From Legal Struggles to Environmental Justice: The Fight Against Drax’s Greenwashing and Biomass Deception

Libby McGuinness on 23 February 2025

On December 14, 2021, a freight train transporting wood pellets to the Drax Power Station was halted outside Selby, North Yorkshire. Standing in front of the train in orange high-vis, Diana Warner, a retired GP and member of Extinction Rebellion and the Axe Drax coalition, decried UK’s “most ridiculous power station” chopping down forests to produce “renewable” electricity and perpetuating environmental racism in marginalized communities in Canada and Southern US.

Diana’s courageous actions have left her in a legal struggle which could land her in prison, the decision being taken to Leeds Crown Court in the last week of February. Climate activists are about to launch a campaign in the Leeds City Centre, to support Diana and to further expose Drax’s greenwashing operations.

Carbon Neutral wood pellets?

Formerly the UK’s largest coal power station, Drax began switching from coal to biomass fuel, namely the wood pellet; small compressed cylinders formed from sawdust, wood shavings and forest leftovers in this century. Today, Drax burns 6.5 million tonnes of imported wood pellets annually, generating about 6% of the nation’s electricity and receives over £700 million government subsidies on average every year for this “renewable energy source”. However, with a closer look, wood pellets are by no means as “renewable” as Drax claims, but explicit greenwashing. 

Drax’s claims that these wood pellets are carbon-neutral are incredibly misleading. One is led to believe that the CO2 released during combustion is countered by the carbon absorbed by newly planted trees that replace removed forests, delivering climate benefits as a fossil fuel substitute. But this explanation is flawed since burning wood pellets releases carbon immediately, whereas replanted trees take decades to recapture equal CO2. Scientific analyses indicate that the regrowth of new trees to maturity spans 44 to 104 years, meaning “burning wood pellets would create a carbon debt that would not be paid off” in the current climate emergency.

The replanted forests are not capable of recreating the original natural forests, which serve as irreplaceable carbon sinks and wildlife habitats due to their rich biodiversity and complex ecosystems. BBC Panorama discovered data from British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests showing the company took over 40,000 tonnes of wood from old-growth forests in 2023, which may permanently degrade carbon-rich ecosystems.

Struggling with compliance 

Drax has a poor track record in regard to long term sustainability. Its wood pellet factories in the US and Canada have repeatedly exceeded toxic air pollutant limits and contaminated waterways in marginal communities. In Gloster, a low-income, majority-Black community in Mississippi, local residents around Drax’s Amite BioEnergy pellet factory have suffered from respiratory diseases related to air pollution. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality penalized Drax $2.5 million for exceeding emission limits and Drax Group’s six pellet factories in the US have had over 8,700 similar breachers since 2020. Drax also paid a £25 million UK government fine in 2024 for misreporting its wood sources. 

£470 million subsidies a year from 2027?

The UK government has determined that Drax’s must halve their annual subsidy to £470 million from 2027 to 2035 but only if their wood source is 100% sustainable. However, this compromise is not adequate in light of the urgency of the climate crisis, £470 million a year is still far too high. The prior subsidies and enormous number of “sustainability-linked loans” (SSL) issued by large commercial banks with reduced interest rates and accountability requirements has meant that Drax faces limited constraints in expanding its biomass business. As of August 2024, Drax has accepted its biggest $553 million SLL to date.

As studies from E3G show, biomass is not necessary to meet the UK’s 2030 energy decarbonization target, green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy, is a better alternative for back-up power. The real focus should be accelerating offshore wind generation and related infrastructure, smart metering and regulations on gas-fired plant rather than funding a bogus option with taxpayer’s money.

Diana’s trial is on February 24th-26th. Extinction Rebellion Leeds is going to hold a funeral for the trees and a court support in the city centre, bringing more awareness to Drax’s deeds and energy transition strategies. We are calling for more people to join in. If you’re interested, join the campaign’s group chat by contacting Zane via xinzhi0902@gmail.com Hope to hear your voices outside the Court!

Words by Xinzhi Zhou

Image credit: Gerard Liston
Image credit: Gerard Liston

COP29 Wrapped Up: I hope its gone for minimal layers- we’ve got a hot year ahead of us

Coco Heppner on 14 February 2025

At time of writing, we are just reaching the end of COP29, the annual Conference of the Parties in which state representatives gather to discuss our impending climate doom, and ponder as to whether it’s maybe time to do something about it. 

Sorry – that was slightly biased. 

