Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Burning tanker attacked by Houthis appears to be leaking oil, Pentagon says

admin — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 02:55:22 +0000

The Greek-flagged Sounion is carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil and a spill has the potential to be among the largest from a ship on record

The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker Sounion, which was attacked by Yemen’s Houthis last week, is still on fire in the Red Sea and now appears to be leaking oil, the Pentagon has said.

The tanker was targeted last week by multiple projectiles off Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah. The Houthis, who control Yemen’s most populous regions, said they were behind the attack.

New peregrine falcon takes a meal and nurses egg atop Melbourne skyscraper – video

admin — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 01:18:53 +0000

The cameras that made the falcons a social media phenomenon are rolling again for a new breeding season, capturing a new female falcon incubating an egg atop Melbourne's Collins Street skyscraper. There are high hopes for this season after last year’s eggs were unable to hatch after the female stopped incubating, likely due to a territorial dispute

Plant-based meat alternatives are eco-friendlier and mostly healthier, study finds

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 23:01:01 +0000

Food Foundation’s study notes that some processed ‘alternative protein’ products have high levels of salt

Plant-based alternatives to meat are better for the planet and mostly healthier than products such as burgers and sausages made from animals, new research has found.

RFK Jr faces call for investigation into claim he chainsawed whale’s head off

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:16:37 +0000

Activists say Kennedy could’ve committed felony violation for allegedly driving with whale skull strapped to car roof

His independent White House campaign has fizzled, but the flow of bizarre stories of Robert F Kennedy Jr’s unorthodox handling of the carcasses of wild mammals has experienced no similar suspension.

Corn sweat: crop moisture amplifies humidity and heat in US midwest

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:15:35 +0000

Moisture from crops drives up already high humidity in areas where 55 million are under extreme heat alerts

You won’t believe your ears, but corn is making the extreme heat the US midwest is battling feel more intense, according to experts.

Heat-related deaths have increased by 117% in the US since 1999 – report

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 15:34:38 +0000

More than 21,500 US deaths over last two decades were connected to heat, top medical journal finds

As record-breaking heatwaves continue across parts of the US, a new report shows that heat-related deaths in the country rose by 117% between 1999 and 2023.

New peregrine in town: female falcon becomes latest to nest atop Melbourne skyscraper

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 15:00:47 +0000

The cameras that made the falcons a social media phenomenon are rolling again for a new breeding season

Green groups urge Ed Miliband to scrap Drax subsidies

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:54:34 +0000

Open letter to Labour energy secretary from 41 groups says wood-burning biomass plants are putting forests and biodiversity at risk

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More than 40 green groups have called on Ed Miliband to scrap plans to pay billions in subsidies to the Drax power plant in North Yorkshire for it to keep burning wood pellets imported from overseas forests.

Scientists tied to chemical industry plan to derail PFAS rule on drinking water

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:00:40 +0000

Michael Dourson receives funds from chemical makers and plans to develop and publish studies that benefit firms

Scientists with financial ties to industry and histories of producing controversial research to derail chemical regulations are mobilizing to attack strict new federal drinking water limits for toxic PFAS, or “forever chemicals”, documents reviewed by the Guardian reveal.

‘Holy grail’ ghost orchid rediscovered in UK for the first time since 2009

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 10:55:28 +0000

Location of recently found sample of Britain’s rarest plant kept secret to protect it from enthusiasts and poachers

Britain’s rarest plant, a “holy grail” orchid, has been rediscovered for the first time since 2009, and scientists are now working to protect it from slugs, deer – and poachers.

The ghost orchid was discovered earlier this month by Richard Bate, a dental surgeon, orchid lover and member of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI).