Climate policy
New climate finance goal explained: what $300bn and $1.3tn mean before COP31
The new climate finance goal explained: what the $300bn NCQG core and $1.3tn wider target mean, what counts and what COP31 must show.
theplanetbrief.com /author/kieran/
Kieran Simpson
Founder of The Planet Brief and The Carbon Workbench, writing practical explainers on carbon markets, ESG reporting, net zero, climate claims and green finance.
Latest articles
Progress
Scottish Water solar project: wildflowers and rare bees bloom beside 576 panels
Scottish Water's Gailes solar project has 576 panels beside 2,000m² of wildflower meadow, a wildlife pond and habitat for rare bees.
Net Zero
UK Local Power Plan explained: what £1 billion could change for community energy
UK Local Power Plan explained: how up to £1bn, shared ownership and new finance could support 1,000 community energy projects by 2030.
Progress
Dartford warbler recovery: UK population reaches an estimated 4,100 pairs
Dartford warbler recovery UK 2026: the population is estimated at 4,100 pairs, up from 3,200 in 2006, after decades of heathland restoration.
Climate policy
School Streets in England: what the evidence says about traffic, air quality and active travel
School Streets in England explained: what current evidence says about traffic, air quality, active travel, displacement and effective local delivery.
ESG & Reporting
SASB Standards explained: how industry metrics fit with ISSB reporting
SASB Standards explained: how 77 industry standards, disclosure topics and metrics fit with IFRS S1, IFRS S2 and ISSB reporting.
Progress
Sizewell B life extension to 2055: what 20 more years of nuclear power would mean
Sizewell B life extension to 2055: what the UK government and EDF agreement preserves, what the £70.50/MWh contract covers and what safety evidence still matters.
Progress
Scotland glue trap ban 2026: use, sale and possession are now illegal
Scotland's glue trap ban took full effect on 1 July 2026. Use, supply and possession are now criminal offences, closing the retail route as well as restricting use.
Progress
Cockcrow Green Bridge: Surrey's 30-metre wildlife crossing over the A3
Cockcrow Green Bridge in Surrey is a 30-metre heathland crossing over the A3. What it reconnects, why it matters and what evidence needs to follow.
Climate policy
Urban greening for climate adaptation: what trees and green space can actually do
Urban greening and climate adaptation explained: how trees, parks, rain gardens and permeable surfaces can reduce heat and surface-water risk.
Carbon Markets
Carbon market update July 2026: prices are visible, but evidence still decides the market
Carbon market update July 2026: carbon prices, CORSIA, Article 6, voluntary credits and removals show a market with more data but uneven evidence.
Progress
Oxford electric bus progress 2026: cleaner air and quieter streets
Oxford electric bus progress 2026: researchers report lower nitrogen dioxide and quieter streets after 159 battery-electric buses entered service.