Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Four seals die on Norfolk coast after contracting bird flu

admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:37:17 +0000

Experts raise fears for England’s largest colony at Blakeney Point as they conduct tests to identify source of infection

Experts have raised fears for the seals at England’s largest colony after four were found to have died after having been infected with bird flu.

Government scientists are investigating to find out whether the seals died after scavenging from the corpses of infected birds.

Outrage as Trump cites ‘emergency’ to fast-track fossil fuel projects

admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:36:12 +0000

Activists warn new designation for projects such as pipelines threatens US wetlands and waters

Environmentalists were outraged on Wednesday after the Trump administration moved to fast-track fossil fuel projects through the permitting process, with activists describing it as an attempt to sidestep environmental laws that could harm waterways and wetlands.

Sellafield nuclear site taken out of special measures for physical security

admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:06:25 +0000

Site in Cumbria can now return to routine inspections but concerns remain over cybersecurity

The UK nuclear industry regulator has taken Sellafield, the world’s largest store of plutonium, out of special measures for its physical security – but said concerns remained over its cybersecurity.

Melting glaciers caused almost 2cm of sea level rise this century, study reveals

admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:24:38 +0000

Decades-long research shows world’s glaciers collectively lost 6.542tn tonnes of ice between 2000 and 2023

Melting glaciers have caused almost 2cm of sea level rise this century alone, a decades-long study has revealed.

The research shows the world’s glaciers collectively lost 6.542tn tonnes of ice between 2000 and 2023, causing an 18mm (0.7in) rise in global sea levels.

Developing world urges rich nations to defy Trump’s ‘climate nihilism’

admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 13:11:20 +0000

Poorer countries want rapid emission cuts and more financial help in face of US leader’s stance on global heating

Developing countries are calling on the rich world to defy the US president, Donald Trump, and bridge the global chasm over climate action, before the goal of limiting global temperatures to safe levels is irretrievably lost.

‘The last plant left’: can Rapa Nui’s extinct tree be resurrected?

admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:30:06 +0000

Seeds from the last toromiro, unique to remote Easter Island, were taken away in the 1960s. Now, after a crucial discovery gave hope for its survival, it is making a return

In the Mataveri Otai nursery on the island of Rapa Nui, Estefany Paté cradles a bag of soil with a 10cm sprout like it is a baby. She caresses its leaves. “It’s been so emotional to have it here,” says Paté, who works for Chile’s National Forest Corporation (CONAF).

HSBC net zero goal delayed 20 years, as CEO offered 600% bonus

admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:29:25 +0000

Bank is criticised for pushing climate targets to 2050 and watering down environmental goals

HSBC has been criticised after it delayed key parts of its climate goals by 20 years, while watering down environmental targets in a new long-term bonus plan for its chief executive, Georges Elhedery, that could be worth up to 600% of his salary.

Environment more crucial than genes in risk of early death, study suggests

admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:00:17 +0000

Analysis of UK BioBank data shows importance of factors including living conditions and smoking, say experts

The environment is about 10 times more important than genes in explaining why some people have a higher risk of an early death than others, research has suggested.

The Maugean skate could be extinct in 10 years – and as usual Albo is making it worse | First Dog on the Moon

admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:01:30 +0000

What is the point of this government?

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Wild fish can tell humans apart when they dress differently, study finds

admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:25 +0000

Researchers say study, which involved training bream to follow a specific diver for treats, could change the way we treat fish

Wild fish can tell people apart – at least when they are wearing different-coloured outfits – researchers have found in a study they say could shift our relationship with the creatures.