Breaking Waves: Ocean News

EPA moves to designate microplastics and pharmaceuticals as contaminants in drinking water

admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Proposal, a win for RFK Jr’s Maha movement, is a ‘first step’ toward tackling plastic pollution, advocates say

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed on Thursday to include microplastics and pharmaceuticals on a list of contaminants in drinking water for the first time, a step that could lead to new limits on those substances for water utilities.

Of course we shouldn’t drill for more oil in the North Sea – we cancelled further exploitation for a reason | Bill McGuire

admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:48 +0000

We are at a critical point in the climate emergency and already struggling to meet emissions reduction targets. The UK government must hold its nerve

Week in wildlife: a meep-meep roadrunner, a new frog species and Orkney voles

admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:20:34 +0000

This week’s best wildlife photographs from around the world

Contractor that cut back 500-year-old oak in London park identified

admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:00:44 +0000

Document shows partial felling last year, which led to legal action against Toby Carvery, was done by Ground Control

A mystery contractor who chainsawed an ancient oak in north London for the Toby Carvery restaurant chain has been identified by the Guardian, prompting more questions about the incident.

Google to tap into gas plant for AI datacenter in sharp turn from climate goals

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:55:08 +0000

Texas power plant would emit 4.5m tons of carbon dioxide per year, more than that of the entire city of San Francisco

Google’s plan for a partnership with a natural gas power plant that could provide energy for one of its datacenters in Texas was unearthed by new research and confirmed by the company. The move is part of an ongoing about-face for the tech giant, which once pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030 and has long been seen as a pioneer in clean energy.

Sex at arm’s length? Male octopuses use specialised arm to mate, scientists find

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:17:45 +0000

Sensory organ in male cephalopod able to detect female hormone progesterone, even if male cannot see partner

Sex might seem an intimate act, but scientists have shed fresh light on how octopuses manage it at arm’s length.

Male octopuses use a specialised arm called the hectocotylus to place a package of sperm inside the female’s reproductive system.

Starmer must call energy summit akin to 2008 crisis response, Labour MP says

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:31:34 +0000

Former government adviser Polly Billington urges bigger steps to shield people in UK from effects of Iran war

Middle East crisis – live updates

Keir Starmer should convene a global energy summit of the same order as Gordon Brown’s response to the 2008 financial crisis and put Britain on a “war footing” to reduce its exposure to fossil fuels, a Labour MP and former government adviser has said.

How a lush Miami park was designed to keep flooding at bay – in pictures

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:00:26 +0000

As the climate crisis intensifies the storms lashing south Florida, it is imperative to design spaces that soak up the water. The 19.4-acre Bayshore Park is an example of how to design spaces that protect from and connect residents to nature

Why thousands of New Yorkers swap gas for induction stoves in clean energy push: ‘It makes sense’

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:21 +0000

US states from California to Georgia are promoting induction stoves for climate, health and cost benefits

Marcos Ramos hasn’t been able to cook a full meal at home in nearly four years, after a gas leak resulted in a lengthy supply cut off for his New York City apartment building.

Now, though, Ramos will be able to cook again thanks to a technology that is gradually advancing in the US after being embroiled in an unlikely culture war – the electric induction stove.

Thames Water ‘close to deal that would spare it new Ofwat fines until 2030’

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:57:06 +0000

Offer reportedly put forward by creditors hoping to save struggling firm from being renationalised temporarily

Business live – latest updates

Thames Water is said to be close to a deal with its regulator that would allow the company to avoid new fines for four years, as long as it commits to investing in the business.