Pippa Neill

England and Wales face a growing risk of water shortages as hotter, drier summers, population growth and new industrial demand increase consumption while rainfall becomes less predictable. England received only 7% of its long-term average rainfall in July, with much of England and all of Wales officially in drought. Leaks, limited reservoir capacity and decades of underinvestment are worsening the problem, while pollution further reduces usable supplies. Water companies are introducing bans and seeking drought orders, but long-term resilience will require major leak reduction, demand management, new reservoirs, water-transfer schemes and nature-based solutions. Experts warn that without action some areas could experience severe restrictions or even temporary loss of mains water.

The Fire Brigades Union says equipping and staffing UK fire services must become a national priority as wildfires, flooding and extreme heat place unprecedented pressure on crews. More than 120 firefighters were tackling a major New Forest fire, while large woodland fires affected Nottinghamshire and other parts of the UK. London Fire Brigade emergency calls rose 31% above the five-year average between April and July, with hundreds of wildfires and water rescues recorded. At the same time, 71.3% of England was experiencing flash drought, putting water supplies, farming and the environment under strain. The government said it was coordinating an immediate response and building long-term resilience, while forecasts indicated another heatwave and temperatures above 36C in some areas.

A fire that began on 29 July burned more than 112 hectares of Dunwich Heath, damaging habitat for rare birds and invertebrates and disrupting tourism despite efforts by firefighters, farmers, wardens and local residents. Conservationists reject claims that rewilding caused the blaze, arguing that the heath was traditionally managed and that hotter, drier conditions linked to climate change are the primary driver. Proposed measures to improve resilience include stronger firebreaks, ponds, controlled burns, wetland creation, winter grazing and more diverse landscapes, although experts acknowledge that naturally dry lowland heath presents no simple solution.

Environment Agency data shows that every assessed river, lake and estuary in England failed to meet good chemical status, largely because of persistent pollutants including mercury, PFOS and PBDEs. Only 14.3% of surface waters achieved good ecological status, down from 16.3% in 2019, although the agency says updated analytical methods make the figures not directly comparable. England is not expected to achieve good chemical status until 2063. Environmental groups and scientists accuse the government and regulators of failing to control toxic chemicals, sewage and agricultural pollution, and call for tougher safeguards, stronger enforcement and greater responsibility from polluters. The Environment Agency says it is investigating pollution sources and improving chemical monitoring, while Environment Secretary Angela Eagle says the findings demonstrate the need for major change across the water sector.

A House of Lords committee has called for over-the-counter sales of topical flea and tick treatments for cats and dogs to be banned in pet shops and online because chemicals including imidacloprid and fipronil are polluting waterways and harming wildlife. Cardiff University researchers detected the chemicals in almost half of samples from nine Welsh rivers, while studies have linked contaminated pet fur to bird nesting problems and raised concerns about human-health effects. Vets would still be able to prescribe preventative treatments, but the Wildlife Trusts is seeking a wider ban on five commonly used chemicals. Regulators and the government acknowledge the environmental risks while arguing that the treatments remain important for pet and public health.

The Environment Agency is considering prosecuting Huntsman Polyurethanes over alleged permit breaches involving carcinogenic benzene emissions from its Teesside plant. Agency records show emissions rose from 13 tonnes in 2022 to 17 tonnes in 2024 after a replacement abatement process repeatedly paused, while modelling commissioned in March 2026 predicted major breaches of air-quality standards in some scenarios. Huntsman says its emissions comply with its permit and that monitoring shows no harmful exposure beyond the site or among workers, but it has not shared its data with the Guardian or the regulator. Experts and campaigners have criticized both the company’s pollution controls and the EA’s delayed response; the agency says recent intervention has significantly improved performance and reduced emissions.

July 2026 was the driest month on record in southern England, while England and Wales provisionally experienced their driest July since records began in 1836. England received only 6.5mm of rain and Wales 9.3mm, alongside exceptionally high temperatures and sunshine. The prolonged heat and drought have reduced water availability, affected farmers and wildlife, and led to drought declarations across half of England and all of Wales, with 40% of England’s population under hosepipe restrictions. The conditions are linked to the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis, while continued dry weather in south-east England threatens to prolong pressure on water supplies and agriculture.

