The deep sea, covering 60% of the planet and extending below 200m, is a largely unexplored ecosystem teeming with unique life forms. Recent technological advances have revealed a rich biodiversity, including species like glowing sharks and 11,000-year-old sponges. Dr Diva Amon, a deep sea biologist, emphasizes the importance of this biodiversity. Google and Greenpeace are campaigning for a ban on deep sea mining to protect these fragile ecosystems.

Chinese company Zijin Mining has initiated production at the Qulong open pit mine in occupied Tibet, which contains significant copper and molybdenum reserves and is expected to operate for nearly 50 years. There are plans to expand it into the world's largest copper mine, including the construction of a tailings dam for toxic waste. China's demand for copper is driven by its goal to deploy 80 million electric vehicles by 2030, raising questions about the environmental cost of such industrial development.

Julian Assange's potential extradition to the US has significant implications for human rights and press freedom globally. Assange, who has been imprisoned in the UK since 2019, faces charges under the Espionage Act for publishing classified documents revealing US war crimes. His supporters argue that extradition would set a dangerous precedent for journalism and violate international human rights laws. Various organizations, including the UN, Amnesty International, and journalist unions, have called for his release and criticized the US and UK governments for their roles in his prosecution.

The 30x30 plan, aiming to protect 30% of the world's land and water by 2030, faces significant opposition from Indigenous rights organizations and experts. Critics argue it could lead to massive land grabs, displacing up to 300 million people, many of whom are Indigenous. Historical and ongoing examples of forced evictions in the name of conservation, such as in Tanzania and the Congo Basin, highlight the detrimental impact on local communities. Experts call for community-based conservation models that empower Indigenous people, rather than excluding them from their ancestral lands.

The 30x30 plan, aiming to protect 30% of the world's land and water by 2030, faces significant opposition from Indigenous rights organizations and experts. Critics argue that the plan could lead to the displacement of up to 300 million people, primarily Indigenous communities, and exacerbate human rights abuses. They advocate for community-based conservation models that empower Indigenous people rather than evicting them from their ancestral lands. The article highlights the ineffectiveness of current protected areas and the need for inclusive conservation strategies.

Since the Conservatives took power in 2010, homelessness in England has risen, with private tenancy loss being a major cause. Liz Truss announced the scrapping of Section 21 eviction notices, which have been used to evict tenants without cause. Despite this, organizations like ACORN and Generation Rent argue that broader reforms are necessary to prevent homelessness and ensure housing security. The Renters Reform Bill, promised in the Tory 2019 manifesto, has yet to be implemented. The Kerslake Commission warns that the cost of living crisis could exacerbate homelessness. Shelter's Osama Bhutta calls for comprehensive reform, while the NRLA's Chris Norris emphasizes the need for sector support and addressing the supply crisis. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has committed to legislation banning 'no fault' evictions.

The UK government plans to conduct seismic surveys in the Irish Sea to find a site for nuclear waste disposal, raising significant environmental concerns. The surveys, led by Nuclear Waste Services and carried out by Shearwater GeoServices, involve seismic blasting, which poses risks to marine life. Environmental groups, including Radiation Free Lakeland, criticize the plans for inadequate impact assessments and lack of transparency. The surveys could harm marine ecosystems, particularly zooplankton, which are crucial to the food chain. The UK government supports deep geological disposal for nuclear waste, but concerns remain about its safety and environmental impact.

Plastic pellets, the raw material for the plastic industry, are a significant environmental pollutant, found globally except in Antarctica. These pellets, often lost during handling, contribute to marine pollution, affecting marine life and human health. The 2021 X-Press Pearl incident off Sri Lanka's coast exemplifies the severe impact of such pollution. Efforts like Operation Clean Sweep and initiatives by organizations like Fidra aim to mitigate this issue, but voluntary adherence and lack of comprehensive regulation hinder progress. Calls for classifying plastic pellets as hazardous substances face resistance, particularly from industrialized nations, despite the evident environmental and health risks.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson aims for nuclear power to provide 25% of the UK's electricity by 2050, citing energy independence and job creation. Nuclear energy is seen as essential for achieving net-zero emissions, but it faces opposition due to safety concerns, high costs, and long-term waste management issues. Proponents argue for its reliability and low carbon emissions, while critics highlight the risks and advocate for renewable energy sources. The debate includes expert opinions from various organizations and highlights the complex challenges of transitioning to sustainable energy.

The UK government has controversially granted emergency use of the banned pesticide thiamethoxam, despite its known harmful effects on bees and other pollinators. This decision, driven by pressure from the sugar beet industry, contradicts expert advice and has sparked legal challenges from environmental groups like The Wildlife Trusts. The article highlights the critical role of pollinators in biodiversity and food security, the negative impact of pesticides, and calls for sustainable agricultural practices. The sentiment towards the UK government and British Sugar is negative, while environmental advocates receive positive sentiment.

Alon Tal, founder of the Israel Union for Environmental Defence, highlights the irony of Israel's environmental impact in Palestine, a region with rich biodiversity and historical significance as part of the Fertile Crescent. Despite its ecological importance, Palestine faces contamination issues, undermining the Zionist goal of land redemption.

Greenpeace has initiated legal action against the UK government for failing to disclose information regarding deep sea mining exploration licenses. The environmental group argues that the licenses, granted to Lockheed Martin's subsidiary UK Seabed Resources LTD, may be unlawful and lack necessary environmental impact assessments. Despite requests for information under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the government has not provided the required details. Greenpeace seeks transparency and compliance with environmental standards, while the UK government maintains it will not support exploitation licenses without sufficient scientific evidence and enforceable standards.