Officially, COP, or the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is a chance for representatives to come together to discuss what progress so far has been made towards climate goals, how far intended policies have been successful, and what still needs to be done. 

Different years take different focuses. In 2009 the focus was financial, and developed countries worldwide came together and pledged to collectively raise $100 billion a year to support developing countries’ climate action. An ambitious goal [that incidentally was hit for the first time only in 2020], but one that simultaneously was recognised to be insufficient – whilst a valuable first step, there remained an underlying acceptance that this number would one day have to be reconsidered. 

This is where we find ourselves today. Once again, the focus is financial, and representatives from around 200 countries have flocked to Baku in Azerbaijan with the aim of agreeing a new spending target to reach climate goals. This increased spending is of essential importance; it would facilitate the needed transition to a low-carbon global economy through investment in green technologies and the implementation of climate resilient policies in developing countries. 

Reaching an agreement, however, is proving to be challenging. Differing figures are being proposed – the Arab Group of countries has set high stakes with calls for a target of $1.1tn per year, the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change have raised this to $1.3tn a year, but a report from the Energy Transitions Commission think-tank suggests that these numbers, high as they seem, are not enough – to remain within the target of 1.5C, we also need capital investments of around $3tn a year. 

It is perhaps unsurprising, therefore, that the apparent concluding offer from COP29 of an annual $250 billion has not quite been received with open arms. 

Money always divides, but this is not a situation in which we can afford to be stingy, with the backdrop to these negotiations featuring news of events such as unprecedented floods in Spain and record wildfires in Ecuador, although then again – silly me – I guess money doesn’t grow on trees. We may have had a smattering of snow last week, but with warnings of 2024 set to be the hottest year yet, and a financial stalemate at the top, I think its parachutes, not ski boots, that we need to be dusting off – the end of the run’s looking worryingly barren.

Words by Coco Heppner

Valencia Floods: The cost of climate change denialism

Lucy Bysouth on 3 February 2025

Climate change denialism kills… and governments still aren’t listening. The end of October held Spain’s deadliest flash flood, killing hundreds of people particularly within the Valencia region. Scientists have attributed these ‘Monster’ floods once again to man-made climate change. 

Man-made climate change is increasingly talked about with its damaging effects becoming inevitable. While this extreme weather remains unchanged, so does the nation’s preparation for it. Climate change denialism is a stance taken too often by those in power resulting in a lack of funding and focus on defending against this. The recent floods in Valencia are a prime example of the effects it has on the everyday citizen. 

The World Weather Attribution has declared that climate change directly impacted the amount of rain that the clouds carried, pushing it up by 7% for every degree of warming. They have linked this directly to the causes of the Spanish flash floods and their ensuing devastation. This, however, is not a new revelation.

Researchers across the globe have been continuing to expose the life-threatening effects climate change is beginning to create. Their efforts have only increased after the devastating results of storm Helene which tore its way through the U.S only weeks before. We continue to see firsthand the destruction of everyday life as a result of man-made climate change while those in power fail both to aid the climate crisis and prepare the public for what that brings. So, what did the Spanish government do to fail their citizens in the growing climate crisis?

One of the Spanish government’s most crucial errors was the lack of communication with the general public from the very beginning. After over eight hours of continued rainfall, a flood was clearly imminent, however, it was not until houses were knee deep in mud and cars floating down the street that a message alert regarding ‘possible flooding’ was issued. Citizens claimed they were left completely blindsided by the flooding and had no opportunity to prepare or evacuate. 

Those affected have been left divided as to where the blame should fall. Was this a lack of preparedness on the government’s behalf or a denial of impending danger? This need for communication was strengthened through the aid, or lack thereof, given post flood. Those in poverty-stricken areas were left without help or any form of alert for days, knowing their loved ones could be lost and buried under the rubble the rain left behind. Both the community and those following along through the media are looking to the authoritie’s lack of focus on aid in the following days that cost valuable lives. 

The underfunding and lack of prioritisation of water infrastructure and flood defences increased the loss of life in the event of the floods significantly. Throughout the past 20 years there have been several plans drawn to aid defence against extreme weather. Almost 18 years prior, plans for flood works were prepared to be installed at the Poyo ravine. These exact plans however expired in 2017 as ‘no work had been initiated’. If it had been enacted, the damage caused to the surrounding areas would have been considerably minimised. 

