Breaking Waves: Ocean News

North Atlantic right whale seen off Ireland for first time in 114 years

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:30:02 +0000

There are fewer than 400 of critically endangered species left and sighting gives ‘glimmer of hope’

A critically endangered North Atlantic right whale has been spotted off the coast of Ireland for the first time in more than a century.

Holidaymaker Adrian Maguire, from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland, glimpsed the large, dark body of the whale on the surface of the water while out fishing for mackerel.

Shell quietly backs away from pledge to increase ‘advanced recycling’ of plastics

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:26:44 +0000

Energy giant promised to turn 1m tonnes of plastic waste into oil each year, but now says goal is unfeasible

The energy giant Shell has quietly backed away from a 2022 pledge to rapidly increase its use of “advanced recycling”, a practice oil and petrochemical producers have promoted as a solution to the plastics pollution crisis.

Paris mayor swims in Seine as river is cleaned up just in time for Olympics

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:12:34 +0000

Anne Hidalgo fulfils pledge after cleanup operation makes water quality safe enough to host events at Games

It has been the dream and promise of Paris mayors for decades and a nightmare for Olympic organisers: could the Seine be cleaned up enough to swim in and hold triathlon and other events?

For the last 100 years and up until a few days ago, the answer seemed to be no.

From green energy to rivers, environment at heart of nine plans in king’s speech

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 11:32:07 +0000

Labour government recognises ‘urgency of climate challenge’ but presents measures as way to also cut cost of living

National Trust appoints first writer in residence at Brimham Rocks

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:49:00 +0000

Natalie Anastasia Davies to create works inspired by the ‘mysterious rock formations’ at North Yorkshire site

Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire has its first writer in residence, who has been recruited by the National Trust to create works inspired by the “mysterious and awe-inspiring rock formations”.

Natalie Anastasia Davies, who is Yorkshire-born and of Grenadian descent, will in her new role explore themes of cultural identity and the climate crisis, as well as connection and memory.

UK first European country to approve lab-grown meat, starting with pet food

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:35:30 +0000

Regulators approve Meatly pet product, cultivated chicken made from growing cells

Lab-grown pet food is to hit UK shelves as Britain becomes the first country in Europe to approve cultivated meat.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have approved the product from the company Meatly.

Record rainfall hits parts of Toronto – video

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 08:38:02 +0000

Footage shows severe flooding across Toronto after the Canadian city was hit by three big storms in recent days. The Canadian rapper Drake shared a video on Instagram appearing to show parts of his home submerged in flood water. Authorities say the storm left 167,000 people without power and several flights were delayed or cancelled. At least 14 people were rescued

Storms, fires and floods: Blue Mountains Jenolan Caves to close after series of unforgiving weather events

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 08:22:42 +0000

World’s oldest known open caves now impossible to access, as only remaining road shuts down for repairs for 18 months

Swim with the fishes: is tuna tourism just a bit of harmless holiday fun?

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 06:00:17 +0000

Campaigners are concerned at how the tourist treat could affect the species, and how it could become an event like whale watching or shark diving

A tall, slim fin slashes the Mediterranean’s surface for a split second and the bait fish is gone, provoking a few gasps and some nervous laughs from the 40 or so snorkellers lined up to enter the open-water pen.

Winning images of the 2024 BigPicture natural world photography competition

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:00:13 +0000

A fox in the sun, fireflies and a brush fire, and trees blanketed with butterflies are among the striking images caught by winners of the California Academy of Sciences’ annual contest. Now in its 11th year, it highlights biodiversity and the many threats our planet faces