Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Europe’s heatwaves threaten insurers’ earnings, rating agency S&P says

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:00:48 +0000

Rise in claims linked to heat-related deaths and illness, especially among older people, could drive up premiums

Europe’s intense heatwaves could hit insurers’ earnings as companies face a rise in claims linked to heat-related deaths and worsening health conditions, the rating agency S&P has said.

At least 35,000 excess deaths recorded in Europe’s back-to-back heatwaves

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:00:47 +0000

True figure likely to be much higher as it only covers about half of continent and does not include August totals

At least 35,000 more people died during Europe’s four record-breaking, back-to-back heatwaves this summer than would normally be expected, according to incomplete figures from barely half the continent.

Excess mortality in three of the EU’s larger countries – Germany, France and Spain – alone has already exceeded 25,000, according to the provisional national figures, and experts say the toll will rise significantly once August totals are consolidated.

Nevada files lawsuit challenging federal plan for Colorado River revival

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:56:51 +0000

In Trump administration’s plan, California, Arizona and Nevada face about a 20% cut to water supply over two years

Nevada filed a federal lawsuit on Monday challenging the Trump administration’s new plan for the imperiled Colorado River, launching what could become the first of many court battles over the waterway that supplies 40 million people, dozens of tribes and 5.5m acres of farm land across the American west.

French tourist dies in California’s Death Valley after being stranded in heat

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:55:22 +0000

Man, 68, was left searching for help in 116F weather after his car became stuck in mud along remote park road

A French tourist recently died in Death Valley national park after a car mishap left him stranded in 116F (47C) weather.

The visitor, identified as 68-year-old Pierre Michel Formosa, was traveling with another French man along the park’s remote West Side Road when their vehicle became stuck in mud near Queen of Sheba Mine Road.

Fast-moving Hawk wildfire is about 27% contained in Reno, Nevada, officials say

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:26:42 +0000

Tens of thousands are still under evacuation orders or warnings amid ‘human-caused’, wind-driven blaze

The Hawk fire is about 27% contained, authorities said on Monday afternoon, two days after the fast-moving, wind-driven wildfire sparked near Reno, Nevada.

Our climate is changing rapidly – and our politicians sound increasingly surreal | Zoe Williams

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:17:07 +0000

On a panel show last week, everyone in the audience wanted to talk about the climate emergency, but the lines rolled out by a Tory MP simply dissolved on contact with reality

Australia has just 12,000 sea lions left – and ‘carnage’ may await them as bird flu takes hold, scientists warn

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:00:36 +0000

Virus has already caused catastrophic losses in seals in South America and sub-Antarctica, particularly among pups

Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

World’s oceans hit hottest temperature on record in August

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:49:15 +0000

Average sea surface temperature outside polar regions was 21.1C on Saturday, latest data finds

The world’s oceans were hotter than ever previously recorded on Saturday, according to the latest data.

The average surface temperature was 21.1C, with the rising marine heat a stark indicator of the climate crisis. More than 90% of the heat trapped by carbon dioxide from fossil fuel burning enters the oceans.

Thames Water creditors accused of ‘shuffling chairs on Titanic’ with plan for new board

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:38:07 +0000

Campaigners say proposal for £10bn rescue deal in bid to avoid nationalisation is a ‘cosy stitch-up’

Business live – latest updates

The group of creditors pursuing a rescue bid for Thames Water have been accused of shuffling the deckchairs on the Titanic after proposing an overhaul of the stricken utility’s board.

Devastation, doubt and blame: Hurricane Helene looms over North Carolina’s US Senate race

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:00:30 +0000

The Democratic and the Republican candidate each blame the other for the bungled recovery effort after storm struck region

Two years after North Carolina suffered the worst natural disaster in its history when Hurricane Helene struck the state’s western half, life in the hardest-hit areas appears back to normal. Downtowns are lively, blocked roads have been reopened and rivers are flowing below their banks.