Month: March 2026

UK biomass sourcing linked to forest carbon losses in Estonia and Latvia

Stuart Mitchell

New analysis by NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) shows that the UK’s biomass from Estonia and Latvia is coming from forests with shrinking carbon storage. The UK Government awards biomass power stations billions in low-carbon subsidies. It says that burning forest materials for energy can be instantly carbon neutral because the amount of carbon stored in forests can remain stable or even increase over time. The new analysis looked at four wood pellet mills in Estonia and four in Latvia. The companies that own these pellet mills have strong ties…

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Greenpeace International urges governments to defend international law, as evidence suggests breaches by deep sea mining contractors

Stuart Mitchell

As the International Seabed Authority (ISA) opens its 31st Session today, Greenpeace International urges member states to take firm and swift action if breaches by subsidiaries and subcontractors of The Metals Company (TMC) are established. Evidence compiled and submitted to the ISA’s Secretary General suggests that violations of exploration contracts may have occurred.  Louisa Casson, Campaigner, Greenpeace International said: “In July, governments at the ISA sent a clear message: rogue companies trying to sidestep international law will face consequences. Turning that promise into action at this meeting is far more important…

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New WSJ investigation reveals multinational corporations retired offsets from Verra-run carbon offsets project in Brazil while “under investigation”

Stuart Mitchell

An investigation published today in the Wall Street Journal reveals that more than 140 corporations were allowed to claim carbon offsets credits  from one of the world’s largest projects hosted by Verra in Brazil, despite the fact that the project was under investigation for claims regarding its legitimacy. Corporations such as BlackRock, Mastercard, and Phillip Morris International were allowed to retire and count these credits towards their emissions-reducing activities while the project was suspended. Evidence suggests that the project may have been illegitimate from its establishment, due to claims that…

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New Creative Arts Centre opens in Edinburgh to support resettled children and families

Stuart Mitchell

Mission of Innocents opens a new Creative Arts Centre at Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh on the 5 March, offering a safe, welcoming space where resettled children and families can come together, express themselves and begin to thrive through creativity. The centre will be home to Mission of Innocents’ programmes using art, music, movement and storytelling to help children and families who have lived through war, displacement and crisis feel safe again, build confidence and reconnect with childhood. The opening has been marked by a special event attended by Deputy Lord…

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World Cocoa Foundation confirms leadership continuity as refined strategy moves into delivery

Stuart Mitchell

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) has confirmed that its President, Chris Vincent, informed the WCF Board in the summer of 2025 of his intention to step down in summer 2026. At the Board’s request, he has agreed to continue as President through to the end of 2026 to lead the full implementation of WCF’s refined strategy and ensure continuity during this critical delivery phase for the cocoa sector. Over the past five years, Chris has led a significant transformation of the organisation, strengthening WCF’s strategic focus, credibility and role as…

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