Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Severe drought declared in six areas of England as reservoirs run low

admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:18:27 +0000

Some reservoirs in south at critical levels as water companies call for extended restrictions that would affect golf clubs, private schools and car washes

A severe drought has been declared in six areas of England, with some reservoirs at critically low levels, threatening public supplies.

‘Like selling wolves from Yellowstone’: how protected US sharks are being sold off to foreign aquariums

admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:00:14 +0000

While anglers cannot take endangered sand tiger sharks, a loophole lets private firms catch the fish to sell abroad, profiting from Delaware Bay’s conservation success

Shortly after 12.45pm, what remains of a 300-metre line goes taut. Somewhere beneath the murky green surface of Delaware Bay, on the eastern US coast, a sand tiger shark has taken the bait of a mackerel chunk. Marine researchers at the University of Delaware haul the line towards a small boat as the shark’s grey-brown outline emerges.

For the future of green politics, look beyond the Green party | Zoe Williams

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:15:25 +0000

Environmentalists of all political hues must find the language and ideas that turn passion for climate action into impetus

Plan unveiled to increase share of land farmed organically in England to 10%

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:49:15 +0000

Government says ambition for 2036 will be good for food and climate resilience, but concerns remain over funding

The government has set an ambition to increase the share of English land farmed organically to 10% by 2036, but concerns remain over how the transition will be funded.

Currently, just 3.4% of England’s agricultural land is farmed organically, one of the smallest shares in Europe. France, for example, farms 10.4% of its land organically, and aims to increase this to 18% by 2027.

Mont Blanc, the ‘roof of Europe’, loses more than a metre of height in a year

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:33:52 +0000

Peak of French mountain now 4,807 metres high and fluctuates year by year due to changes in Alpine climate

Western Europe’s highest mountain shrank by more than a metre last year. The peak of Mont Blanc in France now stands 4,807.47 metres above sea level, a team of surveyors said on Wednesday, putting “the roof of Europe” 1.29 metres lower than in 2025.

Is it really ‘madness’ to account for emissions from fossil fuels burned overseas? The Coalition sure thinks so | Temperature Check

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:14:43 +0000

The emissions might occur elsewhere, but they generate global harm that scientists can now quantify

The Coalition has come up with the perfect solution to deal with the climate pollution from when Australian fossil fuels are burned overseas.

I work for a major insurer. Much of my industry is fudging the numbers in the face of the climate crisis | Anonymous

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:00:01 +0000

Insurers are taking on more risk than they should. If – or when – a major disaster hits, the catastrophe will have far-reaching consequences

I work for a major insurer, assessing the risk posed by natural disasters on properties around the world, from family homes to schools, government offices and multibillion-dollar commercial centres. The world is facing greater risk than ever from extreme weather. We are not prepared – and that inaction could have profound consequences for the global financial system.

Wildlife photographer of the year 2026 winners – in pictures

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:41:54 +0000

A selection of the winning images from this year’s competition across topics ranging from underwater to urban wildlife, and photojournalism to mammal behaviour. The overall winner is Federico Veronesi of Italy for his powerful image of an elephant carrying a dead calf

The winning photographs will be showcased at the Natural History Museum in London from 16 October 2026 until July 2027

Scale back on hake and coley, seafood charity tells shoppers

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:00:48 +0000

Declining stocks and increased fishing pressure have led to lower sustainability ratings for two popular cod alternatives

UK shoppers have previously been urged to avoid UK-caught cod and to buy European hake or coley instead – but now these fish are in trouble, too.

Pollinating insects flock to plants gardeners might think of as ‘weeds’

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:00:47 +0000

Citizen scientists on UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme recorded insect visits to flowers during 10-minute surveys

Ubiquitous urban plants often derided as “weeds” are the most attractive to pollinating insects.

The autumn blooms of common ivy, rich in pollen and nectar, are the most visited by insects including bees and butterflies, according to an eight-year study.