Theresa May's green plan, New York divests and insect decline – green news roundup

UK prime minister Theresa May has pledged to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste within 25 years as part of the Government’s long-term plan for the environment. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA

Environment news

• Theresa May defends green plan as critics say it is too slow and vague
• Insect declines: new alarm over mayfly is ‘tip of iceberg’, warn experts
• Conservationists decry NSW shark net trial after protected species caught and killed
• Brexit bill may have broken international environment law, says UN
  
• Plastic microbeads ban enters force in UK
• Energy agency rejects Trump plan to prop up coal and nuclear power plants
• Great Barrier Reef: rising temperatures turning green sea turtles female
• Calls for EU to reinstate ban on ‘destructive’ electric pulse fishing
• Government pledges £5.7m to develop new northern forest

In depth

• ‘A really big deal’: New York City’s fossil fuel divestment could spur global shift
• Conservatives’ 25-year green plan: main points at a glance
• Confessions of a Deliveroo rider: get fit by delivering fast food
  
• The latest cutting-edge technology changing our landscapes? Trees

Multimedia

• The week in wildlife – in pictures
• Wildlife photographer of the year people’s choice award - in pictures
  

And finally ...

Beak fitness: bird experts in New Zealand have developed a special roadside gym for endangered keas