Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Republican-run states see opportunity to push extreme policies under Trump

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 15:00:17 +0000

Emboldened red states could advocate for rightwing reforms from steep tax cuts to slashes to education

Republican state lawmakers and conservative leaders around the United States see Donald Trump’s re-election as a mandate that will help them enact rightwing policies in Republican-run states across the US.

Infrastructure neglect and poverty lead to parasites in the Mississippi Delta

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 15:00:17 +0000

New research suggests parasitic infections in US south are far more widespread than previously acknowledged

For years, Marecitta Dorsey’s four children – ages seven to 14 – suffered regular bouts of nausea, vomiting and sore stomachs. Their unexplained symptoms were bad enough to keep them out of school a few days each month.

“My eldest would tell me, ‘I feel like my tummy’s burning,’” recalled Dorsey. “Every week I was taking at least one kid to the doctor because of something with their stomach.”

At Extinction Rebellion, we aimed for UK net zero in 2025. That won't happen – so here’s what to do instead | Rupert Read

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 14:00:17 +0000

With the climate crisis hitting Britain, we must build resilience at a local level by rewilding, saving water and fighting floods

Belgium becomes first EU country to ban sale of disposable vapes

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:48:15 +0000

Products banned on health and environmental grounds, while Milan outlaws outdoor smoking

Belgium has become the EU first country to ban the sale of disposable vapes in an effort to stop young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and to protect the environment.

Fate of endangered monkey hinges on Brazilian city’s planning policy

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 11:41:14 +0000

Pied tamarin has narrow range and is found only around borders of Manaus in the Amazon rainforest

The fate of one of the world’s most threatened primates will be on the line in the coming months when Brazilian authorities decide whether to incorporate the pied tamarin into the urban planning policies of Manaus.

Conservationists say the inclusion is crucial not just to protect the critically endangered monkey but as an indicator of the Amazonian city’s willingness to create green spaces that will benefit the lives of its people.

UK government hires ‘nudge unit’ to help dispel heat pump myths

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:06:09 +0000

Behaviour experts say misinformation shared in media and by other stakeholders is impeding uptake

Experts from a “nudge unit” have been hired to help ministers fight misinformation about heat pumps to try to encourage take-up of the devices.

The appliances run on electricity instead of gas and are regarded as a way of decarbonising homes at scale. A target of installing 600,000 a year by 2028 is part of a drive to achieve Britain’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050.

Future fizzles: the promises and predictions for 2025 in Australia that came true (or didn’t)

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:29:23 +0000

From cheaper energy to recyclable packaging and phasing out Australia Post motorbikes – here’s what has and hasn’t been achieved

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An Australian republic, renewable-powered supermarkets, recyclable packaging and the phasing out of Australia Post motorbikes.

Sweden begins wolf hunt as it aims to halve endangered animal’s population

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:00:07 +0000

Five entire families can be killed, totalling 30 wolves, in move campaigners say is illegal under EU law

Sweden’s wolf hunt starts on Thursday, with the country aiming to halve the population of the endangered predator.

The Swedish government has given the green light for five entire wolf families, a total of 30 wolves, to be killed in a hunt campaigners say is illegal under EU law. Under the Berne convention, protected species cannot be caused to have their populations fall under a sustainable level.

‘Heck of a light show’: spectacular bloom of bioluminescence returns to Tasmania’s coastline

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 05:02:56 +0000

Phenomenon known as ‘sea sparkles’ or ‘red tide’ is caused by masses of noctiluca scintillans, a pink-coloured algae

Phew! Turtle doves shoot ban triggers bird species recovery

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000

Western European population has risen 25% with ban and some UK sites have seen promising increases

There are signs of hope for the turtle dove, one of the most endangered birds that has been plummeting towards extinction in Britain.