transport-train-companies

Covid-19: Scottish surge in cycling continues: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-54253224

The M6 is the most EV friendly motorway: http://airqualitynews.com/2020/09/17/the-m6-is-the-most-ev-friendly-motorway/

England’s Railways Need a Bold Agenda for Change: https://www.transporttimes.co.uk/news.php/England-s-Railways-Need-a-Bold-Agenda-for-Change-550/

The dodgy economics behind expanding our airports: https://neweconomics.org/2020/09/the-dodgy-economics-behind-expanding-our-airports

Air quality & pollution

Public consultation on Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone: https://airqualitynews.com/2020/09/21/public-consultation-on-greater-manchester-clean-air-zone/

Brexit: Ireland’s land bridge to the continent boosts air pollution in the UK: https://theconversation.com/brexit-irelands-land-bridge-to-the-continent-boosts-air-pollution-in-the-uk-143775

How breathing in wildfire smoke affects the body: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/09/how-breathing-wildfire-smoke-affects-the-body/

Air pollution increases risk of stroke, new study: https://airqualitynews.com/2020/09/16/air-pollution-increases-risk-of-stroke/

Annual plastic water pollution could reach 53 million tonnes by 2030: https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/annual-plastic-water-pollution-could-reach-53-million-tonnes-by-2030/

Bacteria hint at a fossil fuel-free route to making plastics: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2020/09/bacteria-hint-at-a-fossil-free-route-to-making-plastics/

Cheap plastic is flooding developing countries – we’re making new biodegradable materials to help: https://theconversation.com/cheap-plastic-is-flooding-developing-countries-were-making-new-biodegradable-materials-to-help-145564

Nine out of 10 UK households recycle regularly, study shows: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/21/uk-households-recycle-regularly-study

Food & food security

Food security fears rise at prospect of second lockdown: https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/food-security-fears-rise-at-prospect-of-second-lockdown

Time to get serious about food waste in fight against global heating: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/24/its-time-to-get-serious-about-food-waste-in-fight-against-global-heating-paris-climate

WMHPG news, information and resources 18 September 2020

We do not accept responsibility for the availability, reliability or content of these news items and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.

General public health interest – The Faculty of Public Health ethics committee in collaboration with the EUPHA and other partners are organising an international webinar series on public health ethics, law and human rights for the future of humanity. The first session on 'Justice, solidarity and public's health' with Professor Larry Gostin and Sir Michael Marmot as keynote speaker, will be on Wednesday 23 September 2020 from 1400-1530. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sLGBI6IFQBKzZCF_8Skwlw

Sustainable development goals

Covid risks making society more unequal than since early Victorian times: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/09/covid-risks-making-society-more-unequal-than-since-early-victorian-times

Monitoring social mobility 2013 to 2020: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/monitoring-social-mobility-2013-to-2020 “Report highlighting the disappointing level of government action on the commission's key social mobility recommendations over the last 7 years.”

Extreme poverty 'will double by Christmas' in UK because of Covid-19: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/sep/14/coronavirus-extreme-poverty-in-uk-will-double-by-christmas-trust-predicts

Why Britain is more geographically unequal than any other rich country: https://amp.economist.com/britain/2020/07/30/why-britain-is-more-geographically-unequal-than-any-other-rich-country

JRF - Autumn Budget: keep doing the right thing and keep the £20 lifeline: https://www.jrf.org.uk/blog/autumn-budget-keep-doing-right-thing-and-keep-lifeline

Rescue and recovery: Covid-19, jobs and income security: https://www.ippr.org/research/publications/rescue-and-recovery

Healthy planning & environment

Designing Blue Green Infrastructure for water management, human health, and wellbeing: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/usp/news/designing-blue-green-infrastructure-water-management-human-health-and-wellbeing?s=09

Global Biodiversity Outlook 5: https://www.cbd.int/gbo5

WWF – Living Planet Report 2020: https://livingplanet.panda.org/en-gb/

State of the European Union: Brave vision must be matched with bold action: https://meta.eeb.org/2020/09/16/state-of-the-european-union-brave-vision-must-be-matched-with-bold-action/

Five things from EU chief’s first State of the Union speech: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54178133

Death toll rises as fires choke US west coast and Trump response is lambasted: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/13/us-west-coast-choked-by-smoke-as-firefighters-tackle-deadly-wildfires

Wildfires will be more common in a warming world: https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2020/09/12/wildfires-will-be-more-common-in-a-warming-world

Housing

ONS - Measuring the UK housing market? https://blog.ons.gov.uk/2020/09/16/measuring-the-uk-housing-market/

Possible new approaches to the collection and use of homelessness data in Wales: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/possible-new-approaches-to-the-collection-and-use-of-homelessness-data-in-wales/

Where suicide deaths occur is a housing issue: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/where-suicide-deaths-occur-is-a-housing-issue/

Climate change & sustainability

A meta-analysis of country-level studies on environmental change and migration: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-020-0898-6 “Here we employ a meta-analysis approach to synthesize the evidence from 30 country-level studies that estimate the effect of slow- and rapid-onset events on migration worldwide.”

Met Office: The UK’s record-breaking August 2020 heatwave: https://www.carbonbrief.org/met-office-the-uks-august-2020-heatwave

Northern Hemisphere just had its hottest summer on record: https://www.noaa.gov/news/northern-hemisphere-just-had-its-hottest-summer-on-record

Across the world, trees are growing faster, dying younger – and will soon store less carbon: https://theconversation.com/across-the-world-trees-are-growing-faster-dying-younger-and-will-soon-store-less-carbon-145785

Climate change: Warmth shatters section of Greenland ice shelf: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54127279

UK path to net zero must be underpinned by education, choice, fairness and political consensus, urges Climate Assembly: https://www.climateassembly.uk/news/uk-path-net-zero-must-be-underpinned-education-choice-fairness-and-political-consensus-urges-climate-assembly/

Analysis: World has already passed ‘peak oil’, BP figures reveal: https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-world-has-already-passed-peak-oil-bp-figures-reveal

Where to find upbeat news about climate change: https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/09/where-to-find-upbeat-news-about-climate-change/

One of Earth’s most biodiverse habitats lies off the Scottish west coast – but climate change could wipe it out: https://theconversation.com/one-of-earths-most-biodiverse-habitats-lies-off-the-scottish-west-coast-but-climate-change-could-wipe-it-out-144832

Why clouds are the missing piece in the climate change puzzle: https://theconversation.com/why-clouds-are-the-missing-piece-in-the-climate-change-puzzle-140812

Facebook and Google announce plans to become carbon neutral: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/15/facebook-and-google-announce-plans-become-carbon-neutral

Bare-chested women lock themselves to UK parliament in climate protest: https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-britain-climate-protests/bare-chested-women-lock-themselves-to-uk-parliament-in-climate-protest-idUKKBN2611WF

Hitachi scraps UK nuclear power plant plans: https://news.sky.com/story/hitachi-scraps-uk-nuclear-power-plant-plans-12073103

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists - Introduction: Climate change action requires … actual action: https://thebulletin.org/premium/2020-09/introduction-climate-change-action-requires-actual-action/

Biden Puts Climate Change at Center of Presidential Campaign, Calling Trump a ‘Climate Arsonist’: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/14092020/joe-biden-climate-change-wildfires-donald-trump-2020-election

Active travel & transport

Road congestion levels in outer London higher than before lockdown: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/15/road-congestion-levels-in-outer-london-higher-than-before-lockdown

Plug-in hybrids are a 'wolf in sheep's clothing': https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54170207

Air quality & pollution

Hazardous air pollutant exposure as a contributing factor to COVID-19 mortality in the United States: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/abaf86 “These findings help us to understand variation in US-based COVID-19 mortality rates, reinforce existing research linking air pollution to mortality, and emphasize the importance of regulatory efforts to limit air pollution exposure risk.”

Imperial College London – Air Pollution Calculator: https://calculator.cleanairhub.org.uk/quiz “Use our Personal Air Pollution Calculator to work out your individual contribution to air pollution in the UK, and find out what you can do to reduce emissions and protect your health.”

Clean Air for Schools Coalition: https://www.transform-our-world.org/programmes/clean-air-for-schools

Cutting air pollution could halve the number of children with poor lung function: https://airqualitynews.com/2020/09/15/cutting-air-pollution-could-halve-the-number-of-children-with-poor-lung-function/

Reaching WHO guideline limits for air pollution could add £1.6bn to UK economy: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2020/september/reaching-who-guideline-limits-for-air-pollution-could-add-to-the-uk-economy

Thousands of tonnes of banned pesticides shipped to poorer countries from British and European factories: https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2020/09/10/banned-pesticides-eu-export-poor-countries/

Food & food security

We must act now to protect people from needing emergency food: https://www.trusselltrust.org/heriot-watt-research-2020/

In-depth Q&A: What does the global shift in diets mean for climate change? https://www.carbonbrief.org/in-depth-qa-what-does-the-global-shift-in-diets-mean-for-climate-change

What food-insecure children want you to know about hunger: https://theconversation.com/what-food-insecure-children-want-you-to-know-about-hunger-146140

Interactive: What is the climate impact of eating meat and dairy? https://interactive.carbonbrief.org/what-is-the-climate-impact-of-eating-meat-and-dairy/

European meat plants posing 'avoidable risk' of disease, inspectors say: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/14/european-meat-plants-posing-avoidable-risk-of-disease-inspectors-say

Resource – Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition: https://www.barillacfn.com/en/

The fourth agricultural revolution is coming – but who will really benefit? https://theconversation.com/the-fourth-agricultural-revolution-is-coming-but-who-will-really-benefit-145810

And finally….

