Breaking Waves: Ocean News

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 in 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 600,00 a year by 2028 is part of a drive to achieve Britain’scommitment 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.

Water rates in Northern Ireland suggested to help address wastewater crisis

admin — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 17:54:20 +0000

Manager of Lough Neagh Partnership praises actions so far on lake’s algae crisis but warns of wider problems

The introduction of water rates in Northern Ireland could address crumbling wastewater infrastructure and the impact on waterways, it has been suggested.

Trump aims to crush legal curbs on his climate rollback – but it may not be easy

admin — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 14:00:48 +0000

The president-elect said he will ‘stop the wave of frivolous litigation from environmental extremists’ but the ability to block suits will be limited, experts say

10m trees to be planted in US to replace ones destroyed by hurricanes

admin — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 13:00:45 +0000

Arbor Day Foundation non-profit to plant trees in six of the worst-hit states over the next four years

Some costs of the recently ended supercharged 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, those that can be quantified at least, are astounding.

Starmer faces test of climate leadership with big decisions on carbon budget

admin — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 09:54:22 +0000

PM will have to respond to Climate Change Committee’s recommendations on future emissions cuts with drastic changes in many sectors of economy

Keir Starmer will face a key test of his claims to leadership on the climate early next year, when the UK’s statutory advisers issue their latest advice on future cuts to greenhouse gas emissions.

‘Moving to the mountaintops’: rising seas displace tens of thousands in Papua New Guinea

admin — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 02:48:04 +0000

Gulf province councillor says growing numbers are leaving, in what climate activist describes as a ‘humanitarian crisis’

Two years ago fisher Siri James lived on the southern coast of Papua New Guinea, in a small village near Pariva beach. But as the tides continued to rise, James was forced to move further in from the shore.