A wildfire on Dunwich Heath near Leiston in Suffolk has burned about 150 hectares of protected heathland, woodland and the Minsmere nature reserve, prompting a major-incident response involving more than 100 firefighters, helicopters and emergency crews. The National Trust described the damage as total devastation and launched an appeal to restore the landscape, while the RSPB warned that habitats for rare birds could take decades to recover. Around 50 people were evacuated, but officials said there was no immediate threat to the nearby Sizewell B nuclear power station, whose operator EDF continued to monitor the situation. The blaze occurred amid severe drought and exceptionally dry conditions, with climate change and human activities such as disposable-barbecue use highlighted as major wildfire risks.

Drought, extreme heat and wildfires are causing severe crop losses and threatening the economic viability of farms in the UK and France, while water shortages are also disrupting almond production in California. Norfolk farmer Tim Young reports a 35% reduction in onion yields and costly restrictions on river water, while organic farmer Uyen Do says her farm cannot adapt quickly enough to worsening conditions. Farmers and food businesses are turning to reservoirs, moisture monitoring and other conservation measures, but stored supplies are running low and infrastructure is expensive. Experts call for better flood management, water storage, regenerative farming and heat- and drought-tolerant crops to strengthen food-system resilience.

A wildfire covering more than 80 hectares at Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and holidaymakers and the declaration of a major incident. Fire crews, supported by a water-dropping helicopter, reported that the blaze was stabilising, while officials said Sizewell B nuclear power station was not at risk and operations were unaffected. The fire severely damaged the RSPB’s Minsmere nature reserve, threatening rare heathland species. The incident occurred amid officially declared drought conditions, repeated heatwaves and a record number of wildfires across England and Wales, prompting warnings that climate change is making such fires more frequent and placing greater pressure on emergency services.

The Environment Agency has declared seven areas across England to be officially in drought, covering about half the country, after unusually low rainfall and high temperatures produced a rapidly developing “flash drought.” July has received only 7% of expected rainfall, reservoirs are 7.4% below seasonal averages, 78% of rivers are below normal levels or lower, and 40% of the population is subject to hosepipe bans. Officials warn of lasting effects on water supplies, wildlife, agriculture and the economy, while low river flows are endangering migratory fish and hot conditions are increasing wildfire risk. The Met Office sees little prospect of sustained rainfall, although the Environment Agency says current reserves should last until wetter conditions return. The National Farmers’ Union is calling for more reservoir construction and planning reforms as England faces an estimated additional 5 billion litres of daily water demand by 2055.

Up to 25 tonnes, or roughly one billion, plastic nurdles entered the River Tyne after the Wind Orca collided with the berthed container ship BG Orange at the Port of Tyne. Pellets have washed up along South Shields beach and may have spread as far as Sunderland and other parts of the North Tyneside coastline. Although the pellets are not themselves toxic, they are difficult to remove, can absorb pollutants and may be mistaken for food by wildlife, posing risks to nearby seabird colonies and marine species. Local authorities, the Port of Tyne, HM Coastguard and the Environment Agency are coordinating containment and cleanup, while Fidra is calling for stronger UK regulation and mandatory measures to prevent future spills.

Water UK warns that the UK’s plans to expand datacentre capacity, potentially tripling it by 2030, are incompatible with available water supplies because government forecasts and AI growth policies omit datacentre demand. More than three-quarters of datacentres are in already water-stressed southern and eastern England, where some facilities may require millions of litres daily. Water UK says new supply could require environmentally harmful abstraction or reservoirs taking up to 15 years to build, while Affinity Water reports requests equivalent to the demand of thousands of homes. Critics also question datacentres’ designation as critical national infrastructure, which could lead to them being prioritized over households during shortages. The government says it will protect supplies through infrastructure investment, alternatives and nine new reservoirs.

A new study finds that the apparent slowdown in Arctic sea ice decline from 2005 to 2024 was temporary rather than sustained. Arctic sea ice fell by 5.8% between 2024 and 2025, the largest recorded year-to-year wintertime decline. Researchers say continued ice loss could release more ocean heat and moisture into the atmosphere, influencing pressure patterns, storms and weather farther south, and warn that Arctic ice loss is continuing as the climate warms.