Via SMBC - https://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/decisions

WMHPG news, information and resources 11 September 2020

We do not accept responsibility for the availability, reliability or content of these news items and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.

Sustainable development goals

NCD Countdown 2030: pathways to achieving Sustainable Development Goal target 3.4: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31761-X/fulltext

Will the COVID-19 pandemic threaten the SDGs? https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(20)30189-4/fulltext

Citizens Advice collect and analyse data from all local Citizens Advice centres – and collate into informative reports with public health implications. A couple of recent publications below. (Declaration of interest – I am chair of a local Citizens Advice centre)

Healthy planning & environment

Designing healthier neighbourhoods: a systematic review of the impact of the neighbourhood design on health and wellbeing: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23748834.2020.1799173

Healthy environment, healthy lives: how the environment influences health and well-being in Europe: https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/healthy-environment-healthy-lives

We’ve known for over a century that our environment shapes our health, so why are we still blaming unhealthy lifestyles? https://theconversation.com/weve-known-for-over-a-century-that-our-environment-shapes-our-health-so-why-are-we-still-blaming-unhealthy-lifestyles-145597

Planning for what sort of future? https://housingevidence.ac.uk/planning-for-what-sort-of-future/

The new UK Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill is exactly what we need – here’s why: https://theconversation.com/the-new-uk-climate-and-ecological-emergency-bill-is-exactly-what-we-need-heres-why-145522

Nature-based restorative environments are needed now more than ever: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23748834.2020.1796401

Sanctuary in the city: how urban parks saved our summer: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/aug/09/sanctuary-in-the-city-how-urban-parks-saved-our-summer

Majority of Brits have no idea how much water they use each day: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/

Housing

The micro-economics of private housing development and land markets: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/publications/the-micro-economics-of-private-housing-development-and-land-markets/

Four in ten homes granted planning permission go unbuilt, research shows: https://www.localgov.co.uk/Four-in-ten-homes-granted-planning-permission-go-unbuilt-research-shows/51029

Investment in social housing reduces poverty, improves health and drives economic growth: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/news/investment-in-social-housing-reduces-poverty-improves-health-and-drives-economic-growth/

Council chiefs welcome £12bn affordable housing fund: https://www.localgov.co.uk/Council-chiefs-welcome-12bn-affordable-housing-fund-/51044

Climate change & sustainability

Greenhouse gases hit new record despite lockdowns, UN says: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-report/build-up-of-greenhouse-gases-hits-new-record-despite-lockdowns-un-report-finds-idUSKBN2601N

Carbon Brief webinar: Do we need to stop eating meat and dairy to tackle climate change? https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2915996492091/WN_dv-1pP56TxGT0bMuyquWqw “As part of a week-long special series on food and climate change, Carbon Brief is hosting a free webinar to discuss whether we need to stop eating meat and dairy in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally.”

‘Fire on all sides’: California wildfires prompt evacuations: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-california-wildfires/fire-on-all-sides-california-wildfires-prompt-evacuations-idUKKBN25X0US

Six Portuguese youth file ‘unprecedented’ climate lawsuit against 33 countries: https://www.climatechangenews.com/2020/09/03/six-portuguese-youth-file-unprecedented-climate-lawsuit-33-countries/

Huge cavities threaten glacier larger than Great Britain: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/09/cavities-threaten-glacier-great-britain-thwaites

Thwaites Glacier: The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration: https://thwaitesglacier.org/

Guest post: How the Greenland ice sheet fared in 2020: https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-how-the-greenland-ice-sheet-fared-in-2020

Climate breakdown 'intensifies gender-based violence’: https://theecologist.org/2020/sep/01/climate-breakdown-intensifies-gender-based-violence

Institute for Government: Net Zero: https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/net-zero-government-climate-change-target.pdf

Climate crisis could displace 1.2bn people by 2050, report warns: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/09/climate-crisis-could-displace-12bn-people-by-2050-report-warns

Across the world, trees are growing faster, dying younger – and will soon store less carbon: https://theconversation.com/across-the-world-trees-are-growing-faster-dying-younger-and-will-soon-store-less-carbon-145785

Arctic warming: are record temperatures and fires arriving earlier than scientists predicted? https://theconversation.com/arctic-warming-are-record-temperatures-and-fires-arriving-earlier-than-scientists-predicted-14462

Ikea owner commits €600m in sustainability investing over next 12 months: https://www.edie.net/news/6/Ikea-owner-commits-EUR600m-in-sustainability-investing/

France targets green investment, jobs with huge stimulus plan: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-france-economy/france-targets-green-investment-jobs-with-huge-stimulus-plan-idUKKBN25U0I6

The carbon footprint of tourism revealed (it's bigger than we thought): https://theconversation.com/amp/the-carbon-footprint-of-tourism-revealed-its-bigger-than-we-thought-96200

British newspaper distribution hit by Extinction Rebellion blockade: https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-britain-protests/british-newspaper-distribution-hit-by-extinction-rebellion-blockade-idUKKBN25W0E2

Extinction Rebellion condemns Priti Patel plan ‘to treat movement as organised crime group’: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/extinction-rebellion-priti-patel-crime-newspaper-printer-protest-murdoch-xr-b404879.html

Extinction Rebellion 'criminals' threaten UK way of life, says Priti Patel: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/08/extinction-rebellion-criminals-threaten-uks-way-of-life-says-priti-patel

EU countries consider a climate target for every decade: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-eu-law/eu-countries-consider-a-climate-target-for-every-decade-idUSKBN25V28N

Active travel & transport

New EV charging payment service: https://airqualitynews.com/2020/09/07/new-ev-charging-payment-service/

West Midlands to launch e-scooters trial next week: http://airqualitynews.com/2020/09/03/west-midlands-to-launch-e-scooters-trial-next-week/

Air quality & pollution

The State of Global Air Quality Funding 2020: https://www.cleanairfund.org/publication/state-of-global-air-quality-funding-2020/

Asphalt is a significant source of air pollution, new study: http://airqualitynews.com/2020/09/03/asphalt-is-a-significant-source-of-air-pollution-new-study/

Lockdown did not reduce “most harmful” type of air pollution in Scotland: https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2020/09/lockdown-did-not-reduce-most-harmful-type-of-air-pollution-in-scotland/

Researchers Examine Impact of Air Pollution on Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health: https://www.hcplive.com/view/air-pollution-respiratory-cardiovascular-health

One in eight deaths in Europe linked to pollution, environment, EU says: https://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUKKBN25Z1NL

International Day of Clean Air for blue skies calls for global action on air pollution: http://airqualitynews.com/2020/09/07/today-marks-world-first-international-day-of-clean-air-for-blue-skies/

The UK is importing sewage sludge for use on farmland despite health concerns: https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2020/09/02/uk-imports-sewage-sludge-agriculture/

Food & food security

National Audit Office – Childhood Obesity: https://www.nao.org.uk/report/childhood-obesity/ “…Not only is obesity increasing for 10 to 11 year olds, it is increasing even faster for children in deprived areas. While the Department’s programme aims to tackle this issue, it is not yet clear that the actions within the programme are the right ones to make the step-change needed in the timescale available.”

Is Childhood Obesity a Child Protection Concern? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wc89snC4UjDOqO3JuK_yNrhl_VHcjcCY/view

Social eating: inside the supermarket surplus initiatives that could change the way we eat: https://theconversation.com/social-eating-inside-the-supermarket-surplus-initiatives-that-could-change-the-way-we-eat-142613

Mapping Covid-19 outbreaks in the food system: https://thefern.org/2020/04/mapping-covid-19-in-meat-and-food-processing-plants/ USA based – but with relevance to the UK

And finally….

The joy of sets: https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/empty_sets_collection/zfvy382 (something for all your zoom / teams / hangout meetings)

Brandalism on subverting ad space in the name of creative civil disobedience: https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/09/02/brandalism-subverting-ad-space-the-name-creative-civil-disobedience

WMHPG news, information and resources 4 September 2020

We do not accept responsibility for the availability, reliability or content of these news items and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.

Sustainable development goals

UK council finances 'hardest hit in Europe, claims Moody's: https://www.localgov.co.uk/UK-council-finances-hardest-hit-in-Europe-claims-Moodys/50990

Health Inequalities Dashboard: September 2020 data update: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/health-inequalities-dashboard-september-2020-data-update

Eight in 10 poorer UK families feel worse off since lockdown – survey: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/aug/25/eight-in-10-poorer-uk-families-feel-worse-off-since-lockdown-survey

Healthy planning & environment

PHE Healthy Places Webinar: Health Impact Assessment in Planning – 12 November: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/phe-healthy-places-webinar-health-impact-assessment-in-planning-tickets-112886990026 “Delivered jointly with the Institute for Environment Management and Assessment (IEMA), this webinar launches the Public Health England (PHE) guide for England, IEMA's latest Outlook Journal edition on health in impact assessments, and seeks to highlight important current and emerging practices in embedding health considerations in the planning and impact assessment processes.”

