Breaking Waves: Ocean News

US carbon pollution rose in 2025 in reversal of previous years’ reductions

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:09:20 +0000

Study from research firm finds that US greenhouse gas emissions grew faster than economic activity last year

In a reversal from previous years’ pollution reductions, the United States spewed 2.4% more heat-trapping gases from the burning of fossil fuels in 2025 than in the year before, researchers calculated in a study released Tuesday.

‘A bombshell’: doubt cast on discovery of microplastics throughout human body

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:20:23 +0000

Exclusive: Some scientists say many detections are most likely error, with one high-profile study called a ‘joke’

High-profile studies reporting the presence of microplastics throughout the human body have been thrown into doubt by scientists who say the discoveries are probably the result of contamination and false positives. One chemist called the concerns “a bombshell”.

Ten Sydney Harbours’ worth of threatened species habitat approved for destruction in 2025, report finds

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:00:03 +0000

ACF analysis finds amount of habitat approved by Albanese government for land-clearing hit a 15-year high last year

Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

Red-state Republicans seek climate ‘liability shield’ for fossil fuel industry

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:01 +0000

If enacted, Utah and Oklahoma measures would restrict litigation against oil companies over role in climate crisis

US lawmakers in two red states are attempting to shield the fossil fuel industry from climate liability.

In Oklahoma, a newly introduced bill would bar most civil lawsuits against oil companies over their role in the climate crisis, unless plaintiffs allege violations of specific environmental or labor laws. A similar proposal in Utah would block lawsuits over climate-warming emissions, unless a court finds the defendant violated a statute or permit.

Search for single-tusked elephant after 22 killed in India rampage

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:07:05 +0000

Eastern region on high alert as authorities try to track animal tearing through villages in Jharkhand after apparently becoming separated from herd

Forest officials in India are on the hunt for an elephant that has killed more than 20 people in a days-long rampage through the eastern state of Jharkhand.

Since the beginning of January, 22 people have been killed by a single-tusked elephant that has been tearing through forests and villages in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.

He invented mini saunas for frogs – now this biologist has big plans to save hundreds of species

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:00:26 +0000

A deadly fungus has already wiped out 90 species and threatens 500 more but Anthony Waddle is hoping gene replacement could be their salvation

Standing ankle-deep in water between two bare cottonwood trees on a hot spring day, eight-year-old Anthony Waddle was in his element. His attention was entirely absorbed by the attempt to net tadpoles swimming in a reservoir in the vast Mojave desert.

It was “one of the perfect moments in my childhood”, he says.

Berry nice to meet you: bumper fruit crop could lead to huge mating season for NZ’s endangered kākāpō

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 04:21:36 +0000

After a four-year wait, the abundant fruiting of the rimu tree could inspire the world’s heaviest parrots to boost their population

It has been four long years, but the world’s heaviest parrots, the kākāpō, are finally about to get it on again. The mass fruiting of a native New Zealand tree has triggered breeding season – a rare event conservationists hope will lead to a record number of chicks for the critically endangered bird.

Coal power generation falls in China and India for first time since 1970s

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:01:19 +0000

‘Historic’ moment in biggest coal-consuming countries could bring decline in global emissions, analysis says

Coal power generation fell in China and India for the first time since the 1970s last year, in a “historic” moment that could bring a decline in global emissions, according to analysis.

The simultaneous fall in coal-powered electricity in the world’s biggest coal-consuming countries had not happened since 1973, according to analysts at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, and was driven by a record roll-out of clean energy projects.

Wildlife targets will be missed in England and Northern Ireland, watchdog says

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:01:18 +0000

Seven out of 10 targets have little likelihood of being met by 2030, Office for Environmental Protection says

The government will not meet its targets to save wildlife in England and Northern Ireland and is failing on almost all environmental measures, the Office for Environmental Protection watchdog has said.

In a damning report, the OEP has found that seven of the 10 targets set in the Environment Act 2021 have little likelihood of being met by 2030, which is the deadline set in law.

More than 500 structures destroyed in Victoria’s bushfires as 12 major blazes continue to burn

admin — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 23:55:00 +0000

Conditions ease, with no emergency warnings in place for first time since Thursday, but communities urged to remain alert

Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates