Breaking Waves: Ocean News

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.

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