UK nature chief warns butterfly decline signals ecosystem collapse

Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, says the steep decline in UK butterfly populations highlights the fragility of ecosystems and threatens food security as climate change worsens.

Patrick Greenfield reports for The Guardian.

In short:

UK butterfly populations dropped nearly 50% in 2024 due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
Juniper sees housebuilding plans as a chance to create “wild belts” that support wildlife and species recovery.
He advocates for modernized national parks focused on biodiversity and urban connections.

Key quote:

“The butterfly data from 2024 is an early signal of what lies ahead. It’s a warning from nature as to how far down the track we’ve gone towards taking the resilience out of natural systems.”

— Tony Juniper, Natural England chair.

Why this matters:

The drastic decline in butterflies is a symptom of wider ecosystem instability. Restoring natural habitats can help maintain biodiversity, crucial for agriculture, food security and climate resilience.

www.theguardian.com

UK nature chief warns butterfly decline signals ecosystem collapse

Stratospheric aerosol injection might make flights smoother

How industry is fragmenting Canada’s vast boreal forest

For 20 years, Canada’s leaders have promised a carbon capture fix

The climate crisis onscreen: 14 films that made waves

Lake Powell shrinks and marinas must adapt

Zeldin vows to fulfill coal industry’s ‘wish list’

The U.S. is pulling back on energy efficiency

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.