Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Resorts on Spain’s Costa Brava struggle with invasion of jellyfish as seas warm

admin — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 04:00:22 +0000

Stings needing medical attention surge by 41% as rising sea temperatures due to the climate crisis boost reproduction

Costa Brava resorts in Spain’s north-east are struggling to cope with an influx of jellyfish as rising sea temperatures facilitate reproduction and drive species farther north.

Between May and August almost 7,500 people on the Catalan coast sought medical attention for jellyfish stings – a 41% increase on last year. The stings are painful and can have unpleasant consequences for anyone with compromised immunity.

Fresh warning on fire ants in Queensland as suppression efforts struggle to halt spread

admin — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 03:46:15 +0000

US specialist on invasive species says the densities of the destructive pest are approaching what he has seen in Texas

Gina Rinehart’s latest grab-bag of opinions is more proof billionaires are no smarter than the rest of us | John Quiggin

admin — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 00:00:18 +0000

The mining magnate does away with the constraints of arithmetic, simultaneously demanding lower taxes and more public spending

Scientists call for an update in environmental decision making that takes human rights into account

admin — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:01:11 +0000

Researchers argue that to protect human wellbeing global decisions with the potential to impact the environment must be guided by our understanding of the inseparable connection between humans and nature. The article's authors are aiming to support fair and inclusive decision-making for a healthy ocean for people and planet.

Melbourne zoo welcomes rare southern white rhino calf to the world

admin — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:00:10 +0000

New male baby of near-threatened species born at Werribee open range zoo to be named in public competition in coming weeks

India should consider ban on microbeads in personal care products, researchers say

admin — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:31:22 +0000

Type of microplastics used in skin exfoliators and banned in UK and US found in 45% of Indian products studied

India should consider a ban on microbeads in personal care products, in line with many other countries in the world, say researchers.

Labour is right about LTNs – the Tories need to learn the same lesson

admin — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:00:05 +0000

For all the initial noise against low-traffic neighbourhoods, most people like them and they can benefit the public purse

Here are four words you might not expect from me, as a former Conservative aide, so make the most of them: Louise Haigh is right. Half right, anyway. Labour’s new transport secretary has taken some flak – though not, interestingly, a vast amount - for interviews this week stating that councils that create low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), 20mph zones and bike lanes on their roads “will have my full support”.

Pigeon-fluencers help the much-hated bird make a surprising comeback

admin — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 13:00:05 +0000

For centuries, having a pigeon as a pet was seen as a status symbol – now a new wave of fans are praising them as loving, smart and ‘sort of chill’

Pidge is a New York City It Girl. Over 50,000 followers tune into her TikTok to learn her beauty routine or see her posing on the subway. She’s invited to book launches, where she mingles with other influencers. She loves statement bags: her newest is brat green.

Oh, and Pidge is short for Pidgey, as in pigeon – she’s a bird.

Two states become first in US to ban use of PFAS in firefighters’ protective gear

admin — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 11:00:02 +0000

Turnout gear sold in Massachusetts and Connecticut must be free of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ by 2027 and 2028

Massachusetts and Connecticut are the first two states in the US to ban the use of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in protective gear worn by firefighters.

Turnout gear, including jackets, pants, boots, gloves and other protective equipment that firefighters wear is treated heavily with PFAS that makes it resistant to water and heat, and helps the textiles breathe.

US delivery workers swelter in record heat – many without AC in their vans

admin — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 10:00:32 +0000

Amid rising temperatures last year, unionized UPS workers made heat an issue – but despite a key contract win, workers say little progress has been made

Seth Pacic works as a United Parcel Service delivery driver in Dallas, Texas. In the summer, he has a second “full-time job”: staying cool.

Each morning, Pacic packs his cooler full of ice, water jugs and hydrating foods such as pickles and grapes. He straps frozen cooling packs to his wrists, hangs another around his neck and ensures he has powdered sports drinks and a battery-operated fan on hand.