Blog.to is reporting that trees are being removed from a local park and I can see both sides. I can see the need to prevent flooding and the construction is reported to help with that, though cuting down trees is universally a poor idea. The Independent review is a great idea and may bring about a different way to resolve the flooding problem and keep most, if not all the trees from being cut down.
A post by the BBC about older technology for staying warm. The Elizabethan period had some ideas for staying warm in winter without current conveniences. I won't spoil the article, go on and read it for yourself.