Breaking Waves: Ocean News

How the ‘Frida Kahlo of environmental geopolitics’ is lighting a fire under big oil

admin — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 09:00:04 +0000

Colombian environment minister Susana Muhamad once worked for Shell. Now, as the country gears up to host the biodiversity Cop16, she is calling for a just transition away from fossil fuels

Wildfires are burning through humanity’s carbon budget, study shows

admin — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 09:00:03 +0000

Forests around world being changed from carbon sinks into carbon sources, making it harder to slow global heating

Wildfires are burning through the carbon budget that humans have allocated themselves to limit global heating, a study shows.

The authors said this accelerating trend was approaching – and may have already breached – a “critical temperature threshold” after which fires cause significant shifts in tree cover and carbon storage.

Good eggs: fans delighted as new peregrine falcon chicks hatch on Melbourne skyscraper

admin — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:43:58 +0000

Social media stars of 367 Collins Street welcome baby birds to the nest

Nature in England at risk as amount of protected land falls to 2.93%, data shows

admin — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:00:05 +0000

Experts are calling for ‘rapid rescue package’ for nature to improve condition of protected sites

The amount of land that is protected for nature in England has fallen to just 2.93%, despite government promises to conserve 30% of it by 2030, new data reveals.

Environmental quality of life benefits women worldwide

admin — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 19:47:02 +0000

Global evidence has revealed that women's environmental quality of life is key to their overall quality of life and health, according to a new study.

At least three California students taken to hospital for heat-related injuries

admin — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 19:24:54 +0000

A grueling heatwave resulted in five students being treated for ‘general weakness’ during a sports meet

As a grueling heatwave baked the US south-west this week, there were reports of at least three students being taken to the hospital with heat-related injuries. The injuries highlight the effects of extreme heat on health as the country struggles to grapple with increasingly severe weather amid the climate crisis.

French AI summit to focus on environmental impact of energy-hungry tech

admin — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:43:56 +0000

Event will push for greater transparency and aims to rank AI firms in terms of ability to meet climate goals

World leaders at the next AI summit will focus on the impact on the environment and jobs, including the possibility of ranking the greenest AI companies, it has been announced.

Hurricane Helene leaves thousands without clean water in its wake

admin — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:19:37 +0000

Damage to sewage systems and pipes means widespread boil water notices and conservation orders could last weeks

Hurricane Helene left a path of devastation behind, with storm-ravaged areas struggling to access safe water for days because flooding damaged sewage systems, wastewater treatment plants and pipes that deliver drinking water to residents in the affected areas.

Sellafield ordered to pay nearly £400,000 over cybersecurity failings

admin — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:18:38 +0000

Nuclear waste dump in Cumbria pleaded guilty to leaving data that could threaten national security exposed for four years, says regulator

Sellafield will have to pay almost £400,000 after it pleaded guilty to criminal charges over years of cybersecurity failings at Britain’s most hazardous nuclear site.

Trip on psychedelics, save the planet: the offbeat solution to the climate crisis

admin — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:00:32 +0000

Proponents say using hallucinogens can spark ‘consciousness shifts’ to inspire climate-friendly behaviors

Thousands gathered for New York City’s annual Climate Week last week to promote climate solutions, from the phaseout of fossil-fuel subsidies to nuclear energy to corporate-led schemes like carbon credits. Others touted a more offbeat potential salve to the crisis: psychedelics.