TCPA - Campaign: The Healthy Homes Act: https://www.tcpa.org.uk/healthy-homes-act - the final Healthy Homes Act is due to be launched on 17 September – more info to follow.

Designing healthier neighbourhoods: a systematic review of the impact of the neighbourhood design on health and wellbeing: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23748834.2020.1799173 “Findings from the studies showed important associations between neighbourhood design principles such as walkability, access to green space and amenities on health and wellbeing. Findings from this review also highlight areas with inconsistent findings and gaps in the evidence for future research.”

Planning algorithm may destroy suburbia, Tory MPs warn Boris Johnson (£wall): https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/planning-algorithm-may-destroy-suburbia-tory-mps-warn-boris-johnson-dhd5r6j7r?s=09

Blog: The Planning White Paper and that morning after feeling - Hugh Ellis: https://www.tcpa.org.uk/blog/blog-the-planning-white-paper-and-that-morning-after-feeling-hugh-ellis

Planning for the future: challenges of introducing a new Infrastructure Levy need to be addressed: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/planning-for-the-future-challenges-of-introducing-a-new-infrastructure-levy-need-to-be-addressed/

Built Environment Approaches to Increase Physical Activity: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000884

High streets recovery tracker: How are cities and large towns recovering from Coronavirus? https://www.centreforcities.org/data/high-streets-recovery-tracker/

Exclusive: Brazil Amazon fires likely worst in 10 years, August data incomplete, government researcher says: https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-environment-fires-exclusive/exclusive-brazil-amazon-fires-likely-worst-in-10-years-august-data-incomplete-government-researcher-says-idUKKBN25T349

Planting seagrass: ‘If you stop killing sea life and protect it, then it does come back’ – Richard Scrase: http://geographical.co.uk/opinion/item/3801-planting-seagrass-if-you-stop-killing-sea-life-and-protect-it-then-it-does-come-back-richard-scrase

Tesco’s deforestation claims are misleading the public: https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/tesco-deforestation-meat-adverts/

Rampant destruction of forests ‘will unleash more pandemics’: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/30/rampant-destruction-of-forests-will-unleash-more-pandemics

Housing

Living through continuous displacement: Resisting homeless identities and remaking precarious lives: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016718520302189

Climate change & sustainability

Climate change is causing more rapid intensification of Atlantic hurricanes: https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/08/climate-change-is-causing-more-rapid-intensification-of-atlantic-hurricanes/

Renewable energy production will exacerbate mining threats to biodiversity: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17928-5 “Mining threats to biodiversity will increase as more mines target materials for renewable energy production and, without strategic planning, these new threats to biodiversity may surpass those averted by climate change mitigation.”

Wind and solar are 30-50% cheaper than thought, admits UK government: https://www.carbonbrief.org/wind-and-solar-are-30-50-cheaper-than-thought-admits-uk-government

Ocean Acidification has Impacted Coral Growth on the Great Barrier Reef: https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1029/2019GL086761

Worst-Ever Arctic Fires Released Record Amount of CO2: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-03/climate-change-arctic-fires-in-2020-released-record-carbon

In charts: How the UK's green recovery is taking shape: https://www.edie.net/news/7/In-charts--The-sustainability-profession-s-reaction-to-the-green-recovery-movement/

The design of an independent expert advisory mechanism under the European Climate Law: What are the options? https://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/publication/the-design-of-an-independent-expert-advisory-mechanism-under-the-european-climate-law/

Extinction Rebellion demands climate action with second day of UK protest: https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-britain-protests/extinction-rebellion-demands-climate-action-with-second-day-of-uk-protest-idUKKBN25T20Z

Guest post: Learning from the contentious history of ‘carbon removal’: https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-learning-from-the-contentious-history-of-carbon-removal

GB carbon emissions from electricity hit record low in lockdown – report: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/31/uk-carbon-emissions-from-electricity-hit-record-low-in-lockdown-report

Working from home can significantly cut CO2 emissions: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/working-from-home-can-dramatically-cut-co2-emissions/

UK YOUTH CLIMATE COALITION: https://www.ukycc.com/zoominyourroom “UKYCC are launching a 2020-2021 webinar spectacular with youth focused webinars on a range of relevant topics. Everything you need to know can be found below.”

Transport Times – Getting to net zero: https://www.transporttimes.co.uk/news.php/Getting-to-net-zero-543/

Private sector taskforce to help scale up voluntary carbon markets: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-climate-change-offsets/private-sector-taskforce-to-help-scale-up-voluntary-carbon-markets-idUKKBN25T24W

Love the flame, not the fuel: should you give up cooking with gas? https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/aug/28/love-the-flame-not-the-fuel-should-you-give-up-cooking-with-gas

Unilever to cut fossil fuels from cleaning brands: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53994319

Guest post: How climate change is turning glaciers into lakes: https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-how-climate-change-is-turning-glaciers-into-lakes

MPs table fresh legislation to 'close gaps' in UK Climate Change Act: https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4019582/mps-table-fresh-legislation-close-gaps-uk-climate-change-act

How a new solar and lighting technology could propel a renewable energy transformation: https://theconversation.com/how-a-new-solar-and-lighting-technology-could-propel-a-renewable-energy-transformation-133658

A simple paint job can save birds from wind turbines: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2020/09/a-simple-paint-job-can-save-birds-from-wind-turbines/

Active travel & transport

Gov.UK - Open consultation: Managing pavement parking: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/managing-pavement-parking “Proposed options to tackle pavement parking at a local authority or national level.”

The impact of e-cycling on travel behaviour: A scoping review: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140520301146

NIHR - Cycling to work lowers risk of illness and death compared to driving: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/cycling-to-work-lowers-risk-of-illness-and-death-compared-to-driving/

Making the shift to sustainable transport in Scotland: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23748834.2020.1812332?s=09

New campaign to encourage active travel to school: https://airqualitynews.com/2020/09/01/new-campaign-to-encourage-active-travel-to-school/

Driving up standards in public charging: What needs to change to improve electric vehicle public charging: https://wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/driving-up-standards-in-public-charging-3fa039b8558

Electric car sales are on the rise – is coronavirus a turning point for the market? https://airqualitynews.com/2020/08/28/electric-car-sales-are-on-the-rise-is-coronavirus-a-turning-point-for-the-market/

Van Scrappage Scheme cancelled: http://airqualitynews.com/2020/09/01/van-scrappage-scheme-cancelled/

Air quality & pollution

Support for NHS staff - help to reduce patients’ exposure and contribution to air pollution: https://www.sduhealth.org.uk/news/742/support-for-nhs-staff--help-to-reduce-patients-exposure-and-contribution-to-air-pollution

Industry fights to keep nurdle plastic pollution a mystery: https://meta.eeb.org/2020/08/31/industry-fights-to-keep-nurdle-plastic-pollution-a-mystery/

EU set to make microplastic problem worse: https://meta.eeb.org/2020/09/01/an-eu-ban-on-microplastic-is-set-to-make-the-problem-worse/

Industry Lobby The US Government to Make Africa Backslide on Plastics: https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/press/12046/industry-lobby-the-us-government-to-make-africa-backslide-on-plastics/

Oil-backed trade group is lobbying the Trump administration to push plastics across Africa: https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2020/08/30/plastic-waste-africa-oil-kenya-us-trade-deal-trump/

What happens to the plastic you recycle? Researchers lift the lid: https://theconversation.com/what-happens-to-the-plastic-you-recycle-researchers-lift-the-lid-142831

E.P.A. Relaxes Rules Limiting Toxic Waste From Coal Plants: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/31/climate/trump-coal-plants.html

Food & food security

Food Standards Authority - The COVID-19 consumer research: https://www.food.gov.uk/research/research-projects/the-covid-19-consumer-research “The Food Standards Agency with Ipsos Mori and Bright Harbour carried out research in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to monitor the experience and behaviours of consumers when it comes to key food risks during the pandemic.” – media coverage - UK's poorest 'skip meals and go hungry' during coronavirus crisis: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/aug/12/coronavirus-lockdown-hits-nutritional-health-of-uks-poorest

Origins of the Body Mass Index: https://conversableeconomist.blogspot.com/2020/08/origins-of-body-mass-index.html

WMHPG news, information and resources 28 August 2020

We do not accept responsibility for the availability, reliability or content of these news items and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.

Sustainable development goals

Recasting England’s public health structures at this time seems extremely foolhardy: https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3263.full?s=09

The recession should remind us that health and wealth are political choices: https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/08/14/the-recession-should-remind-us-that-health-and-wealth-are-political-choices/

Supporting families during the Covid-19 pandemic: https://cpag.org.uk/policy-and-campaigns/briefing/supporting-families-during-covid-19-pandemic-0

Targeted action for parts of Britain at risk of surging unemployment: https://www.jrf.org.uk/blog/targeted-action-parts-britain-risk-surging-unemployment

Beyond the gig economy: Empowering the self-employed workforce: https://neweconomics.org/2020/08/beyond-the-gig-economy?mc_cid=b817a05a18&mc_eid=a15a43d447

Healthy planning & environment

Planning for the Future – Review of the English planning system. Below is a link to the proposals and consultation, and a selection of comments and reviews of the proposals.

