Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Bill Gates charity trust’s holdings in fossil fuel firms rise despite divestment claims

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:00:25 +0000

Trust had $254m invested in companies such as Chevron, BP and Shell in 2024, a nine-year record, analysis shows

The Gates Foundation Trust holds hundreds of millions of dollars in fossil fuel extractors despite Bill Gates’ claims of divestment made in 2019.

End-of-year filings reveal that in 2024 the trust invested $254m in companies that extract fossil fuels such as Chevron, BP and Shell. This was a nine-year record and up 21% from 2016, Guardian analysis found. Adjusting for inflation, it was the highest amount since 2019.

Scientists warn of ‘regime shift’ as seaweed blooms expand worldwide

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:00:21 +0000

Study links rapid growth of ocean macroalgae to global heating and nutrient pollution

Scientists have warned of a potential “regime shift” in the oceans, as the rapid growth of huge mats of seaweed appears to be driven by global heating and excessive enrichment of waters from farming runoff and other pollutants.

Over the past two decades, seaweed blooms have expanded by a staggering 13.4% a year in the tropical Atlantic and western Pacific, with the most dramatic increases occurring after 2008, according to researchers at the University of South Florida.

‘We thought they would ignore us’: how humans are changing the way raptors behave

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:00:20 +0000

Experts call for tighter regulation as GPS tracking reveals how people’s behaviour affects the lives of some of the world’s largest birds

Many people look up to admire the silhouette of raptors, some of the planet’s largest birds, soaring through seemingly empty skies. But increasingly, research shows us that this fascination runs both ways. From high above, these birds are watching us too.

Sydney Harbour shark attack: second incident in two days as police warn against swimming

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:06:25 +0000

Police praise fast actions and bravery of boy’s friends on Sunday as he faces ‘fight for his life’ in hospital

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Trophic group responses to marine reserve protection in temperate and tropical reefs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 19 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44183-025-00173-y

Trophic group responses to marine reserve protection in temperate and tropical reefs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Walking the talk: voluntary actions on marine protected areas on the high seas

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 19 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44183-026-00181-6

Walking the talk: voluntary actions on marine protected areas on the high seas

15 years after Fukushima, Japan prepares to restart the world’s biggest nuclear plant

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:46:10 +0000

A return to nuclear power is at the heart of Japan’s energy policy but, in the wake of the 2011 disaster, residents’ fears about tsunamis, earthquakes and evacuation plans remain

It’s been a busy month for Anthony Albanese on the environment | Jess Harwood

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:28:11 +0000

Talk about climate whiplash

The Guardian view on microplastics research: questioning results is good for science, but has political consequences | Editorial

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:58:25 +0000

Errors in measuring microplastic pollution can be corrected. Public trust in science also needs to be shored up

Why am I a vegan? I do it for my mental health | Emma Beddington

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:00:58 +0000

Vegan restaurants are closing, RFK Jr is sounding the drum for carnivores, and the protein cult is bigger than ever. But eschewing animal products helps me ward off a sense of impotence – and despair