An improvement in freshwater biodiversity in England's rivers was linked to reductions in pollution of zinc and copper, largely due to the decline of coal burning and heavy industry, say researchers. Invertebrates are used as an important measure of a river's biodiversity and health, and Environment Agency data show there was a widespread, significant increase in species richness across England in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, there has been little significant further improvement since then. Therefore, a team of scientists looked for the possible reasons for this, using statistical modelling to investigate a wide range of different chemical and physical factors, such as temperature, river flow and landscape.
Breaking Waves: Ocean News
02/19/2025 - 11:12
Animal populations from urban areas show significantly higher resilience to stressful environmental conditions. The mussel and crustacean species studied were able to adapt to disturbed environments, making them more resistant to environmental changes such as climate and land-use change.
02/19/2025 - 08:11
Poorer countries want rapid emission cuts and more financial help in face of US leader’s stance on global heating
Developing countries are calling on the rich world to defy the US president, Donald Trump, and bridge the global chasm over climate action, before the goal of limiting global temperatures to safe levels is irretrievably lost.
Diplomats from the developing world are rallying to support Brazil, which will host a crucial climate summit in November, after last year’s talks in Azerbaijan ended in disappointment and acrimony.
Continue reading...
02/19/2025 - 05:30
Seeds from the last toromiro, unique to remote Easter Island, were taken away in the 1960s. Now, after a crucial discovery gave hope for its survival, it is making a return
In the Mataveri Otai nursery on the island of Rapa Nui, Estefany Paté cradles a bag of soil with a 10cm sprout like it is a baby. She caresses its leaves. “It’s been so emotional to have it here,” says Paté, who works for Chile’s National Forest Corporation (CONAF).
“It was here before us; it was here before the moai,” she says, referring to the megalithic statues that dot the island. “It has a sentimental value.”
Continue reading...
02/19/2025 - 05:29
Bank is criticised for pushing climate targets to 2050 and watering down environmental goals
HSBC has been criticised after it delayed key parts of its climate goals by 20 years, while watering down environmental targets in a new long-term bonus plan for its chief executive, Georges Elhedery, that could be worth up to 600% of his salary.
The London-headquartered lender said it was reviewing its net zero emissions policies and targets – which are split between its own operations and those of the clients it finances – after realising its clients and suppliers had “seen more challenges” in cutting their carbon footprint than expected.
Continue reading...
02/19/2025 - 05:00
Analysis of UK BioBank data shows importance of factors including living conditions and smoking, say experts
The environment is about 10 times more important than genes in explaining why some people have a higher risk of an early death than others, research has suggested.
The study is based on an analysis of information from almost 500,000 participants in the UK BioBank database, including answers to questionnaires as well as data on deaths and diseases that occurred after people enrolled.
Continue reading...
02/19/2025 - 01:01
What is the point of this government?
Sign up here to get an email whenever First Dog cartoons are published
Get all your needs met at the First Dog shop if what you need is First Dog merchandise and prints
Continue reading...
02/19/2025 - 00:00
Researchers say study, which involved training bream to follow a specific diver for treats, could change the way we treat fish
Wild fish can tell people apart – at least when they are wearing different-coloured outfits – researchers have found in a study they say could shift our relationship with the creatures.
It is known that certain domestic animals – or those that live close to humans – can tell one person from another, a skill researchers say could be tied to particular humans being more inclined to share resources with them or, conversely, pose a danger. However, such discrimination is less well known in wild animals.
Continue reading...
02/18/2025 - 21:22
A group of 157 animals that appear to be false killer whales have stranded, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, with initial observations showing 136 animals were still alive on Wednesday morning. Veterinarians and conservationists have responded to the mass beaching, but experts warn inaccessibility and poor conditions may limit their ability to help
More than 150 whales stranded on beach in remote north-western Tasmania
‘I closed my eyes to brace for impact’: the man who escaped a whale’s mouth
Continue reading...
02/18/2025 - 19:01
Study found electric vehicles and batteries added largest amount to country’s clean-energy economy
Clean energy contributed a record 10% of China’s gross domestic product in 2024, an analysis has found.
With sales and investments worth 13.6tn yuan (£1.5tn; $1.9tn), the sector has now overtaken real estate sales in value.
Continue reading...