Campaigners warn that the UK government’s plan to expand the poultry sector threatens national security by deepening reliance on imported animal feed vulnerable to supply chain shocks and environmental collapse. Critics argue intensive poultry farming is resource‑intensive and unsustainable, urging a shift toward homegrown plant‑based protein sources. The government maintains growth is needed to strengthen food security, citing planning constraints as a key barrier. Broader concerns from officials and experts highlight mounting risks to UK food resilience from geopolitical instability, climate impacts and ecosystem degradation, stressing the need for sustainable, nature‑friendly farming systems.

Residents of Thornton-Cleveleys face growing concerns over PFOA contamination linked to decades of emissions from the AGC Chemicals Europe factory, prompting health fears, food restrictions and the closure of allotment sites. Following reporting and rising pressure, the company announced plans to shut the plant amid questions over responsibility for environmental cleanup. Experts dispute official findings that deny any cancer cluster despite elevated local kidney cancer rates. Legal action is being explored, with dozens of residents seeking blood tests and considering claims. The issue reflects a wider and escalating PFAS contamination problem across the UK and Europe, with thousands of polluted sites now identified.

More than 100 conservationists, scientists, celebrities and businesses are urging incoming prime minister Andy Burnham to halt environmental delivery plans that would let developers meet biodiversity obligations by paying into a national nature levy. Critics warn ministers could set payments as low as £1, potentially enabling developers to bypass habitat protections, undermining biodiversity and leaving England with weaker environmental costs than other European countries. A planning lawyer also warned that the regulations give ministers unchecked control over levy rates and could be vulnerable to lobbying. The government argues the plans will deliver stronger restoration outcomes than existing legislation, while the House of Lords is due to debate the regulations.

The Church of England rejected a proposal to restore 30% of its land for nature by 2030, opting instead for an amendment without measurable rewilding targets. Supporters of the original motion argued the decision failed to demonstrate moral leadership amid worsening biodiversity decline. Church leaders cited legal obligations and the need to maintain long‑term capital growth, emphasising a focus on integrating nature recovery into productive farmland. Campaigners contrasted the decision with other major landowners, including the Crown Estate, that have adopted clear restoration targets, while the UK government’s newly released 30by30 strategy faced criticism for its limited ambition.

A Lancashire chemical plant operated by AGC Chemicals Europe is consulting on closure following financial difficulties and amid growing scrutiny over historic Pfoa emissions linked to environmental contamination and potential health risks. More than 90 residents have expressed interest in joining a possible legal claim led by Leigh Day after testing found high levels of Pfoa in local soil, produce, and a resident’s duck eggs. Investigations by the Environment Agency and local authorities confirmed widespread contamination, while a government study reported elevated kidney cancer rates nearby, prompting calls for further research. The company maintains compliance commitments and highlights findings showing no confirmed cancer cluster, but it remains central to ongoing health, environmental, and legal concerns as it evaluates ending manufacturing operations.

Environmental groups and campaigners warn that England’s new nature restoration plan, based on voluntary action by landowners, is insufficient to meet the goal of restoring 30% of nature by 2030, with only 7% currently meeting the threshold. Criticism focuses on the lack of new legal protections, reliance on private landowners and absence of plans for new protected sites. The Church of England faces internal division over a proposal to rewild 30% of its land, with supporters arguing it is both ecologically and legally justified, while opponents cite legal and financial obligations. The debate highlights structural challenges, including concentrated land ownership, slow progress on national targets and conflicting priorities within major landholding institutions.

MPs and peers are urging the UK government to deliver a televised national emergency briefing on the climate and nature crisis as the country experiences another severe heatwave. A 50‑minute film, the People’s Emergency Briefing, created following a previous expert session in Westminster, warns of escalating threats to food security, public health and the economy. Ninety‑one cross‑party parliamentarians have endorsed the call, supported by major church groups. Experts cited in the film describe climate breakdown as a major national security threat, while official advisers say current adaptation plans are insufficient and require significantly increased investment. More than 2,000 public screenings are planned as advocates argue that a government‑led broadcast would be the most effective way to mobilize public action.

Residents near the AGC Chemicals Europe plant in Thornton‑Cleveleys face uncertainty after investigations revealed widespread PFAS contamination and elevated kidney cancer rates in the area. Although a government study found no proven cancer cluster or direct environmental link, experts called the results concerning and urged further testing. Locals described health fears, emotional strain and the loss of gardens and allotments after soil and produce showed high PFOA levels. Regulatory bodies continue assessing risks, while legal action is being explored on behalf of affected residents. The company maintains there is no evidence connecting its site to cancer cases.

