Ballast-Water Reform. An international agreement on ballast-water, water which is taken on by ships for stability and when discharged, often on the other side of the world releasing invasive species, causing huge problems for local marine wildlife. As of September 8th, all discharged ballast-water will have to be treated beforehand.
Shrinking Shorelines. The UK National Ecosystem Assessment estimates coastal habitat has decreased by 16% since 1945. In England, this has amounted to a loss of some 13,000 hectares with only 800 hectares created or restored.
Pesticides and Profitability. New research from France has found that reduction of pesticide does not necessarily result in reduced crop yields and profitability. The study looked at 946 non-organic arable commercial farms showing contrasting levels of pesticide use and covering a wide range of production situations in France. It was estimated that, on 59% of farms nationally, total pesticide use could be reduced by 42% without any negative effects. France hopes by 2025 to cut pesticide use by 50%. The UK has no plans to reduce overall pesticide use.