Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Green spaces should be the norm for all new housing developments in England, guidelines say

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:23:29 +0000

Experts say big flaw is the lack of mandatory requirements, meaning developers could ignore the guidance

Housing where shops, schools, public transport and possibly pubs are close by, with green spaces and access to nature, and where heritage is preserved, should be the norm for all new developments, according to guidelines set out by the government.

Scientific rigour and the dangers of microplastics | Letters

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:49:34 +0000

Joe Yates, Prof Philip J Landrigan, Prof Jennifer Kirwan and Prof Jamie Davies respond to an article on doubts raised about studies on microplastics in the human body

Snow, ice and subzero temperatures to sweep across US this weekend

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:34:34 +0000

The storm will stretch 2,000 miles from south-west to east, disrupting travel and threatening power outages

A vast winter storm is set to descend across much of the US starting on Friday, sweeping snow, ice and brutal cold across nearly 2,000 miles from the south-west to the east coast and affecting more than 200 million people.

The system is expected to disrupt travel, bring down trees and power lines, and create the risk of prolonged power outages, followed by dangerously cold air.

Sydney Water blames food outlets for illegally adding to fatberg. But restaurants say ‘if it’s a problem, it’s their problem’

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:00:38 +0000

Huge spike in fats, oils and grease going to Malabar treatment plant follows 2017 changes to reporting regime and reduced inspections, critics say

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Why are British people so obsessed with bins? | Polly Hudson

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:00:36 +0000

Our nation’s fascination with rubbish knows no bounds – as was proved by one recent online debate

Toby Carvery owner faces eviction from north London site for felling ancient oak

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:25:15 +0000

Felling of 500-year-old oak has provoked fury from public and Enfield council, which leases land to Mitchells & Butlers

The restaurant chain Toby Carvery is facing eviction from one of its sites after taking a chainsaw to an ancient oak tree without the permission of its council landlord.

Half of world’s CO2 emissions come from just 32 fossil fuel firms, study shows

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:53 +0000

Critics accuse leading firms of sabotaging climate action but say data increasingly being used to hold them to account

Just 32 fossil fuel companies were responsible for half the global carbon dioxide emissions driving the climate crisis in 2024, down from 36 a year earlier, a report has revealed.

Plantwatch: Neighbouring plants warn each other about incoming stress

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:52 +0000

A study of Arabidopsis thaliana plants found that plants growing together activated genes to protect themselves, while isolated plants did not

Plants growing close to each other can warn each other about stresses in their lives.

New poo balls on Sydney beaches after revelation of huge fatberg stuck in treatment plant

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 01:04:23 +0000

Exclusive: Sydney Water erects sign at Malabar beach near wastewater facility stating ‘do not touch any debris … we are cleaning the area’

Fatberg the size of four buses likely birthed poo balls that closed Sydney beaches

Judi Dench backs campaign to protect London’s green spaces from developers

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:01:46 +0000

Actor says it is ‘more important than ever’ to safeguard city’s parks as report finds more than 50 are at risk

Dame Judi Dench has called for greater protections for London’s parks and green spaces, as research finds more than 50 of the city’s parks are at risk from development.