England planning reforms: the truth about local opposition to housebuilding: https://theconversation.com/england-planning-reforms-the-truth-about-local-opposition-to-housebuilding-144467 “However, our research shows that the truth may be somewhat different. Although opposition to development may sometimes slow things down as politicians try to avoid unpopular decisions, its effects on housebuilding are far from clear.”

Current Global Health Impact Assessment Practice: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/9/2988

Drilling in Alaska’s national wildlife refuge makes no sense: https://www.economist.com/united-states/2020/08/19/drilling-in-alaskas-national-wildlife-refuge-makes-no-sense

Architects hope to tear down garden fences of England's future homes: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/aug/23/architects-hope-tear-down-garden-fences-england-future-homes

Parks and green spaces are important for our mental health – but we need to make sure that everyone can benefit: https://theconversation.com/parks-and-green-spaces-are-important-for-our-mental-health-but-we-need-to-make-sure-that-everyone-can-benefit-142322

Housing

Coronavirus: Eviction ban to be extended by four weeks: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53851945

Citizens Advice reacts to extension of eviction ban: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/citizens-advice-reacts-to-extension-of-eviction-ban/

Medact - Mitigating public health risk from evictions: https://www.medact.org/2020/actions/sign-ons/mitigating-public-health-risk-from-evictions/

Homelessness Monitor England 2020: COVID-19 Crisis Response Briefing: https://www.crisis.org.uk/ending-homelessness/homelessness-knowledge-hub/homelessness-monitor/england/homelessness-monitor-england-2020-covid-19-crisis-response-briefing/

Future-proof the Roof: A new approach to investment in the homelessness and rough sleeping system: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/futureproof

London council criticised for housing man in Birmingham costing him a job: https://www.localgov.co.uk/London-council-criticised-for-housing-man-in-Birmingham-costing-him-a-job/50999

Climate change & sustainability

There have been a number of recent reports covering the loss of long term ice from the poles and from glaciers;

The hard truths of climate change — by the numbers: https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-019-02711-4/index.html “A set of troubling charts shows how little progress nations have made toward limiting greenhouse-gas emissions.”

Wind and solar are 30-50% cheaper than thought, admits UK government: https://www.carbonbrief.org/wind-and-solar-are-30-50-cheaper-than-thought-admits-uk-government

Paying for Extreme Weather: Wildfire, Hurricanes, Floods and Droughts Quadrupled in Cost Since 1980: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/24082020/extreme-weather-costs-wildfire-climate-change

'Highest temperature on Earth' as Death Valley, US hits 54.4C: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53788018

Climate TRACE to track real-time global carbon emissions: https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/08/climate-trace-to-track-real-time-global-carbon-emissions/

Marine heat waves are becoming more common and intense. What can we do to minimize harm? https://ensia.com/features/ocean-heat-waves-marine-ecosystems/

How to talk with kids about climate change: https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/08/how-to-talk-with-kids-about-climate-change/

Revealed: how the gas industry is waging war against climate action: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/20/gas-industry-waging-war-against-climate-action

Climate activist Greta Thunberg back to school in Sweden: https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-greta-school/climate-activist-greta-thunberg-back-to-school-in-sweden-idUKKBN25L13L

Active travel & transport

Using system mapping to help plan and implement city-wide action to promote physical activity: https://www.jphres.org/index.php/jphres/article/view/1759/587?s=09

Road planners accused of rigging carbon emissions rules: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-53846338

Does community engagement hold the key to transport decarbonisation and building back better? https://www.transporttimes.co.uk/news.php/Does-community-engagement-hold-the-key-to-transport-decarbonisation-and-building-back-better-540/

Big step forward: Sustrans reaction to government’s walking and cycling announcement: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/news/2020/july/big-step-forward-sustrans-reaction-to-government-s-walking-and-cycling-announcement/

Why a UK ‘cycling and walking revolution’ won’t reduce car travel: https://theconversation.com/why-a-uk-cycling-and-walking-revolution-wont-reduce-car-travel-144689

Welsh planners turn down cycle cafe for lack of car parking spaces: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/aug/21/welsh-planners-turn-down-cycle-cafe-for-lack-of-car-parking-spaces

New report shows large unmet demand for cycling from ethnic minority and disadvantaged groups: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/news/2020/july/new-report-shows-large-unmet-demand-for-cycling-from-ethnic-minority-and-disadvantaged-groups/

Air quality & pollution

Oxford Academic Journals - Air pollution and our health collection: https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/air-pollution-and-our-health “Research is increasingly showing that air pollution has a significant impact not only on climate change but also on our health. This collection highlights key papers from 23 of our journals to further inform your understanding of this topic. Browse the full collection or select the medical field that you are most interested in. All articles are freely available until the end of March 2021 or have been published Open Access.”

“We have to take action now” – Minister launches Welsh Government’s Clean Air Plan for Wales to improve air quality: https://gov.wales/we-have-take-action-now-minister-launches-welsh-governments-clean-air-plan-wales-improve-air

Amid COVID-19, don’t ignore the links between poor air quality and public health: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/planetpolicy/2020/08/19/amid-covid-19-dont-ignore-the-links-between-poor-air-quality-and-public-health/

Infants exposed to air pollution have less lung power as adolescents – study: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/24/infants-exposed-to-air-pollution-have-less-lung-power-as-adolescents-study

Iron-rich air pollution nanoparticles: An unrecognised environmental risk factor for myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac oxidative stress: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935120307118?via%3Dihub “These new findings indicate that myocardial iron overload resulting from inhalation of airborne, metal-rich nanoparticles is a plausible and modifiable environmental risk factor for cardiac oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease, on an international scale.”

Bees slower, sicker and living shorter lives because of air pollution, study suggests: https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/bees-air-pollution-pollinators-sick-bangalore-india-biodiversity-a9665496.html

Air pollution may be linked to the development of diabetes, new study: http://airqualitynews.com/2020/08/21/air-pollution-linked-to-diabetes/

Environment Agency chief supports plan to weaken river pollution rules: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/19/environment-agency-chief-backs-plan-to-water-down-river-cleanliness-rules-james-bevan

Microplastics detected in human organs: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/microplastics-detected-in-human-organs/

Mauritius is reeling from a spreading oil spill – and people are angry with how the government has handled it: https://theconversation.com/mauritius-is-reeling-from-a-spreading-oil-spill-and-people-are-angry-with-how-the-government-has-handled-it-144288

We’re using microbes to clean up toxic electronic waste – here’s how: https://theconversation.com/were-using-microbes-to-clean-up-toxic-electronic-waste-heres-how-143654

Food & food security

Following ‘Eatwell Guide’ diet could reduce your risk of dying early and lower your environmental footprint: https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2020/following-eatwell-guide-diet-could-reduce-your-risk-dying-early-and-lower-your

Urban farming: four reasons it should flourish post-pandemic: https://theconversation.com/urban-farming-four-reasons-it-should-flourish-post-pandemic-144133

Bread price may rise after dire UK wheat harvest: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-53921121

And finally….

A strange new way to save lions and leopards—paint eyes on the butts of cows: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2020/08/a-strange-new-way-to-save-lions-and-leopards-paint-eyes-on-the-butts-of-cows/

WMHPG news, information and resources 7 August 2020

We do not accept responsibility for the availability, reliability or content of these news items and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.

Sustainable development goals

Citizens Advice – An Unequal Crisis: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/policy-research-topics/work-policy-research-surveys-and-consultation-responses/work-policy-research/an-unequal-crisis/ “1 in 6 (17%) of the working population are facing redundancy. But our findings show this crisis is also being faced unequally”

Healthy planning & environment

Proposed Planning Reforms in England

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced a wide reaching review of the English planning system. Below are links to the relevant consultations.

There has been wide media coverage and comment regarding the reforms – an early selection below.

There will be more on this topic as it develops…

A Quarter of Bangladesh Is Flooded. Millions Have Lost Everything: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/30/climate/bangladesh-floods.html

A look at why environmentalism is so homogeneous — and how organizations might cultivate genuine diversity: https://ensia.com/features/environmental-workforce-diversity-systemic-racism/

Amazon fires: why is the Amazon burning and what’s the UK got to do with it? https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/why-the-amazon-is-burning-whats-the-uk-got-to-do-with-it/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=stay-connected-july&utm_campaign=recent-action-takers

Future greening of the Earth may not be as large as previously predicted: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168192320302136

Throng of new penguin colonies in Antarctica spotted from space: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/05/throng-of-new-penguin-colonies-in-antarctica-spotted-from-space

Housing

Homes England backs a new “healthy housing” toolkit by Design for Homes: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/homes-england-backs-a-new-healthy-housing-toolkit-by-design-for-homes

Talking about homelessness: Introduction to framing: https://www.crisis.org.uk/ending-homelessness/homelessness-knowledge-hub/services-and-interventions/talking-about-homelessness-introduction-to-framing/

Improving compliance with private rented sector legislation: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/publications/improving-compliance-with-private-rented-sector-legislation/

Rethinking regulation: How to improve standards for private renters: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/rethinking-regulation-how-to-improve-standards-for-private-renters/

Climate change & sustainability

Wolverhampton University – Built Environment Climate Change Innovations (BECCI) project: An Innovation Incubator to nurture early stage businesses & ideas with the aim of making a difference to carbon emissions from the built environment. More information here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBNZbARZ8Cw&feature=youtu.be Survey exploring views about the incubator here - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TKFZ8TJ

