Over the last few days we’ve detailed how schools’ green flag programmes are fostering a greater understanding and urgency about how we develop ways of existing without further damaging the only environment we have.

Russian authorities failed properly to warn residents in the Black Sea region of floods that killed at least 171 people and left others scrambling for safety, the emergencies minister has acknowledged.

Russia’s president moved quickly to address anger over the deaths of at least 171 people in severe flooding in the Black Sea region.

Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered investigators to find out if enough was done to prevent 150 people being killed in floods in southern Russia after flying to the region to deal with the first big disaster of his new presidency.

The death toll rose to at least 150 today from severe flooding in the Black Sea region of southern Russia that turned streets into rivers, swept away bridges and inundated thousands of homes as many residents were sleeping.