Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Streams of medicines: what’s hiding in the UK’s waterways? – podcast

admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:00:39 +0000

The UK is known for its national parks: areas of outstanding natural beauty with rolling hills and crystal-clear streams and lakes. But research has shown that England’s most protected rivers are full of pharmaceuticals.

In episode one of a two-part series, biodiversity reporter Phoebe Weston tells Madeleine Finlay about the problem of chemical pollution in our waterways, and how it could be contributing to what the World Health Organization has described as ‘the silent pandemic’ – antimicrobial resistance.

Steppes and the city: how smog has become part of Mongolians’ way of life – in pictures

admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:00:38 +0000

Harsh weather is normal in Mongolia but the climate crisis has made conditions even more extreme. As millions of animals die and age-old traditions become harder to maintain, nomadic herders are forced into towns, where coal-fired heating has led to a health crisis

‘Everyone is breathing this’: how just trying to stay warm is killing thousands a year in the world’s coldest city

Clean energy powered 40% of global electricity in 2024, report finds

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:01:30 +0000

Thinktank says solar has been fastest-growing energy source for last 20 years, but remains dwarfed by hydro power

The world used clean power sources to meet more than 40% of its electricity demand last year for the first time since the 1940s, figures show.

A report by the energy thinktank Ember said the milestone was powered by a boom in solar power capacity, which has doubled in the last three years.

Many native New Zealand species face threat of extinction, report finds

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:31:27 +0000

A three-yearly environmental update issues stark warning over biodiversity – and reports air pollution has improved in some areas

A major new report on New Zealand’s environment has revealed a worrying outlook for its unique species and highlighted declining water health, while also noting some improvements in air quality.

Earless dragons were presumed extinct in Australia – now Daisy and Kip have sniffed out 13 of them

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:00:22 +0000

Zoos Victoria wildlife detection dogs uncovered the ‘bloody gorgeous’ reptiles in return for treats and cuddles

Wildlife detection dogs successfully sniffed out 13 critically endangered earless dragons in previously unknown burrows in Melbourne’s west, after a training program launched by Zoos Victoria in 2023.

Labor's home batteries policy could help people who will never take it up. Here's how | Adam Morton

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:00:21 +0000

The government’s promise to slash the cost of household batteries should be welcomed – it could drive a change that benefits everyone who uses the power grid

Endangered far eastern curlews, and the scientist standing up for them – video

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:00:21 +0000

Dr Amanda Lilleyman, a shorebird expert and advocate, says a defence housing project and an industrial development plan in Darwin are threatening the habitat of the critically endangered far eastern curlew. The bird relies on undisturbed Australian shorelines to fatten up before making an epic migration to the northern hemisphere. It’s one of more than 2,000 Australian species listed as under threat in what scientists are calling an extinction crisis

When sadness strikes I remember I’m not alone in loving the wild boundless beauty of the living world | Georgina Woods

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:00:21 +0000

Nature will reclaim its place as a terrifying quasi-divine force that cannot be mastered. I find this strangely comforting

Bid to build Europe’s first research station on Atlantic temperate rainforest in Cornwall

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:00:18 +0000

Charity crowdfunding initial sum to build £750,000 facility on Bodmin Moor to study overlooked but biodiverse natural habitat

Europe’s first research station for the study of Atlantic temperate rainforest is set to be built beside an ancient wood in Cornwall.

Gopher tortoises find new home on Florida coast after astonishing journey to flee hurricane

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:00:17 +0000

‘Everybody in the ecosystem benefits from gopher tortoises being there,’ says ranger at park where the animals settled

Dozens of gopher tortoises survived a perilous sea crossing after being swept from their homes during Hurricane Helene last summer, and are enjoying a new lease of life on a remote stretch of Florida coastline.