How Does Climate Change Affect our Mental Health? Imperial College London researchers at the Institute of Global Health Innovation and the Grantham Institute have put together this short animated video that highlights the interrelationships between these two important issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHaVPeKLNfk&feature=youtu.be

Valuing the Global Mortality Consequences of Climate Change Accounting for Adaptation Costs and Benefits: https://www.nber.org/papers/w27599

Planning for Climate Change Impacts: Coastal Tourism Destination Resilience Policies: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21568316.2019.1667861?needAccess=true&journalCode=rthp21&

Animated diagram of the Earth’s Carbon Cycle and how it has changed over time: https://twitter.com/RARohde/status/1131224330241806337

Economic valuation of climate change–induced mortality: age dependent cold and heat mortality in the Netherlands: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-020-02797-0

‘Extreme’ glacier loss events linked to human-caused climate change for first time: https://www.carbonbrief.org/extreme-glacier-loss-events-linked-to-human-caused-climate-change-for-first-time

Increasing influence of climate change on UK climate: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weather-and-climate/2020/state-of-the-uk-climate-report-2019

A study of nearly 700 studies makes it clear: Environmental injustice is rampant around the world: https://ensia.com/notable/environmental-injustice-global-indigenous-pollution/

Climate Campaigners Launch Legal Challenge to ‘Catastrophic’ Government Recovery Package: https://desmog.co.uk/2020/07/22/campaigners-launch-legal-challenge-uk-s-catastrophic-green-recovery-package

BP to cut fossil fuels output by 40% by 2030: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bp-outlook/bp-to-cut-fossil-fuels-output-by-40-by-2030-idUSKCN2500NH

The UK plans to build huge batteries to store renewable energy – but there’s a much cheaper solution: https://theconversation.com/the-uk-plans-to-build-huge-batteries-to-store-renewable-energy-but-theres-a-much-cheaper-solution-143053

Green New Deal – Get Involved. Building a bold and transformative Green New Deal is within our grasp, but we need to pull together to make it happen: https://www.greennewdealuk.org/get-involved/

Analysis: The global coal fleet shrank for first time on record in 2020: https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-the-global-coal-fleet-shrank-for-first-time-on-record-in-2020

Offshore capacity to 'top 234GW by 2030': https://renews.biz/62160/offshore-capacity-to-top-234gw-by-2030/

Coastal flooding around the world set to increase by 50% over the next 80 years: https://inews.co.uk/news/environment/coastal-flooding-increase-climate-change-homes-uncertain-future-567272

Wind farms built on carbon-rich peat bogs lose their ability to fight climate change: https://theconversation.com/wind-farms-built-on-carbon-rich-peat-bogs-lose-their-ability-to-fight-climate-change-143551

Britain lacks a clear hydrogen strategy: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/britain-lacks-a-clear-hydrogen-strategy/

Badvertising – stop adverts fuelling the climate emergency: http://www.newweather.org/2020/08/03/badvertising-stop-adverts-fuelling-the-climate-emergency/

Active travel & transport

School street closures could improve amount of walking, cycling and wheeling to school, study shows: https://www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/news/school-street-closures?s=09

82% want the government to bring forward the ban on polluting vehicles: http://airqualitynews.com/2020/08/05/82-want-the-government-to-bring-forward-the-ban-on-polluting-vehicles/

Transport Times – Zero Emissions Experiments: https://www.transporttimes.co.uk/news.php/Zero-Emissions-Experiments-530/

Autonomous cars: five reasons they still aren’t on our roads: https://theconversation.com/autonomous-cars-five-reasons-they-still-arent-on-our-roads-143316

Air quality & pollution

UK waste incinerators three times more likely to be in poorer areas: https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2020/07/31/waste-incinerators-deprivation-map-recycling/

Microplastics: tiny crustaceans can fragment them into even smaller nanoplastics: https://theconversation.com/microplastics-tiny-crustaceans-can-fragment-them-into-even-smaller-nanoplastics-143703

Food & food security

Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs): https://obesitycanada.ca/guidelines/ “Obesity is a prevalent, complex, progressive and relapsing chronic disease, characterized by abnormal or excessive body fat (adiposity), that impairs health. Obesity care should be based on evidence-based principles of chronic disease management, must validate patients’ lived experiences, move beyond simplistic approaches of “eat less, move more,” and address the root drivers of obesity.”

Faculty of Public Health welcome new Obesity Strategy: https://www.fph.org.uk/news-events/fph-news/faculty-of-public-health-welcome-new-obesity-strategy/

Covid-19: England’s obesity strategy will fail without tackling social factors, warn doctors: https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m2994?s=09

You Don’t Batch Cook When You’re Suicidal (formerly: The Price Of Potatoes & The Value Of Compassion): https://cookingonabootstrap.com/2020/07/30/the-price-of-potatoes-and-the-value-of-compassion/

Five ways to reboot the global food economy to make it healthier for all: https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-reboot-the-global-food-economy-to-make-it-healthier-for-all-143704

Minister for food security needed ahead of Brexit and second coronavirus wave, say MPs: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/food-security-minister-needs-for-brexit-and-coronavirus-1-6769554

‘A bigger deal than chlorinated chicken’: experts warn of post-Brexit attack on UK food standards: https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2020/07/31/a-bigger-deal-than-chlorinated-chicken-experts-warn-of-post-brexit-attack-on-uk-food-standards/

And finally….

Sowing doubt: people around world receive mystery seed parcels: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/01/mystery-seed-parcels-world-biosecurity-china-uk-us

Here's why we can't just rocket nuclear waste into the sun: https://astronomy.com/news/2016/07/heres-why-we-cant-just-rocket-garbage-into-the-sun

WMHPG news, information and resources 31 July 2020

We do not accept responsibility for the availability, reliability or content of these news items and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.

Sustainable development goals

World off track in meeting 2030 Agenda, UN deputy chief warns, calls for solidarity in COVID-19 recovery: https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/07/1068551?s=09

Resolution Foundation - The Living Standards Audit 2020: https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/the-living-standards-audit-2020/ “This year’s report looks at how households were faring before the coronavirus crisis, but also presents our nowcast of how the incomes of different groups were affected during the height of the lockdown.”

The trouble with measuring poverty: https://osr.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/the-trouble-with-measuring-poverty/

Local action on health inequalities: evidence papers: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-action-on-health-inequalities-evidence-papers

Healthy planning & environment

The health impacts of transformative infrastructure change: Process matters as much as outcomes: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019592551930513X?dgcid=coauthor

PHE – Improving access to greenspace: A new review for 2020: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/904439/Improving_access_to_greenspace_2020_review.pdf

Facelift plans for West Midlands green spaces: https://www.sustainabilitywestmidlands.org.uk/news/facelift-plans-for-west-midlands-green-spaces/

20-minute neighbourhoods are ‘gaining traction across government’: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/20-minute-neighbourhoods-are-gaining-traction-across-government/

Almost 3 billion animals affected by Australian bushfires, report shows: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/28/almost-3-billion-animals-affected-by-australian-megafires-report-shows-aoe

Kelp found off Scotland dates back 16,000 years to last ice age: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-53558308

Record 212 land and environment activists killed last year: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/29/record-212-land-and-environment-activists-killed-last-year

Housing

Building on the positives – the Impact of housing design and placemaking during lockdown: https://research.reading.ac.uk/research-blog/building-on-the-positives-exploring-the-impact-of-housing-design-and-placemaking-on-wellbeing-and-social-value-during-lockdown/

Home owners in England permitted to add two extra floors: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53492191

Climate change & sustainability

The environmental footprint of health care: a global assessment: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(20)30121-2/fulltext “Health care causes global environmental impacts that, depending on which indicator is considered, range between 1% and 5% of total global impacts, and are more than 5% for some national impacts.”

In-depth: Hydrogen ‘required’ to meet UK net-zero goal, says National Grid: https://www.carbonbrief.org/in-depth-hydrogen-required-to-meet-uk-net-zero-goal-says-national-grid

Offshore wind power now so cheap it could pay money back to consumers: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/200353/offshore-wind-power-cheap-could-money/?mc_cid=555011c833&s=09

Guest post: Who should be responsible for removing CO2 from the atmosphere? https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-who-should-be-responsible-for-removing-co2-from-the-atmosphere

Hybrid device converts the sun’s energy into both electricity and steam: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2020/07/70584/

Iter: World's largest nuclear fusion project begins assembly: https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/science-environment-53573294

Technology to monitor how trees can mitigate climate change: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/technology-to-monitor-how-trees-can-mitigate-climate-change/

Why does climate denial still receive more news coverage than climate action? https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2020/07/climate-denial-still-makes-headlines/

Active travel & transport

Supporting Physical Development in Early Childhood: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/supporting-physical-development-early-childhood  

Gov.UK - Cycling and walking plan for England: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycling-and-walking-plan-for-england

How to shrink transport's carbon footprint? Have YOUR say: https://bettertransport.org.uk/blog/better-transport/have-your-say-on-decarbonisation

Accelerating modal shift to public and active transport: https://www.transporttimes.co.uk/news.php/Accelerating-modal-shift-to-public-and-active-transport-528/

Invest in bus travel to drive green recovery, study urges: https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4018292/invest-bus-travel-drive-green-recovery-studies-urge

Maximising the benefits of investing in local bus services: https://www.transporttimes.co.uk/news.php/Maximising-the-benefits-of-investing-in-local-bus-services-527/

Air quality & pollution

Plastic found lining UK seabird nests on a worrying scale: https://theconversation.com/plastic-found-lining-uk-seabird-nests-on-a-worrying-scale-142118

Does air pollution cause Alzheimer’s disease? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-air-pollution-cause-alzheimers-disease-2020072320627

Size matters in air pollution – but it’s not enough: https://horizon-magazine.eu/article/size-matters-air-pollution-it-s-not-enough.html

Air pollution: Tiny Dorset village of 550 people has highest NO2 emissions in the UK: https://inews.co.uk/news/environment/air-pollution-dorset-village-chideock-hill-no2-emissions-565183

Use of plastic bags in England drops by 59% in a year: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/30/use-of-plastic-bags-in-england-drops-by-59-in-a-year

Food & food security

New obesity strategy unveiled as country urged to lose weight to beat coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect the NHS: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-obesity-strategy-unveiled-as-country-urged-to-lose-weight-to-beat-coronavirus-covid-19-and-protect-the-nhs

Consultation - Front-of-pack nutrition labelling in the UK: building on success: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/front-of-pack-nutrition-labelling-in-the-uk-building-on-success “We want your views on making sure the 'traffic light' front-of-pack nutrition labels (FOPNL) scheme continues to help people choose what food and drink to buy.”

