Koala populations in parts of the country face a ‘serious threat’ from urban expansion and climate change, government says. The Australian government has listed the koala as a threatened species in parts of the country for the first time, admitting that the species faces a “serious threat” from factors such as urban expansion and climate change. Koala populations in Queensland,... 

From 1 January shops will have to stop supplying shoppers with plastic bags A ban on plastic bags is coming into effect in Italy, which has one of the highest rates of consumption of the bags in Europe. The ban begins in shops across Italy on 1 January, with only biodegradable, cloth or paper bags to be offered. Italians use 20 billion plastic bags a year – more than 300 per person. Supporters...