A prolonged UK heatwave coincides with western Europe’s hottest June on record, driving excess deaths, infrastructure strain, and renewed warnings from scientists about escalating climate impacts fueled by fossil emissions. Health services across England face heavy pressure, with expanded heat alerts and rising emergency demand. European countries report thousands of heat-related deaths and highlight the need for improved housing and urban cooling. The extreme temperatures have disrupted supermarkets, water supplies, and cold-chain systems, underscoring the vulnerability of ageing infrastructure amid intensifying climate conditions.

UK seas are experiencing an extreme marine heatwave, with temperatures 2C above average and some areas up to 5C warmer following successive land heatwaves. Scientists warn the ongoing warming, intensified by El Niño and driven by fossil fuel emissions, could trigger mass mortality events among marine species and alter fish and shellfish distribution. Global sea surface temperatures have surpassed previous records, prompting UN calls for urgent climate action. Researchers note that prolonged warming may also draw new species into UK waters, as already seen with rising octopus populations that are reshaping local ecosystems.

The UK government was found by the Office for Environmental Protection to have breached environmental law multiple times when granting emergency authorizations in 2023 and 2024 for the use of the banned neonicotinoid pesticide Cruiser SB on sugar beet crops. The investigation, initiated after a complaint from ClientEarth, identified failures including insufficient consideration of risks to protected sites. Environmental groups criticized the government’s oversight, while officials pledged to update authorization procedures. The revised process is expected by November 2026, and the OEP will monitor its implementation.

A re-analysis of a 2005 neurotoxicity study on the pesticide fluazinam found statistically significant negative effects on brain development in rats, contradicting earlier manufacturer-backed conclusions that supported its EU approval. Researchers argue the original study’s results were incorrectly reported, prompting calls from scientists and advocacy groups for the pesticide’s immediate withdrawal and further investigation into regulatory oversight. Legal and scientific experts say failing to report significant neurodevelopmental findings may breach EU pesticide rules. Fluazinam remains approved in the EU and UK, but regulators are now reassessing the underlying data, with final conclusions expected in 2027.

Environmental groups warn that appointing Reform UK member James Evans to chair the Welsh climate and environment committee could weaken scrutiny of the government’s climate policies, citing the party’s opposition to net zero and renewable energy projects. Evans, a former Conservative MS, pledges impartiality and argues that diverse perspectives strengthen oversight. Stakeholders from Green Alliance, Wales Environment Link, and Climate Cymru raise concerns about potential bias and the party’s record, while emphasising the need for constructive engagement. The appointment process, controlled by political parties, remains opaque, and observers stress the importance of maintaining rigorous scrutiny to support effective environmental governance in Wales.

The government warns that climate change, geopolitical instability and environmental degradation threaten UK food security, predicting possible food price shocks and shortages. Its new farming plan promotes nature‑friendly systems and increased funding for environmental land management schemes, along with additional investment in innovation and farmer collaboration. Farming leaders, including the National Farmers’ Union, criticise the plan for lacking long‑term funding and pushing risk onto farmers. Environmental advocates welcome the plan’s recognition of the climate–farming link but call for stronger financial support. The environment secretary says the plan offers long‑term clarity to help farmers innovate and adapt.

Rising global temperatures have made the once‑exceptional 1976 UK heatwave comparable to a much hotter modern climate, with current conditions prompting red heat alerts and forecasts surpassing 40C. Scientists warn that greenhouse gas emissions have intensified heat extremes, with projections suggesting even more severe heatwaves by the 2050s. Experts highlight increased risks to health, water supplies and agriculture, stressing the need for emissions cuts and major adaptation measures as extreme heat becomes a regular feature of British summers.

A government-funded review of cancer rates near the AGC Chemicals Europe plant in Thornton-Cleveleys found two areas with higher-than-expected kidney cancer rates but concluded no further investigation was needed. Multiple experts challenged the conclusion, citing the known carcinogenic properties of PFOA historically emitted by the factory and arguing the findings warrant deeper inquiry, including blood testing. Environmental tests led to restrictions on consuming produce within 1km of the site, and authorities have recommended classifying the area as contaminated land. A law firm is exploring legal action on behalf of residents while the health group maintains there is no evidence of a cancer cluster linked to contamination.