Climate change evidently escalated the magnitude of such a disaster, rainfall like this has not been seen since the 1950s. Nevertheless, it appears that the errors of the government who funded poor infrastructure and allowed people to settle in these high-risk areas massively contributed to the traumatic death toll.

The citizens of Spain have come together in protest against the failure of the government, claiming the blood to be on their hands. The authorities accept their role in the flash flooding and discussions are in place on how to handle future events such as these, countries like Germany are also taking note from the failures of Spain. The country aims to make improvements for the future but the climate change denialism which grasps countries across the world was undoubtedly an overarching contributor to the 2024 Valencian floods. 

Words by Lucy Bysouth

Game-Changing Innovations: The Latest in Sustainable Technologies, Renewable Energy, and the Battle Against Climate Change (June–October 2024)

Longoae Domingos Tembwa on 21 October 2024

Over the past few months, significant advancements in sustainable technologies have emerged, as industries and governments intensify their efforts to combat climate change. Innovations in renewable energy generation, storage, carbon capture, and the circular economy are moving at a rapid pace, signalling hope in the fight against global warming. Let’s explore some of the most notable developments from June to October 2024, and their potential to reshape global responses to the climate emergency…

Solar Energy: Greater Efficiency and New Solutions

Solar energy continues to lead the renewable energy charge with groundbreaking innovations. In September, European researchers announced a new world record for solar efficiency: 33.7% in tandem perovskite-silicon solar cells. This leap integrates perovskite layers with silicon to capture more sunlight, resulting in higher energy output. These advanced cells could significantly lower solar energy costs, accelerating the transition to renewable power sources globally.

Moreover, solar energy storage is evolving rapidly. In Spain, a project utilising molten salts for thermal energy storage is in development. These salts can store excess solar energy produced during daylight hours, before releasing it at night. Such technology promises to overcome one of the major challenges facing solar power—its reliance on sunlight—and could make solar a 24/7 energy source, enhancing its reliability for large-scale deployment.

Gemasolar Power Plant, Spain, which uses molten salts for thermal energy storage.
Image Credit: Stocksy

Wind Energy: Offshore Expansion and Innovative Designs

As for wind energy, the sector is making significant strides, particularly in offshore projects. In July, Norway inaugurated the world’s largest floating wind farm, which generates 2 gigawatts of power, enough to supply over 1 million homes. Floating wind turbines are a significant development since they can be deployed in deeper waters where winds are stronger and more consistent. This advancement opens new possibilities for wind energy in countries with deep coastal waters, such as Japan and the United States, which are currently limited by conventional offshore wind technology.

Onshore wind technology is also evolving. Spain is testing a bladeless wind turbine design that uses oscillating rods to generate electricity. This turbine operates without the visual and noise pollution associated with traditional turbines, potentially expanding wind energy in urban or densely populated areas where conventional turbines face resistance.

Wind turbines in Spain trialling bladeless designs.
Image Credit: Energy Magazine

Battery Technology: Pioneering Long-Term Energy Storage

Energy storage remains a key challenge for renewable energy, but several promising breakthroughs have emerged. For instance, Iron-air batteries, showcased in August 2024 by U.S. company Form Energy, are generating excitement due to their ability to store energy for days rather than hours. This breakthrough makes iron-air batteries a game-changer for renewable energy systems, enabling more stable energy grids even during periods of low sunlight or wind.

Form Energy’s iron-air batteries.
The basic principle of operation is reversible rusting.
While discharging, the battery breathes in oxygen from the air and converts iron metal to rust.
While charging, the application of an electrical current converts the rust back to iron and the battery breathes out oxygen.
Image Credit: Form Energy

At the same time, solid-state batteries are nearing commercial viability, particularly for electric vehicles. In September, Toyota revealed its prototype solid-state battery, which offers faster charging, longer range, and improved safety compared to lithium-ion batteries. This technology is expected to be integrated into Toyota’s next-generation EVs by 2025 and could significantly boost the adoption of EVs, which are crucial for reducing emissions in the transport sector.

Green Hydrogen: A Clean Energy Frontier

Green hydrogen is rapidly gaining momentum as a clean fuel for industries that are difficult to electrify, such as shipping, aviation, and heavy manufacturing. In July, the European Union launched the Hydrogen Valley initiative, which aims to establish over 100 hydrogen hubs by 2030. These hubs will become centres for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, thus accelerating the adoption of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source across Europe.