National Food Strategy – Part 1: The first major review of our food system in 75 years: https://www.nationalfoodstrategy.org/

Coronavirus-linked hunger causing 10,000 child deaths monthly, UN says: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/coronavirus-child-deaths-hunger-burkina-faso-un-a9641926.html

Food and Covid-19: How local authorities can support recovery and resilience: https://www.sustainweb.org/publications/food-and-covid-19-report/

Pandemic has exposed Britain's vulnerabilities says food policy review: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/29/pandemic-has-exposed-britains-vulnerabilities-says-food-policy-review

Roy Lilley’s take on addressing obesity – laws work… https://t.co/U0RLyMGlV5?amp=1

WMHPG news, information and resources 24 July 2020

Sustainable development goals

How are changes to employment and finances impacting mental health during lockdown? https://www.health.org.uk/news-and-comment/charts-and-infographics/how-are-changes-to-employment-and-finances-impacting-mental-health-during-lockdown?s=09

Direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19on health and wellbeing: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/~/media/phi-reports/2020-07-direct-and-indirect-impacts-of-covid19-on-health-and-wellbeing.pdf

Why nursery schools are a secret weapon in the fight against inequality: https://theconversation.com/why-nursery-schools-are-a-secret-weapon-in-the-fight-against-inequality-142687

APPG on a Fit and Healthy Childhood: https://fhcappg.org.uk/

Stephen Lawrence Research Centre – The Covid Files: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/news/2020/july/introducing-the-covid-files.aspx

Is global fertility really plummeting? How population forecasts are made: https://theconversation.com/is-global-fertility-really-plummeting-how-population-forecasts-are-made-142848

Fuel poverty alert: https://theecologist.org/2020/jul/16/fuel-poverty-alert

Healthy planning & environment

Health Parks are passionate about creating health places and spaces. Join us: https://www.tisdallassociates.co.uk/news/free-green-space-health-audit “To play our part in restoring the health of the nation, we are now making the FULL Green Space Health Audit FREE throughout the UK, until October 2020. This will allow Friends of Parks Groups, Councils, and other stakeholders to create detailed Green Space Health Audits themselves, at no cost.”

Doctors to order a walk in the park under £4m ‘green prescriptions’ pilot: https://inews.co.uk/news/doctors-to-order-a-walk-in-the-park-under-4m-green-prescriptions-pilot-557319

Councils call for action to ensure smoke-free pavements: https://www.localgov.co.uk/Councils-call-for-action-to-ensure-smoke-free-pavements/50800

Current European flood-rich period exceptional compared with past 500 years: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2478-3 “Flood seasonality is also more pronounced in the recent period. For example, during previous flood and interflood periods, 41 per cent and 42 per cent of central European floods occurred in summer, respectively, compared with 55 per cent of floods in the recent period.”

Floods in India, Nepal displace nearly four million people, at least 189 dead: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-india-floods/floods-in-india-nepal-displace-nearly-four-million-people-at-least-189-dead-idUKKCN24K06U

Environment groups unconvinced by government claims of ‘green recovery policy’: https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/environment-vision-government-george-eustice-coronavirus-green-recovery-wwf-rspb-a9628331.html

EU reaches historic deal on pandemic recovery after fractious summit: https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-eu-summit/eu-reaches-historic-deal-on-post-pandemic-recovery-after-marathon-summit-idUKKCN24M0DF

People want a greener, happier world now. But our politicians have other ideas: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/21/greener-happier-world-politicians-boris-johnson-consumerism-planet

Pandemic upheaval creates 'perfect storm' for land rights abuses: https://news.trust.org/item/20200716154711-bj316/

Housing

Quality standard of homes delivered through change of use permitted development rights: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/quality-standard-of-homes-delivered-through-change-of-use-permitted-development-rights

Estate renewal in London: an assessment of regeneration induced displacement: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/publications/estate-renewal-in-london-an-assessment-of-regeneration-induced-displacement/

Housing Need and Demand Assessment: An evaluation and illustrative pilot of the Scottish HNDA tool in the context of Northern Ireland: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/publications/housing-need-and-demand-assessment-an-evaluation-and-illustrative-pilot-of-the-scottish-hnda-tool-in-the-context-of-northern-ireland/

Climate change & sustainability

Guest post: Why low-end ‘climate sensitivity’ can now be ruled out: https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-why-low-end-climate-sensitivity-can-now-be-ruled-out

Greater Future U.K. Winter Precipitation Increase in New Convection-Permitting Scenarios: https://journals.ametsoc.org/jcli/article/33/17/7303/348640/Greater-Future-U-K-Winter-Precipitation-Increase “This study shows that the importance of accurately representing convection extends beyond short-duration precipitation extremes and the summer season to projecting future changes in mean precipitation in winter.”

First active leak of sea-bed methane discovered in Antarctica: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/22/first-active-leak-of-sea-bed-methane-discovered-in-antarctica

Climate change: Polar bears could be lost by 2100: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-53474445

Hearing the under-sea whispers of a warming climate: https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/07/hearing-the-under-sea-whispers-of-a-warming-climate/

New white paint reflects up to 98% of the sun’s heat: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2020/07/new-white-paint-is-super-cool/

Greta Thunberg gives €1m award money to climate groups: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/21/greta-thunberg-gives-1m-award-money-to-climate-groups

Greta Thunberg says EU recovery plan fails to tackle climate crisis: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/21/greta-thunberg-says-eu-recovery-plans-climate-provisions-inadequate

Renewables overtake fossil fuels in EU electricity generation: https://www.climatechangenews.com/2020/07/22/renewables-overtake-fossil-fuels-eu-electricity-generation/

Met Office chief: time for action is now: https://theecologist.org/2020/jul/13/met-office-chief-time-action-now

An effective climate change solution may lie in rocks beneath our feet: https://theconversation.com/an-effective-climate-change-solution-may-lie-in-rocks-beneath-our-feet-142462

Commission calls for gas boilers to be banned from 2025: https://airqualitynews.com/2020/07/22/commission-calls-for-gas-boilers-to-be-banned-from-2025/

Can a hydrogen boom fuel a green recovery for Britain? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/19/can-a-hydrogen-boom-fuel-a-green-recovery-for-britain

Cool plan: Study says better aircon can slow global warming: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/cool-plan-study-aircon-slow-global-warming-71840408

Geo explainer: carbon emissions: http://geographical.co.uk/nature/climate/item/3759-geo-explainer-carbon-emissions

Bribes, planes, power. Inside a scheme to keep coal alive: https://www.eenews.net/stories/1063606685

E.P.A. Proposes Airplane Emission Standards That Airlines Already Meet: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/climate/airplanes-climate-change.html

Australian Government sued by 23-year-old Melbourne student over financial risks of climate change: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-22/student-sues-australian-government-over-climate-change/12480612

Active travel & transport

ITT: Exploring active travel to increase levels of physical activity among people in mid-life: https://www.ageing-better.org.uk/itt-exploring-active-travel-increase-levels-physical-activity-among-people-mid-life

How Copenhagen Became A Cycling Paradise By Considering The Full Cost Of Cars: https://www.fastcompany.com/3046345/how-copenhagen-became-a-cycling-paradise-by-considering-the-full-cost-of-cars?s=09

Sustrans Cymru welcome Welsh Government’s £38 million investment in Active Travel: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/news/2020/july/sustrans-cymru-welcome-welsh-government-s-38-million-investment-in-active-travel/?s=09

The War on Cars: If You Want To Get Away With Murder, Buy a Car: https://thewaroncars.org/

Air quality & pollution

Air pollution exposure linked to higher COVID-19 cases and deaths – new study: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/07/air-pollution-exposure-covid19-cases-deaths-study/

Eating fish may protect the brain from air pollution: https://airqualitynews.com/2020/07/23/omega-3-may-protect-the-brain-from-air-pollution/

Covid-19 impact on ethnic minorities linked to housing and air pollution: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/19/covid-19-impact-on-ethnic-minorities-linked-to-housing-and-air-pollution

The World’s Worst Air Isn’t in Beijing or New Delhi: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-20/surprising-reason-why-tiny-town-has-world-s-worst-air-quality

Food & food security

Global hunger and climate change adaptation through international trade: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-020-0847-4

Government Appoints Lobbyists with US Agribusiness Ties to Trade and Agriculture Commission: https://desmog.co.uk/2020/07/15/government-appoints-lobbyists-us-agribusiness-ties-trade-and-agriculture-commission

Tracing the history of crops through still lifes: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2020/07/tracing-the-history-of-crops-through-still-lifes/

WMHPG news, information and resources 17 July 2020

We do not accept responsibility for the availability, reliability or content of these news items and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.

