Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Indigenous cultural burning managed Australia’s bushfires long before colonisation. It’s needed now more than ever, a study says

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:00:26 +0000

As wildfires become more frequent and intense due to the climate crisis, combining the First Nations practice with western techniques is ‘crucial’

Alaska governor awards $1m in state funds to Indigenous group backing oil drilling

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:00:24 +0000

Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat is a backer of the controversial Willow oil drilling project

The administration of Alaska’s Republican governor, Mike Dunleavy, awarded at least $1m in state funds to a group claiming to represent a consensus of Indigenous support for new Arctic oil drilling, new research shows.

Essex car park to be test case for legislation to protect landscapes

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:23:27 +0000

Campaigners say car park extension at Manningtree station inhibits access to Dedham Vale and threatens habitats

A commuter car park in Essex is to be one of the first test cases of whether the government will enforce new legislation aimed at protecting national parks and landscapes in England.

Rats trained to sniff out smuggled rhino horn and pangolin scales

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:09:36 +0000

African giant pouched rats trained to alert their handlers when they find illegally trafficked wildlife products

Rats could be the latest weapon deployed in the fight against endangered wildlife trafficking, according to a study of rodents trained to sniff out pangolin scales, rhino horns, elephant tusks and hardwood.

‘It won’t wash’: Environment secretary’s bid to cosy up to water pollution protesters backfires

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:26:12 +0000

Steve Reed’s letter to campaign groups ahead of demonstration met with anger from those who say he has ignored the key issue of privatisation

The environment secretary has caused a backlash among groups demanding an end to the pollution of rivers by water companies after a direct appeal ahead of a demonstration backfired. The intervention by Steve Reed, who wrote to activists saying they could trust him with forging change within the water industry, was met with anger by campaigners who said he was avoiding the key issue – that water privatisation has failed.

Sweden abolishes tax on plastic bags despite warnings usage could rise

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:01:47 +0000

Levy that reduced usage by more than three-quarters in four years fell victim to rightwing culture wars, say critics

A tax that has reduced plastic bag consumption in Sweden by more than three-quarters in four years is being abolished on Friday, despite warnings that the move could lead to usage rising back towards previous levels.

Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah’s mother to receive settlement over death linked to air pollution

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:35:27 +0000

UK government offers undisclosed sum in compensation to Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah for daughter’s untimely death

The mother of a nine-year-old girl who became the first person in the UK to have air pollution cited on their death certificate will receive an undisclosed settlement from the government in compensation for her daughter’s untimely death.

Shell calls for certainty over North Sea future after UK raises windfall tax on energy profits

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:29:35 +0000

Campaigners criticise fall in company’s investments in renewables as it reveals better than expected profits of $6bn in third quarter

Shell has called on the government to “provide certainty” over the future of the North Sea after the chancellor confirmed plans to toughen its windfall tax on oil and gas profits.

I’m obsessed with whale poop: ‘It can be neon green, bright red – or even sparkle’

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 08:00:12 +0000

It may be colourful but if it gets on your clothes you have to throw them away, says biologist Dr Joe Roman, who can’t get enough of the stuff, which is vital to support ocean biodiversity

I first encountered whale poop 30 years ago while I was working on a right whale research project. On one of my first days on the water, in the Bay of Fundy, in eastern Canada, we came upon a feeding male right whale with mud on its head – or bonnet – a sign that it had been feeding at the bottom of the bay. It had come up to breathe and rest.

Spain floods: number killed passes 150 as scientists say climate change ‘most likely explanation’ – as it happened

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 07:55:47 +0000

At least 155 people have reportedly died with more rain forecast for the flood-hit region of Valencia