As an antidote to the culture of celebrity, photographer Rankin is inviting ordinary people to take part in his ambitious new project, Rankin  Live!, and help raise funds for Oxfam.

The Mayor of London has appointed John Plowman as the new Chair of the London Sustainable Development Commission. Plowman has a proven track record working on issues relating to sustainable development, notably as a senior civil servant for 30 years, in areas as diverse as environmental protection, urban regeneration and road safety. He runs a consultancy that provides advice to a range of clients including Defra.

Lord Philip Hunt, the Minister for Sustainable Development, has announced a steering group to update Defra's 'Green Claims' Code.

Fotowatio, one of Spain's largest independent solar power producers, has agreed to purchase core US solar power assets, including the largest US solar photovoltaic installation, at Nellis Air Force base, from San Francisco-based, MMA Renewable Venture.

CIWEM Executive Director, Nick Reeves, talks to Anthony Day of Sustainable Business Strategies about population, consumption and new economic models.

The theme of this year's World Wetlands Day on 2 February, 'Upstream-Downstream,' highlighted how the world's wetlands are connected to livelihoods, safety and security of millions of people who depend on them for water supply and to help regulate floods. Climate change will magnify these problems, making the resilience of wetlands a fundamental issue that must be part of climate change adaptation strategies.

Experts in China believe that a rise in birth defects can be attributed to poor environmental conditions.

A state of emergency has been declared in Fiji following severe storms and flooding.  Eight people have been killed and thousands have been forced from their homes.

Kalahari bushmen have appealed to the Pope to help them regain their land.

With two-thirds of the world to experience water shortages by 2025, a new report from global management consultancy Arthur D Little warns businesses that a reactive response regarding water management could damage business performance.