Sustainable development goals

Time to revise the Sustainable Development Goals: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02002-3

Good news on jobs, but families with children need extended lifeline: https://www.jrf.org.uk/blog/good-news-jobs-families-children-need-extended-lifeline

UK unemployment: 650,000 fewer people on UK payrolls as coronavirus pandemic continues: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/uk-unemployment-rate-payroll-latest-coronavirus-a9621766.html - ONS data here - https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peoplenotinwork/unemployment

Fertility, mortality, migration, and population scenarios for 195 countries and territories from 2017 to 2100: a forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30677-2/fulltext - media coverage here - Fertility rate: 'Jaw-dropping' global crash in children being born: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-53409521

Health Impact Assessment (HIA): A Comparative Case Study of Sri Lanka and Wales: What Can a Developing Country Learn From the Welsh HIA System? https://journals.sagepub.com/eprint/8K7998VZAHTNCGJ4RF8K/full

Face coverings for the public: Laying straw men to rest: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jep.13415

The relationship between alcohol-related hospital admission and specialist alcohol treatment provision across local authorities in England since passage of the Health and Social Care Act 2012: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/relationship-between-alcoholrelated-hospital-admission-and-specialist-alcohol-treatment-provision-across-local-authorities-in-england-since-passage-of-the-health-and-social-care-act-2012/A27B20A94117D4933E0026EE96EC45A9

Healthy planning & environment

Towards healthy urbanism: inclusive, equitable and sustainable (THRIVES) – an urban design and planning framework from theory to praxis: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23748834.2020.1769527 “This article promotes a new framework – Towards Healthy uRbanism: InclusiVe Equitable Sustainable (THRIVES) – that extends previous conceptualisations and reorients focus towards the existential threat of environmental breakdown and the social injustice created through inequitable and exclusive urban governance and design processes and outcomes.”

Sound & The Healthy City: http://www.antonellaradicchi.it/portfolio/sound-and-the-healthy-city/ “…a special issue for the Journal Cities & Health, Routledge, that collects interdisciplinary contributions addressing the impact of the acoustic environment on health and well-being of people, through both soundscape and noise-based approaches.”

Legal action threatened over Boris Johnson's 'unlawful' green recovery plans: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/07/legal-action-threatened-over-boris-johnsons-unlawful-green-recovery-plans

Why black lives matter in the British countryside: https://www.cpre.org.uk/opinions/black-lives-matter-in-the-countryside/

Why allotments offer urban oases for bees and butterflies: https://theconversation.com/why-allotments-offer-urban-oases-for-bees-and-butterflies-142529

A “plan bee” for cities: Pollinator diversity and plant-pollinator interactions in urban green spaces: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0235492

Road verges could be havens for pollinators: https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/-/road-verges-could-be-havens-for-pollinators

Investigation: The Problem with Big Oil’s ‘Forest Fever’: https://www.desmog.co.uk/2020/07/06/big-oil-forest-fever

Click through the tragic stories of 119 species still struggling after Black Summer in this interactive (and how to help): https://theconversation.com/click-through-the-tragic-stories-of-119-species-still-struggling-after-black-summer-in-this-interactive-and-how-to-help-131025

Offshore wind energy investment quadruples despite Covid-19 slump: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/13/offshore-wind-energy-investment-quadruples-despite-covid-19-slump

Natural solutions boosted to help prevent floods: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-53396977

We’re flying less. And wild places that count on tourism dollars are starting to take notice.: https://ensia.com/articles/flight-shaming-pandemic-ecotourism/

Wild bison to return to UK for first time in 6,000 years: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/10/wild-bison-to-return-to-uk-kent

Black Country awarded Geopark status: https://www.localgov.co.uk/Black-Country-awarded-Geopark-status/50763

Housing

Making Housing Affordable After Covid-19: A follow up report from the Affordable Housing Commission: https://www.affordablehousingcommission.org/news/2020/7/16/making-housing-affordable-after-covid-19-a-follow-up-report-from-the-affordable-housing-commission

Homeless numbers set to rise – but lockdown shows government can solve this: https://theconversation.com/homeless-numbers-set-to-rise-but-lockdown-shows-government-can-solve-this-141556

Mistakes on homelessness are making matters worse, says Ombudsman: https://www.localgov.co.uk/Mistakes-on-homelessness-are-making-matters-worse-says-Ombudsman/50778

A green stimulus for housing: https://neweconomics.org/2020/07/a-green-stimulus-for-housing?mc_cid=cd0bd9e2e4&mc_eid=a15a43d447

Building a green stimulus for Covid-19: A recovery plan for a greener, fairer future: https://neweconomics.org/2020/07/building-a-green-stimulus-for-covid19?mc_cid=cd0bd9e2e4&mc_eid=a15a43d447

Climate change & sustainability

Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from national climate legislation: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-020-0831-z

Siberia’s 2020 heatwave made ‘600 times more likely’ by climate change: https://www.carbonbrief.org/siberia-s-2020-heatwave-made-600-times-more-likely-by-climate-change

The ultimate cost of carbon: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-020-02785-4 “Ultimate costs of C range from $10k to $750k per ton for various assumptions about the magnitude and longevity of economic impacts, with a best-estimate value of about $100k per ton of C.”

Climate economics support for the UN climate targets: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-020-0833-x

Guest post: Why Africa’s heatwaves are a forgotten impact of climate change: https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-why-africas-heatwaves-are-a-forgotten-impact-of-climate-change

Cow Burps, Leaky Pipelines Put Earth on High-End Warming Track: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-14/cow-burps-leaky-pipelines-put-earth-on-high-end-warming-track

Global methane levels soar to record high: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02116-8

Carbon pricing works: the largest-ever study puts it beyond doubt: https://theconversation.com/carbon-pricing-works-the-largest-ever-study-puts-it-beyond-doubt-142034

Explainer: How climate change is affecting wildfires around the world: https://www.carbonbrief.org/explainer-how-climate-change-is-affecting-wildfires-around-the-world

New Data Shows an ‘Extraordinary’ Rise in U.S. Coastal Flooding: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/climate/coastal-flooding-noaa.html

Can the forests of the world’s oceans contribute to alleviating the climate crisis? https://ensia.com/features/kelp-carbon-sequestration-climate-mitigation/

An analysis of ways to decarbonize conference travel after COVID-19: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02057-2

Active travel & transport

New campaign to encourage active travel as lockdown is eased: http://airqualitynews.com/2020/07/13/new-campaign-to-encourage-active-travel-as-lockdown-is-eased/

Air quality & pollution

Air pollution remains low in parts of the UK: https://airqualitynews.com/2020/07/09/air-pollution-remains-low-in-parts-of-the-uk/

Air pollution exposure linked to higher COVID-19 cases and deaths – new study: https://theconversation.com/air-pollution-exposure-linked-to-higher-covid-19-cases-and-deaths-new-study-141620

Half the world lacks access to air pollution data to tackle public health threat: https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/air-quality-data-public-health-pollution-climate-crisis-a9608876.html

How your car sheds microplastics into the ocean thousands of miles away: https://theconversation.com/how-your-car-sheds-microplastics-into-the-ocean-thousands-of-miles-away-142614

Revealed: The pesticide giants making billions on toxic and bee-harming chemicals: https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2020/02/20/pesticides-croplife-hazardous-bayer-syngenta-health-bees/

Global electronic waste up 21% in five years, and recycling isn’t keeping up: https://theconversation.com/global-electronic-waste-up-21-in-five-years-and-recycling-isnt-keeping-up-141997

In the Loop: Tesco and TerraCycle pilot 'zero-waste' refill service in the UK: https://www.edie.net/news/12/In-the-Loop--Tesco-and-TerraCycle-pilot--zero-waste--refill-service-in-the-UK/

Food & food security

Cases of child malnutrition in England double in last six months: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jul/12/cases-of-child-malnutrition-double-in-last-six-months

The Food Foundation - 2020 Children’s Right2Food Charter: https://foodfoundation.org.uk/publications/ “The 2020 Children’s Right2Food Charter has been updated in light of the problems exacerbated by the Covid-19 lockdown, and provides an evidence-based road map for the government to ensure that every children has access to a healthy diet.”

