Breaking Waves: Ocean News

11/09/2024 - 12:00
Landscape and architecture photographer Vincenzo Pagliuca was always fascinated by the empty, isolated houses scattered around the Campania region of southern Italy where he grew up. Since 2016 he has travelled along the Apennine mountain range that runs almost the length of the country, photographing uninhabited rural houses and abandoned holiday homes linked to ski tourism – now unused due to lack of snow. These images, collected in the book Mónos, were shot during the winter months to capture the particular quality of the light. “A house immersed in a winter landscape, even more so in its isolated state, evokes an ancestral sense of shelter and protection,” says Pagliuca. “It becomes an archetypal image of intimacy, inviting us to reflect on the psychological significance of home for human beings.” Vincenzo Pagliuca’s Mónos is published by Hartmann Books (£28). To order a copy for £25.20 go to guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply. Continue reading...
11/09/2024 - 11:00
Patrick Grant says not even luxury clothing labels care enough about quality any more Earlier this year Patrick Grant, The Great British Sewing Bee presenter and clothes designer, criticised the poor quality of Marks & Spencer’s jumpers and socks – and now the luxury British heritage brand Burberry is in his line of fire. Speaking at an event organised by the Design Council last week, Grant had a simple message for the audience: “Most people who sell you clothes do not give a stuff about the quality.” Continue reading...
11/09/2024 - 06:00
Gabriel Kay hopes his design can help tackle the problems caused by discarded electrical goods Gabriel Kay really understands his target audience. As a student of industrial and product design at De Montfort University, he focused on the kettle. “Everyone can relate to a kettle, right?” says the 22-year-old graduate. “It’s easy to understand and associated with comfort. It’s a friendly introduction to design.” Continue reading...
11/08/2024 - 21:25
More than 130 structures destroyed in two days by ferocious Mountain fire, as thousands remain under evacuation order Firefighters in southern California made progress in their effort to contain a wildfire that destroyed more than 130 structures in two days as fierce wind gusts that were fanning flames eased on Friday. The Mountain fire, which started on Wednesday morning in Ventura county, had grown to 20,630 acres (about 8,349 hectares) with 14% contained as of Friday evening. Continue reading...
11/08/2024 - 19:13
After debris balls were widely reported to be tar, testing coordinated with EPA revealed they were consistent with human-generated waste, or ‘likely lumps of fatberg’ Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast The NSW environment watchdog allegedly knew for more than a week that thousands of mystery balls that washed up on Sydney beaches last month were probably consistent with human-generated waste before it made the news public as US election results dominated headlines. A statement from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) on Wednesday revealed the balls comprised fatty acids, petroleum hydrocarbons and other organic and inorganic materials – including traces of drugs, hair, motor oil, food waste, animal matter and human faeces. Continue reading...
11/08/2024 - 13:30
The new president’s disruptive policies will challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s green goals. But with strong leadership he could enhance Britain’s global influence Donald Trump’s electoral earthquake in America will complicate Sir Keir Starmer’s plans. Nowhere will the shock of Mr Trump’s win be more intensely felt than in environmental policy. His stance on climate – advocating a US exit from the Paris climate agreement and rallying behind “drill baby drill” – is more disruptive than constructive. This should concentrate Sir Keir’s mind as he heads to Cop29, the UN’s annual climate summit, in Baku, Azerbaijan. At last year’s conference, world leaders agreed to “transition away” from fossil fuels in a just and orderly manner for the first time. Mr Trump, however, dismisses the climate crisis as a hoax. With this year likely to be the hottest on record, the devastating effects of global heating are undeniable, as extreme weather batters the planet. Mr Trump may ignore the facts, but the trail of climate-related chaos and destruction speaks for itself. Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
11/08/2024 - 12:30
Most recent fatality is 17th beluga to die since 2019 at Niagara Falls, Ontario, aquarium Another beluga has died at Canada’s Marineland, as questions mount over the future of both the controversial theme park and one of the world’s largest populations of captive whales. The most recent fatality – the fifth this year – is the 17th beluga to die at the Niagara Falls aquarium since 2019. Continue reading...
11/08/2024 - 11:38
Facebook and Instagram can boost wildlife conservation efforts through public awareness and engagement, according to a new study.
11/08/2024 - 08:18
Elnur Soltanov recorded speaking with fake oil and gas group that asked for deals in exchange for sponsoring talks The chief executive of Cop29 has been filmed apparently agreeing to facilitate fossil fuel deals at the climate summit. The recording has amplified calls by campaigners who want the fossil fuel industry and its lobbyists to be banned from future Cop talks. Continue reading...