The government’s rhetoric on overhauling the environmental impact assessment (EIA) regime has alarmed professionals, although most agree it could be improved. Catherine Early reports

The government has signalled how it might set long term air quality targets as required under the Environment Bill but given its record on tackling air pollution, some doubt the final goals will be ambitious enough. David Burrows reports

Environment Agency chief executive Sir James Bevan’s recent comments taking aim at the Water Framework Directive’s cornerstone ‘one out, all out’ rule have sparked a fierce row. Bevan says he has no intention of weakening green protections, but campaigners are alarmed. Adam Branson investigates

The EA says it has temporarily withdrawn its free pre-application permitting advice because of the coronavirus pandemic, but experts fear that the decision could backfire, increasing permitting delays. Conor McGlone reports

Former climate change secretary Ed Davey has won the struggle to become the Liberal Democrats’ new leader. ENDS takes a look at his green track record

The government’s flagship biodiversity net gain policy is taking shape, with MPs due to resume their scrutiny of the legislation that will bring the measure into effect in September. How prepared are environmental consultancies and councils for net gain’s arrival?

The Environment Bill in its current form requires government to set at least one target in four priority areas: air quality, biodiversity, water, and resource efficiency and waste reduction. Here are the 18 targets DEFRA is considering as set out in its policy paper published yesterday

Having looked set to backtrack on a pledge to sign up to the recycling targets in the EU's circular economy package, the UK government has agreed to transpose the rules without delay. Catherine Early examines the implications of the government’s apparent change of heart

Two years ago Cape Town’s water supply was nearly shut off. Last year, Chennai officials declared 'Day Zero', with no water for eight million people. London could be next. Here's what their experiences tell us about what to expect when taps run dry