Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Wildfires in Brazil’s Pantanal wetland fuelled ‘by climate disruption’

admin — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 15:27:30 +0000

Devastation in Brazil wetlands was made at least four times more likely by fossil fuel use and deforestation, scientists say

Victoria investigates waste facilities over cheap landscaping soil after asbestos found in NSW

admin — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 15:00:14 +0000

Exclusive: Victorian Environment Protection Authority launches ‘proactive program’ to investigate potential risks from recycled soil fill

Asbestos found in recycled soil at more than half NSW waste facilities

Victoria’s environment watchdog has launched a compliance blitz of waste facilities that produce cheap landscaping soil after a Guardian Australia investigation revealed systemic problems with similar recycled products in New South Wales.

Alaska capital takes stock after worst flooding yet caused by retreating glacier

admin — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:42:52 +0000

Juneau residents clear sodden homes after lake dammed by Mendenhall Glacier gives way in what is now yearly event

Residents in Alaska’s capital cleared out waterlogged homes on Wednesday after a lake dammed by the picturesque Mendenhall Glacier gave way, causing the worst flooding in Juneau yet from what has become a yearly phenomenon.

‘It’s nice to help a life to live’: meet Sri Lanka’s turtle guardians

admin — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:00:08 +0000

Volunteers are helping save baby sea turtles as the endangered species’ favourite nesting spots come under pressure from development, poaching and tourists

Photographs by Thilina Kaluthotage

It’s a sweltering night on the western coast of Sri Lanka, and on Mount Lavinia beach there’s an unusual flurry of activity. Several young people in orange hi-vis vests are squatting in a circle, digging in the sand in the semi-darkness.

‘Massive disinformation campaign’ is slowing global transition to green energy

admin — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:29:48 +0000

UN says a global ‘backlash’ against climate action is being stoked by fossil fuel companies

Fossil fuel companies are running “a massive mis- and disinformation campaign” so that countries will slow down the adoption of renewable energy and the speed with which they “transition away” from a carbon-intensive economy, the UN has said.

For Maui wildfire survivors who moved to Las Vegas, another climate disaster awaits: extreme heat

admin — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:55:05 +0000

A year after the fire some try to rebuild life in the city known as the ‘ninth Hawaiian island’ – as temperatures top 117F

Remedios Ramos moved into her newly built, sand-colored Las Vegas home during a blistering week in July, when temperatures topped 117F. Inside her air-conditioned living room, a shiny grandfather clock, its price tag still attached, chimed every half hour. “I like it here,” Ramos said, glancing around at her pristine surroundings: brand new reclining chairs, a glossy dining set, a television still in its box.

How the stunning and steady flight of the kestrel is informing the future of drone design – video

admin — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:00:24 +0000

A new study is mapping the secrets to the remarkably steady flight of kestrels, which could inform future drone designs and help achieve steadier flight in fixed wing aircraft. Scientists later hope to adapt the data so it can be applied to larger aircraft

Sea, sand and sky-high fees: Italians tussle over their right to lie on the beach

admin — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:00:24 +0000

Much of Italy’s beachfront is in the hands of family-run concessions who operate exclusive clubs or charge big money for umbrellas and loungers. But a new ruling is rallying activists on both sides

Photographs by Roberto Salomone

“Most Italians don’t know they have the right to go to the beach for free,” says Manuela Salvi, planting her umbrella in the sand of a private beach club in Gaeta, a small seaside town in central Italy. “They are used to paying to go to the seaside. And if we don’t make our voices heard, the institutions will think we’re fine with it.”

Ocado starts trial selling everyday products in refillable packaging

admin — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:00:23 +0000

First phase of trial starts this month and includes rice and pasta

Ocado is testing offering everyday products such as pasta, rice and washing liquid in refillable packaging in a first by an online supermarket.

The scheme will trial a reusable vessel that can take food or laundry products with no extra costs for customers.

‘Cruisezilla’ passenger ships have doubled in size since 2000, campaigners warn

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:01:16 +0000

Experts say booming demand for holidays afloat mean ocean liners’ burden on the environment is growing

The huge passenger vessels sometimes known as “cruisezillas” are getting bigger than ever, according to new research which has found that the world’s biggest cruise ships have doubled in size since 2000.