Breaking Waves: Ocean News

More than 40% of electricity used in Australia’s main power grid at start of year was renewable

admin — Wed, 07 May 2025 05:53:30 +0000

Data suggests pollution from energy is falling again after previously stalling, but experts say faster growth needed to achieve Labor goal of 82% renewable electricity by 2030

Abandoned infrastructure one of the biggest polluters in the world – report

admin — Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:07 +0000

Emissions from abandoned coalmines, oil and gas wells globally are larger than any single country except China, the US and Russia

Abandoned coalmines and oil and gas wells are now one of the biggest sources of the powerful greenhouse gas methane, new data shows, and little effort is being made to clean them up.

The methane emissions from abandoned fossil fuel infrastructure now exceed those from Iran, and if considered as a country would be the fourth biggest source in the world, behind China, the US and Russia.

UK government admits almost no evidence nature protections block development

admin — Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:06 +0000

Whitehall analysis provides no data or research to support the government argument that environmental legislation holds up building

There is very little evidence that protections for nature are a blocker to development, the government has admitted in its own impact assessment of the controversial new planning and infrastructure bill.

The analysis by Whitehall officials provides no data or research to back up the government’s central argument that it is environmental legislation that holds up building.

Russian drone strike caused tens of millions worth of damage to Chornobyl

admin — Wed, 07 May 2025 04:00:05 +0000

Exclusive: Attack damaged €1.5bn containment structure over nuclear reactor with repair costs likely to be borne by western governments

A Russian Shahed drone costing up to £75,000 is estimated to have inflicted tens of millions worth of damage to the site of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, according to initial assessments and engineering experts.

After braving the wilderness for 500 days, Valerie is heavier than ever. Has someone been feeding the mini dachshund?

admin — Wed, 07 May 2025 01:26:34 +0000

Kangaroo Island mayor also notes a silky coat on the dog, while Kangala Wildlife Rescue says ‘possums or cats out there were grooming her’

AI has untapped potential to advance biodiversity conservation

admin — Tue, 06 May 2025 21:09:38 +0000

A new study suggests the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to rapidly analyze vast amounts of biodiversity data could revolutionize conservation efforts by enabling scientists and policymakers to make better-informed decisions.

Two new crocodile species discovered

admin — Tue, 06 May 2025 21:09:23 +0000

Biologists have discovered two previously unknown species of crocodiles, one living on the island of Cozumel and the other on the atoll of Banco Chinchorro, both off the Yucat n Peninsula. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts, the researchers say.

England faces drought this summer as reservoir water levels dwindle

admin — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:54:45 +0000

Exclusive: Government and water firms preparing for possible shortages as dry weather is expected to continue

England is heading towards a drought this summer unless there is significant rainfall soon, as reservoir water levels dwindle.

The government will on Wednesday convene the National Drought Group of water companies, farming groups and other experts to prepare for what is expected to be a dry summer with potential water shortages.

Plastics industry pushed ‘advanced recycling’ despite knowing problems – report

admin — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:48:59 +0000

Producers promoted chemical recycling – processes used to break plastics into constituent molecules – but knew of limitations

Plastic producers have pushed “advanced recycling” as a salve to the plastic waste crisis despite knowing for years that it is not a technically or economically feasible solution, a new report argues.

French hunter, 81, avoids jail after killing endangered female bear in Pyrenees

admin — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:42:13 +0000

Incident in 2021, during which the defendant said he was attacked by a brown bear, sparked fierce criticism

An 81-year-old French hunter has avoided jail after killing an endangered female bear that attacked him in the Pyrenees in 2021, in an incident that sparked fierce criticism from environmental associations.