Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Maui celebrates recovery of 151-year-old banyan tree after 2023 wildfire damage

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:05:21 +0000

Community landmark is now thriving and bearing fruit after about half its branches died due to intense heat

When a deadly wildfire tore through Lahaina on Maui last August, the wall of flames scorched the 151-year-old banyan tree along the historic town’s Front Street. But the sprawling tree survived the blaze, and thanks to the efforts of arborists and dedicated volunteers, parts of it are growing back – and even thriving.

NSW waste industry faces crackdown on recycled soil after asbestos found in more than half facilities tested

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:00:06 +0000

Exclusive: Watchdog says it ordered disposal of more than 600 tonnes of soil fill, fined three facilities and is considering ‘significant changes’ to rules following Guardian investigation

Hottest ocean temperatures in 400 years an ‘existential threat’ to the Great Barrier Reef, report finds

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:00:05 +0000

Researchers say coral analysis shows recent extreme temperatures would not have happened without greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels

Investors push Glencore to scrap spin-off of heavily polluting coal division

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:16:59 +0000

More than 95% of investors urged commodities firm to keep highly profitable fossil fuel arm to help maximise shareholder cash

Glencore has scrapped plans to spin off its coal business after shareholders urged the commodities company to hold on to the highly profitable but heavily polluting division.

The FTSE 100 company said that an overwhelming majority of its shareholders favoured retaining the coal business over its plan to list the division as a separate company on the New York stock exchange.

For those with power and rich donors – the AC is always on, even if it’s melting outside | George Monbiot

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:30:01 +0000

This has been a summer of extreme heat around the world. The Guardian is investigating how it harms our planet and leaves the world’s most vulnerable people exposed to its impact

Democrats’ VP pick Tim Walz welcomed as climate champion by green advocates

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:30:00 +0000

Kamala Harris’s running mate boasts a strong record on climate policy and green energy as Minnesota governor

US elections campaign – live updates

Tim Walz, tapped as Vice-President Kamala Harris’s running mate on Tuesday, may not be a household name, but the Minnesota governor is well known as a climate champion in green advocacy circles.

Tropical Storm Debby deluges coastal US cities – in pictures

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 08:17:40 +0000

The weather system has inundated parts of the country including Florida and Georgia, whipping up tornadoes and submerging streets in waist-high flood waters

Companies behind Pep11 ask court to force Albanese government decision on NSW gas project

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 07:49:00 +0000

The development, planned to be offshore from Sydney to Newcastle, was vetoed by Scott Morrison when resources minister

‘I turned into a solar nerd’: money and fun were the unexpected benefits of installing panels

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:00:54 +0000

Our former environment correspondent had solar panels installed in 2010 and later added a heat pump. He’s totted up the energy generated and cash saved over the years

An abiding memory of a day in August 2010, the first time my solar panels were connected to the grid, was of the builders downing tools and watching the electricity meter whiz round backwards.

It was a sunny day and they were supposed to be finishing the plastering and insulation, but the novel sight of the old-style electricity meter in reverse was too entertaining.

Take a tour of the South Australian seabed on the back of a sea lion - video

admin — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 04:15:51 +0000

Eight Australian sea lions were enlisted to map the ocean floor by sticking cameras with satellite tracking to their backs. Almost 90 hours of footage and 500km later, conservationists hope to have much clearer ideas on how to protect the sea lions. “I can watch this stuff for hours,” says Prof Simon Goldsworthy. “It’s like the best slow TV ever. You just don’t know what you’re going to see next.”