In Australia, the construction of the world’s largest green hydrogen production facility began in August. Set in Western Australia, the facility aims to produce 10 gigawatts of hydrogen annually by 2030, providing clean energy for both domestic use and export. The rise of green hydrogen projects similar to this is expected to drive down costs, providing a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Circular Economy and Sustainable Materials: Reducing Waste

Advancements in the circular economy are driving significant progress in reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. In September, a consortium of leading electronics manufacturers launched the “Right to Repair” initiative, which aims to extend the life of consumer electronics and reduce electronic waste. This initiative is particularly important for addressing the environmental impact of e-waste, which contributes millions of tons of global waste each year.

At the same time, sustainable materials are seeing a push forward. In August, a new biodegradable plastic alternative made from seaweed and shrimp shells was introduced to the market. This material, which decomposes in a few weeks, could be a major step toward addressing the global plastic pollution crisis. If widely adopted, it could significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste in oceans and landfills.

A new biodegradable plastic alternative using shrimp shells.
Image Credit: HuffPost UK

Conclusion: Progress with Challenges Ahead

The recent months have witnessed significant advancements in sustainable technologies, from improved solar and wind systems to breakthroughs in battery storage and green hydrogen. These developments provide hope for tackling climate change, but scaling these technologies and ensuring global adoption will be critical. Investment, policy alignment, and international cooperation will be key in determining their long-term impact on global emissions.

As the world continues to innovate and push the boundaries of renewable energy and sustainability, recent breakthroughs suggest that the path to a low-carbon future is increasingly within reach. The next decade will be crucial in determining how these innovations can help mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and transform global energy systems for good.

Earthshot Winners Announced: the People Taking on Climate Change 

Elizabeth Sprason on 23 November 2023

On the 7th November, five winners of the Earthshot Prize 2023 were announced by Prince William at a star-studded event in Singapore. Out of 1300 nominees, the winners included community projects, high tech startups, and charities. The Earthshot awards have gained great global interest and shines a spotlight on communities working to protect our planet.  

Image Credit: The Earthshot Prize (https://earthshotprize.org/our-vision-mission/)

The purpose of the Earthshot Prize is to accelerate sustainable development and innovation, and has 5 defining categories. By 2030, the five Earthshot winners aim to: Protect and Restore Nature by seeing a growth in natural habitats; Clean Our Air and ensure that globally the World Health Organisation standard is met; Revive Our Oceans and future proof them for the next generation; Build a Waste-Free World with a focus on removing single use plastics, and finally, Fix Our Climate which has the aim to build a carbon neutral economy.  

Each of the winners are awarded £1million to help develop their projects as well as receiving recognition and notoriety within the sustainability community. Back in 2020, Prince William set up the prize and is described by the Royal Foundation as “the most prestigious global prize for the environment in history”. From 2021 to 2030, a winner will be announced for each of the five categories having been judged by the Earthshot Prize Council (which includes in their midst Prince William himself and Sir David Attenborough).  

 The 2023 winners were varied. From a conservation community project in the Andes planting almost 10 million native trees since 2018, to an Indian food waste prevention scheme that empowers female farmers by supplying solar powered food processors. One company – Boomitra – uses AI and satellite images to help farmers restore their soil health and improves food security. 

The winner the Clean Our Air Earthshot, meanwhile, has developed a unique technology than can reduce greenhouse emissions by 40%. GRST (Green, Renewable and Sustainable Technology) uses water instead of NMP solvents to produce lithium batteries. This has the potential for a variety of uses from manufacturing to powering electric cars. Currently, lithium-ion batteries require destructive mining techniques to obtain the finite materials required. and as As the world moves away from fossil fuels, the demand for lithium will only increase, risking the future of many of earth’s habitats. Furthermore, using water is less toxic than NMP solvents and also makes the battery easier to recycle, thus ultimately reducing waste. With the prize money, the Hong Kong based start-up is set to build the world’s greenest lithium-ion battery factory in China and upscale its battery production. 

Other winners and nominees from previous years include The City of Milan Food Waste Hubs for the Build a Waste-Free World, Reeddi Capsules for Fix Our Climate, and The Great Bubble Barrier for Revive Our Oceans. One 2021 finalist is Vinisha Umashankar who at 14 created solar powered carts that improved ironing vendors health in India as an alternative to the charcoal stands used in her community.  

Seeing through the glamour, it’s clear to see the legacy the Earthshot prizes create, and the importance of the awareness it creates for the climate crisis. Who will win next? 

Image Credit: The Earthshot Prize (https://earthshotprize.org/our-vision-mission/)