About 14 million children in the US are not getting enough to eat: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2020/07/09/about-14-million-children-in-the-us-are-not-getting-enough-to-eat/

UK supermarkets promise to never sell chlorinated chicken in blow to a Brexit trade deal with Trump: https://www.businessinsider.com/brexit-supermarkets-promise-never-sell-chlorinated-chicken-trump-trade-deal-2020-7

The healthiness and sustainability of national and global food based dietary guidelines: modelling study: https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m2322

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020: Transforming food systems for affordable healthy diets: https://reliefweb.int/report/world/state-food-security-and-nutrition-world-2020-transforming-food-systems-affordable

U.K.’s Global Trade Deals Still Pose a Huge Pre-Brexit Challenge: https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2020-07-07/u-k-s-global-trade-deals-still-pose-a-huge-pre-brexit-challenge

Chickens on a greener diet still taste like . . . chicken: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2020/07/insects-and-algae-feed-make-chicken-just-as-tasty-and-cut-out-the-environmental-cost-of-soy/

And finally….

XKCD – Earth Temperature Timeline: https://xkcd.com/1732/

WMHPG news, information and resources 10 July 2020

We do not accept responsibility for the availability, reliability or content of these news items and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.

Sustainable development goals

Reset Sustainable Development Goals for a pandemic world: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01999-x

How coronavirus is widening the UK gender pay gap: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/07/how-coronavirus-is-widening-the-uk-gender-pay-gap

Guaranteeing the right start: Preventing youth unemployment after Covid-19: https://www.ippr.org/research/publications/guaranteeing-the-right-start

The impact of DWP benefit sanctions on anxiety and depression: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/benefit-sanctions-mental-health/

The Pandemic Experts Are Not Okay: Many American public-health specialists are at risk of burning out as the coronavirus surges back: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/07/pandemic-experts-are-not-okay/613879/

Healthy planning & environment

RTPI – Plan the World We Need: https://www.rtpi.org.uk/research/2020/june/plan-the-world-we-need/ “This paper examines how planning can contribute to calls for a sustainable, resilient and inclusive recovery from the current health and economic crisis. It complements our ongoing work to understand how planners are responding to the immediate challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Boris’ ‘New Deal’ creates a loophole for developers to ignore biodiversity: https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2020/07/01/boris-new-deal-creates-a-loophole-for-developers-to-ignore-biodiversity/

English countryside 'at risk from Boris Johnson’s planning revolution': https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/04/uk-countryside-at-risk-from-boris-johnsons-planning-revolution

IEMA publishes 'Build Back Better' plan: https://transform.iema.net/article/iema-publishes-build-back-better-plan

Britain’s public parks and green spaces are at risk, says charity: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/britains-public-parks-and-green-spaces-are-at-risk-says-charity/

United Kingdom water crisis - Notorious for being a particularly rainy nation, the UK has no need to worry about its water supply. But is that actually the case? https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/united-kingdom-water-crisis

Corporations weaponise obscure legal instruments to declare war on green reforms: https://meta.eeb.org/2020/07/06/corporations-weaponise-obscure-legal-instruments-to-declare-war-on-green-reforms/

We must learn from the pandemic to prevent environmental catastrophe: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/we-must-learn-from-the-pandemic-to-prevent-environmental-catastrophe/

How animals are coping with the global ‘weirding’ of the Earth’s seasons: https://theconversation.com/how-animals-are-coping-with-the-global-weirding-of-the-earths-seasons-140856

Coconut oil production threatens five times more species than palm oil – new findings: https://theconversation.com/coconut-oil-production-threatens-five-times-more-species-than-palm-oil-new-findings-141454

Scientists discover new ‘human fingerprint’ on global drought patterns: https://www.carbonbrief.org/scientists-discover-new-human-fingerprint-on-global-drought-patterns

Algae turn Italian Alps pink, prompting concerns over melting: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/06/algae-turns-italian-alps-pink-prompting-concerns-over-melting

UK gives go-ahead to giant windfarm project off Norfolk coast: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/02/uk-gives-go-ahead-to-giant-windfarm-project-off-norfolk-coast-vanguard

US rivers and lakes are shrinking for a surprising reason: cows: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/02/agriculture-cattle-us-water-shortages-colorado-river

Housing

Lockdown living - Housing quality across the generations: https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/lockdown-living/ “For three months, the majority of the population has ‘stayed home to save lives’, bringing the quality of our housing stock and neighbourhoods into sharp relief.”

One in three have suffered health problems during lockdown because of poor housing, survey shows: https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/news/one-in-three-have-suffered-health-problems-during-lockdown-because-of-poor-housing-survey-shows-67015

Government can provide a housing lifeline in the coming economic storm: https://www.jrf.org.uk/blog/government-can-provide-housing-lifeline-coming-economic-storm

New guidance to tackle Covid-19 rent arrears: https://news.rla.org.uk/new-guidance-to-tackle-covid-19-rent-arrears/

Climate change & sustainability

Grantham Institute - COVID-19 response: Why government must accelerate a green recovery at the local level – and how you can help: https://granthaminstitute.com/2020/06/24/covid-19-response-why-government-must-accelerate-a-green-recovery-at-the-local-level-and-how-you-can-help/ “Dr Neil Jennings, Partnership Development Manager at the Grantham Institute, considers how a coronavirus recovery plan that priorities climate action can reinvigorate the economy and create a resilient society – and why local authorities are best placed to deliver this.”

International Energy Authority - Clean Energy Innovation: https://www.iea.org/reports/clean-energy-innovation “The report comes with a new ETP Clean Energy Technology Guide that encompasses around 400 component technologies and identifies their stage of readiness for the market.”

Some new climate models are projecting extreme warming. Are they correct? https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/07/some-new-climate-models-are-projecting-extreme-warming-are-they-correct/

The permafrost pandemic: could the melting Arctic release a deadly disease? https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2020/07/03/arctic-permafrost-pandemic-life-uh-finds-a-way/

Risk of 40C heat in the UK ‘rapidly increasing’, says Met Office: https://www.carbonbrief.org/risk-of-fourty-c-heat-in-the-uk-rapidly-increasing-says-met-office

Feature: We must equip the next generation for a changing landscape: https://environmentjournal.online/articles/feature-we-must-equip-the-next-generation-for-a-changing-landscape/

Explainer: How the rise and fall of CO2 levels influenced the ice ages: https://www.carbonbrief.org/explainer-how-the-rise-and-fall-of-co2-levels-influenced-the-ice-ages

CO2 in Earth's atmosphere nearing levels of 15m years ago: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/09/co2-in-earths-atmosphere-nearing-levels-of-15m-years-ago

EU’s hydrogen strategy is a gift to fossil fuel companies: https://meta.eeb.org/2020/07/09/eus-hydrogen-strategy-is-a-gift-to-fossil-fuel-companies/

Guest post: How ‘discourses of delay’ are used to slow climate action: https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-how-discourses-of-delay-are-used-to-slow-climate-action

Planning for climate change: Is London leading the way? https://lichfields.uk/blog/2020/july/3/planning-for-climate-change-is-london-leading-the-way/

'2040': A funny, entertaining, upbeat climate documentary: https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/06/2040-a-funny-entertaining-upbeat-climate-documentary/

Global trends in climate change litigation: 2020 snapshot: http://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/publication/global-trends-in-climate-change-litigation-2020-snapshot/

Experts and the general public think about CO2 removal very differently: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2020/07/people-dont-know-much-about-carbon-dioxide-removal-but-theyre-ambivalent/

African Energy Experts Dismiss UK Climate Science Denial Group's 'Misleading' Report: https://www.desmog.co.uk/2020/07/01/african-energy-experts-dismiss-misleading-gwpf-report

UK says: wants to be first with carbon zero Atlantic commercial plane: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-transport/uk-says-wants-to-be-first-with-carbon-zero-atlantic-commercial-plane-idUSKBN24317T

Active travel & transport

Urban Transport Group – Future of Transport Regulatory Review: http://www.urbantransportgroup.org/resources/types/consultation-responses/future-transport-regulatory-review

E-scooters could disrupt travel as we know it – expect the car industry to fight back: https://theconversation.com/e-scooters-could-disrupt-travel-as-we-know-it-expect-the-car-industry-to-fight-back-141992

Is the ‘golden age of cycling’ really here to stay? https://airqualitynews.com/2020/07/03/is-the-golden-age-of-cycling-really-here-to-stay/

Streets outside local schools to be made safer: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/news/article/651/streets_outside_local_schools_to_be_made_safer

New £1m project to prepare UK motorways for self-driving vehicles: http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/prepare-for-self-driving-vehicles

Air quality & pollution

Report: Estimation of changes in air pollution emissions, concentrations and exposure during the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports.php?report_id=1005 “These new findings indicate that myocardial iron overload resulting from inhalation of airborne, metal-rich nanoparticles is a plausible and modifiable environmental risk factor for cardiac oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease, on an international scale.”

Iron-rich air pollution nanoparticles: An unrecognised environmental risk factor for myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac oxidative stress: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935120307118?via%3Dihub

Popular Fireworks Release Toxic Metals Into the Air: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/933293?src=rss

Food & food security

Committee on Food, Poverty and the Environment – Hungry for Change: fixing the failures in food: https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/food-pov-health-enviro-comm/news-parliament-2019/report-publication/

Economic and food security implications of the COVID-19 outbreak: An update focusing on the domestic fallout of local lockdowns: https://reliefweb.int/report/world/economic-and-food-security-implications-covid-19-outbreak-update-focusing-domestic

The Angry Chef - Covid Corrections Part 2: https://angry-chef.com/blog/covid-corrections-part-2

How to rid East Africa of locusts? Serve them in a kebab or drive them to cannibalism: https://news.trust.org/item/20200702061455-6thv0/

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