Breaking Waves: Ocean News

At least 19 people contract fungal infection after California music festival, officials say

admin — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:18:40 +0000

New research shows that cases of valley fever, which in rare cases can be fatal, have risen dramatically in recent years

At least 19 people contracted valley fever, a fungal infection that in rare cases can be fatal, after attending an outdoor music festival in southern California in May, public health officials have reported.

Loss of bats to lethal fungus linked to 1,300 child deaths in US, study says

admin — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:00:01 +0000

Because bats feed on crop pests, their disappearance led to a surge in pesticide use. Research found a rise in infant mortality in areas where the bats had been wiped out

In 2006, a deadly fungus started killing bat colonies across the United States. Now, an environmental economist has linked their loss to the deaths of more than 1,300 children.

University funding from fossil fuels slowing switch to green energy – report

admin — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:00:39 +0000

Study’s authors say integrity of higher education ‘at risk’ upon finding lack of attention to role of oil and gas firms

Fossil fuel companies’ funding of universities’ climate-focused efforts is delaying the green transition, according to the most extensive peer-reviewed study to date of the industry’s influence on academia.

Rare moth found in Norfolk village 50 years after becoming ‘extinct’ in Britain

admin — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:50:58 +0000

Enthusiasts discovered Norfolk snout, thought to have died out in the UK in 1971, in their garden

The Norfolk snout was always a rare moth in Britain. By the late 1960s, populations of this small beige moth with its distinctive protuberant “nose” had dwindled to just one site – a working quarry in north-west Norfolk.

Australia may delay release of 2035 climate target as world awaits outcome of US election

admin — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:48:26 +0000

Experts urge Australia not to delay target too long as report by Climate Change Authority identifies six barriers to net zero

Can Australia reach net zero by 2050? A new reports shows it must be ‘the new normal’ | Frank Jotzo for the Conversation

admin — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:51:50 +0000

The Climate Change Authority’s sector pathways review says a huge national effort is needed and the net zero goal should become front of mind for business, investors and governments

‘A 100-year vision’: Skiddaw’s barren peak to spring to life in ambitious rewilding

admin — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 23:01:48 +0000

More than 1,200 hectares of Cumbrian forest will be transformed into England’s highest nature reserve

Skiddaw has long stood proud in the northern Lake District, a distinctive, treeless peak that is England’s sixth highest mountain. But now the fell’s barren heights will spring back to life after its purchase for rewilding by Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

Air pollution harms male fertility while women face similar risk from noise, study finds

admin — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 22:30:47 +0000

Environmental pollutants may have different effects on male and female reproduction, research in BMJ suggests

Air pollution is associated with a higher infertility risk in men, while noise pollution is associated with a higher risk of infertility in women, a study has found.

Water bosses could be jailed if they cover up sewage dumping under new law

admin — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 21:30:46 +0000

CEOs in England and Wales could face two years in prison under proposals to force firms to supply data quickly

Water bosses in England and Wales could be jailed for up to two years if they cover up sewage dumping, under legislation proposed by the Labour government.

At the moment, CEOs of water companies face fines for failing to comply with investigations by the Environment Agency (EA) and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), but there have been just three such fines since privatisation three decades ago.

Phoenix, Arizona, hits its 100th consecutive day of 100F weather

admin — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:26:01 +0000

Hottest large city in US broke previous heat record from 1993 as temperatures are expected to reach 110 tomorrow

Phoenix, Arizona, saw its 100th straight day of 100F (37.7C) heat this week.