Year: 2026

Wind and solar generated more power than fossil fuels in the EU for the first time in 2025

Stuart Mitchell

Wind and solar generated more EU electricity than fossil fuels in 2025, according to the European Electricity Review published today by think tank Ember. Wind and solar generated a record 30% of EU power, ahead of fossil fuels at 29%. “This milestone moment shows just how rapidly the EU is moving towards a power system backed by wind and solar,” said report author Dr. Beatrice Petrovich. “As fossil fuel dependencies feed instability on the global stage, the stakes of transitioning to clean energy are clearer than ever.” The European Electricity…

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Dynamic Earth boosts accessibility with new British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Planetarium experiences and Changing Places Facilities.

Stuart Mitchell

Dynamic Earth has announced a major milestone in its commitment to inclusion by introducing British Sign Language (BSL) into its world-class Planetarium. Starting 1st March 2026, the Edinburgh-based science centre will become one of the first in the UK to offer multiple Planetarium films with BSL interpretation. This includes You Are Here and Don’t Panic, live shows developed by Dynamic Earth’s team of in‑house astronomers. This offering by Dynamic Earth sets a new benchmark for inclusive science engagement. Supported by funding from the Birkdale Trust, this initiative ensures that deaf…

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The Hague will open lending desks to promote sharing and renting to reduce waste

Stuart Mitchell

The City of The Hague is investing €100,000 in the European project AccessHubs, an initiative designed to make borrowing and renting everyday items more accessible. The project encourages residents to share and rent products rather than own them, helping to reduce waste and support a more circular economy. The investment aligns with the city’s broader circular economy goals, which focus on extending the lifespan of products, preventing waste, and reducing the need for new raw materials. Funding for the project comes from the municipality’s Co-financing Fund, which helps attract additional European funding for innovative initiatives. In total, The Hague will receive more than €270,000 in EU support to strengthen local sharing and rental…

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New report calculates that the UK’s impact economy contributes £428bn – 15% of total GDP

Stuart Mitchell

New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) has published Impact UK, which for the first time estimates the scale, scope, and power of the UK’s impact economy – contributing £428 billion in gross value added to the UK economy as a whole and, at 15% of UK GDP, one of the most significant sectors in the economy.  The report, with contributions from leaders across the impact economy, highlights the scale, vibrancy and diversity of the organisations that form it, and compares it to other significant economies, such as the creative and manufacturing sectors.…

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New report sets out urgent recommendations to reset the next phase of plastics treaty negotiations

Stuart Mitchell

A new report published recently identifies critical challenges in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and sets out practical steps to strengthen the next phase of the process ahead of the next UN negotiation committee meeting on 7 February.  The report, released by the Global Plastics Policy Centre based at the University of Portsmouth’s Revolution Plastics Institute, brings together three years of evidence-based research into the UN negotiations towards a global treaty to end plastic pollution. The report concludes that unless the process is reset to rebuild trust, clarify direction and unlock political will, the world risks missing a once-in-a-generation chance to tackle plastic pollution at its…

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