Breaking Waves: Ocean News

VAT should be cut on refurbished electricals, says Currys boss

admin — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 13:20:29 +0000

Alex Baldock wants to keep gadgets out of landfill as UK’s largest electricals retailer embraces repair and reuse

The UK government should slash VAT on refurbished electrical products to keep gadgets out of landfill, according to the boss of Currys.

“It has already been charged once on these products,” said Alex Baldock, the head of the UK’s largest electrical goods retailer. “I would like to see a radical reduction or entire cut on these products.”

Why bother going on holiday when I can watch other people’s on TikTok? | Emma Beddington

admin — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 13:00:04 +0000

I’ve discovered the perfect way to avoid the stress of travel, the mosquito bites and the overtourism. Plus, I can stay at home and tend my tomatoes while knowing I’m saving the planet

I haven’t been on holiday this summer, but don’t start tuning the tiny violins. I derive an unusual satisfaction from working when others aren’t (burning martyr is my preferred summer fragrance) and I don’t like change, or strange pillows. Plus, what would Susan, the pigeon who lives on our roof, and my bounteous crop of five unripe tomatoes do without me?

‘This was a terrible idea’: the incident that broke Republicans’ DeSantis fever

admin — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 16:00:39 +0000

Ironically named Great Outdoors Initiative that would pave over acres of state parks sent steadfast allies over the edge

Many protected landscapes owned by English water firms in disrepair, data shows

admin — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 06:00:28 +0000

Exclusive: Figures reveal just 16% of company-controlled sites of special scientific interest are in good condition

Water companies are allowing important natural landscapes they own to fall into disrepair, data shows, with only 16% of sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) under their control in good condition.

The companies have been accused of “polluting for profit” by not investing to improve the status of their SSSIs.

A day in the life of a Queensland prawn trawler – in pictures

admin — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:21 +0000

Photographer Paul Hilton shadowed Captain Robert Bergholz on his boat Restless to see how a local prawn trawler’s day unfolds

Alarm as Australia records ‘gobsmacking’ hot August temperatures

admin — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:21 +0000

Heat building up in country’s centre and driving south-east is causing ‘really unusual’ heatwave that is breaking winter records

What’s the fight over McPhillamys goldmine about and why has Tanya Plibersek hit out at ‘misinformation’?

admin — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:20 +0000

Environment minister’s cultural site declaration draws accusations of torpedoing a $1bn NSW project but she insists it was vital to protect Aboriginal heritage

Vast ‘doughnut’ discovered in molten metal of Earth’s core

admin — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:00:13 +0000

Australian scientists hail finding as a step in unlocking secrets of planet’s protective magnetic field

By travelling to the centre of the Earth via seismic waves scientists have discovered a ring-like structure within the swirling pool of molten metal known as the outer core.

Research published in the journal Science Advances has identified a doughnut-shaped region within the outer core, parallel to the equator.

‘I panic when I hear rain’: New York’s deadly basement apartments face growing flooding risk

admin — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:00:07 +0000

Many of the roughly 100,000 units are illegal and do not conform to codes, making them a hazard for fires and floods

Josh Alba had lived in an illegal basement apartment in Queens, New York, for almost five years. Despite the low ceilings, he savored his chance to afford housing without roommates. But his tenure there ended during Hurricane Ida.

He’d been asleep on his couch as the rain started falling. He only woke up when his cat smacked him in the face, and he noticed water coming in from outside, rising to at least an inch on the floor.

Badger culling to end in England by 2029, government says

admin — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 11:45:34 +0000

Defra sources say some licensed culls will continue until 2026 but it is highly unlikely any new ones will be granted

Badger culling will end in England by 2029, the government has said.

Some culls under existing licences will continue until 2026, according to sources at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), but it is highly unlikely any new ones will be granted.