Rising temperatures are projected to drive more frequent and intense hydroclimatic whiplash in UK rivers, marked by rapid shifts between unusually dry and wet conditions. A study using climate projections and hydrological modelling of 698 river catchments found significant increases in both dry‑to‑wet and wet‑to‑dry swings under 2C and 4C warming scenarios, with some catchments seeing events more than double. These abrupt transitions heighten risks of flash flooding, water‑quality declines, soil erosion and more challenging drought planning, prompting calls for stronger, region‑specific adaptation measures, improved flood‑risk management and expanded water‑storage capacity. The findings serve as a broader indicator of how rising temperatures could reshape hydrological extremes globally.

An environmental campaign group, Fighting Dirty, is pursuing legal action against the UK government over proposed chemical regulation changes that could allow hazard classifications from countries with weaker safety standards to be fast-tracked into UK law. The group argues that the removal of explicit references to EU chemical standards risks exposing the public to carcinogenic substances such as hexavalent chromium. Campaigners and legal representatives warn the omission could enable future governments to approve lower-standard classifications from countries like the US, China, India and Brazil. The Health and Safety Executive insists the rules will prevent weaker non‑EU jurisdictions from qualifying for fast‑tracking, but campaigners say legal clarification is needed to ensure only EU decisions can be rapidly adopted. A judicial review is being sought following a formal legal warning to the HSE.

The UK government has launched a consultation on a new natural history GCSE, aimed at teaching pupils about habitats, biodiversity loss, climate breakdown and the impact of human activity on nature. The course will require at least 20 hours of fieldwork and encourage practical actions such as creating wildlife-friendly gardens. Supporters from the education sector and Natural History Museum say the qualification will make learning more accessible and hands‑on. While the government has faced criticism for portraying nature as a barrier to economic growth, ministers argue that the new GCSE aligns environmental understanding with broader educational goals and will be introduced alongside revised GCSEs after the curriculum review.

Researchers produced the first global map of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, revealing networks stretching an estimated 110 quadrillion kilometres and highlighting their essential role in supporting plant life and regulating climate. The study warns that agricultural practices significantly reduce fungal density, threatening soil carbon storage, nutrient distribution and water protection. Grasslands were identified as having the densest fungal systems, though many are poorly protected and increasingly degraded. Scientists urge collaboration with farmers to protect soil fungi, reduce fertiliser dependence and improve carbon storage, with data to be presented to governments at the upcoming desertification summit in Mongolia.

Blood testing in Bentham, North Yorkshire, revealed exceptionally high PFAS levels among residents and former factory workers, with nearly a quarter of those tested falling into the highest risk category. Experts warned that the concentrations far exceed US health risk thresholds, indicating likely community exposure linked to historical foam testing at Angus Fire’s facility. Environmental reports suggested airborne dispersal and contamination of local produce as probable pathways. Health specialists noted potential reproductive impacts and recommended medical interventions for those with elevated PFAS levels. Angus Fire acknowledged community concerns but disputed the interpretation of the blood test data and maintained compliance with regulatory guidance.

People living near a Lancashire chemical plant face dangerous PFAS contamination, including in home-produced food, while the UK government’s newly published action plan lacks concrete protections. Despite evidence of widespread PFAS pollution and serious health risks, the government delays tougher measures and collaborates closely with industry. The EU is advancing a blanket ban on PFAS, but the UK opts for a slower, selective approach described by officials as philosophical. Calls grow for decisive restrictions as residents continue to face exposure with little immediate support.

Groundwater testing at the Angus Fire site in Bentham revealed the highest recorded PFAS concentrations in the UK, including levels of banned chemicals PFOA and PFOS thousands of times above environmental standards. The firm has a history of environmental permit breaches, prompting regulatory warnings and a review of its permit by the Environment Agency. Although Angus Fire ended PFAS foam testing in 2022 and now promotes fluorine‑free alternatives, concerns persist due to historic contamination near residential areas. Local authorities have begun broader assessments of private water supplies, with initial tests in nearby Lancaster showing no PFAS detection.