Mark Poynting

United Kingdom

Climate and Environment Researcher at BBC

Climate reporter @BBCNews. Previously @scottpolar @Selwyn1882 @CamUniGeography

Articles

Failing water sector needs stronger regulation, review says

3 days ago | bbc.com | Mark Poynting |Jonah Fisher

Failing water sector needs stronger regulation, review saysMark Poynting and Jonah FisherGetty ImagesThe water sector in England and Wales is failing and needs stronger regulation to better protect billpayers and the environment, according to the interim findings of a landmark review.
Government fast-tracks new reservoirs to secure water supply

1 week ago | bbc.com | Mark Poynting

Government fast-tracks two new reservoirs to shore up water supplyMark PoyntingClimate reporter, BBC NewsGettyParts of the UK have had an exceptionally dry springTwo major new reservoir projects have been fast-tracked in a bid to shore up England's water supplies, the government has announced. The projects in East Anglia and south Lincolnshire have been declared "nationally significant", allowing them to speed through the planning process.
Busy hurricane season expected as forecasters fear Trump cuts

2 weeks ago | envirolink.org | Mark Poynting

From BBC 3 hours agoShareSaveMark PoyntingClimate reporter, BBC NewsShareSaveNoaa/ReutersThe coming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be busier than usual, US science agency NOAA has warned, just as cuts to American research are raising fears about the ability to track and prepare for these often deadly storms. Between six and 10 hurricanes are forecast for the Atlantic between June and November, compared with the typical seven.
Busy hurricane season expected as forecasters fear Trump cuts

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Mark Poynting

Busy hurricane season expected as forecasters fear Trump cutsMark PoyntingClimate reporter, BBC NewsNoaa/ReutersHurricane Milton, in October 2024, was one of the Atlantic's strongest recorded stormsThe coming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be busier than usual, US science agency NOAA has warned, just as cuts to American research are raising fears about the ability to track and prepare for these often deadly storms.
Coastlines in danger even if climate target met, scientists warn

2 weeks ago | envirolink.org | Mark Poynting

The world could see hugely damaging sea-level rise of several metres or more over the coming centuries even if the ambitious target of limiting global warming to 1.5C is met, scientists have warned. Nearly 200 countries have pledged to try to keep the planet’s warming to 1.5C, but the researchers warn that this should not be considered “safe” for coastal populations.
Tropical forests destroyed at fastest recorded rate last year

2 weeks ago | envirolink.org | Mark Poynting |Esme Stallard

From BBC 9 hours agoShareSaveMark Poynting and Esme StallardBBC Climate & ScienceShareSaveGetty ImagesThe world’s tropical forests, which provide a crucial buffer against climate change, disappeared faster than ever recorded last year, new satellite analysis suggests. Researchers estimate that 67,000 sq km (26,000 sq mi) of these pristine, old-growth forests were lost in 2024 – an area nearly as large as the Republic of Ireland, or 18 football pitches a minute.
Fires cause record loss of tropical forests in climate threat

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Mark Poynting |Esme Stallard

Tropical forests destroyed at fastest recorded rate last yearMark Poynting and Esme StallardGetty ImagesThe world's tropical forests, which provide a crucial buffer against climate change, disappeared faster than ever recorded last year, new satellite analysis suggests. Researchers estimate that 67,000 sq km (26,000 sq mi) of these pristine, old-growth forests were lost in 2024 – an area nearly as large as the Republic of Ireland, or 18 football pitches a minute.
Tropical forests destroyed at fastest recorded rate last year

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Mark Poynting |Esme Stallard

The Dangerous World of the Honey Hunters of Nepal: A Visual Reminder of Our Responsibility to the Ecosystem That Sustains UsPhotography is an art form, but it can also be a powerful vehicle for social change. With the stability of our global food supply threatened by the …
Coastlines in danger even if climate target met, scientists warn

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Mark Poynting

Coastlines in danger even if climate target met, scientists warnMark PoyntingClimate reporter, BBC NewsGettyThe world could see hugely damaging sea-level rise of several meters or more over the coming centuries even if the ambitious target of limiting global warming to 1.5C is met, scientists have warned. Nearly 200 countries have pledged to try to keep the planet's warming to 1.5C, but the researchers warn that this should not be considered "safe" for coastal populations.
Government not taking climate seriously – advisers - EnviroLink Network

1 month ago | envirolink.org | Mark Poynting |Justin Rowlatt

The government has made very little progress in preparing the UK for the growing threats posed by rising temperatures since coming to power, its climate watchdog has warned. In a highly critical report, the independent Climate Change Committee says progress is “either too slow, has stalled, or is heading in the wrong direction”. From hospitals and care homes to food and water supplies, this could leave the UK vulnerable to serious economic and health impacts in the decades ahead, the CCC warns.