The environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, has granted approval to a company co-owned by Gina Rinehart to develop and operate up to 151 new coal seam gas wells in inland Queensland. The Atlas stage 3 project proposed by Senex Energy, which is jointly owned by South Korea’s steel giant Posco and Rinehart, aims to primarily contribute to domestic gas supply for households and Australian manufacturing, including glass, bricks, cement, and food packaging.
A recent analysis using high-resolution drone imagery has revealed that at least 97% of corals on a reef at Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef's north have died during a severe coral bleaching event. This event is considered one of the worst to ever affect the world's largest reef system. Scientists from various institutions conducted the study to track the bleaching and subsequent death of the corals. The findings highlight the devastating impact of coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.
The UK's efforts to transition from gas boilers to heat pumps are facing challenges due to a lack of consumer interest and a shortage of skilled installers, as revealed by a recent industry survey. Nearly a third of installers surveyed cited difficulty in finding skilled fitters as a barrier for customers, while 40% noted a general lack of interest in heat pumps among households. This survey, the most comprehensive of its kind, highlights the primary obstacle to widespread adoption of heat pumps in the UK: a low uptake by homeowners.
A massive fire broke out at an industrial estate, causing loud explosions and sending a large plume of smoke drifting towards Glasgow. Firefighters are currently on the scene working to tackle the blaze.
Ayetoro, a coastal community in Nigeria, was established as a Christian utopia known as "Happy City" many years ago. However, the residents of this community are now facing a dire situation as rising sea levels threaten their homes and way of life. Despite their initial hopes for a perfect community, the people of Ayetoro are now feeling helpless in the face of this environmental challenge.
Water companies in England and Wales have been responsible for an alarming number of sewage spills into rivers and seas over the past decade, according to analysis conducted by the Observer. On average, there have been five serious sewage spills reported every day for the past ten years. Data from the Environment Agency reveals that the 10 water companies in England and Wales have documented a total of 19,484 category 1-3 pollution incidents between 2013 and 2022. This averages out to one pollution incident occurring approximately every four and a half hours. The scale of these sewage spills is described as "catastrophic," highlighting the significant impact on the environment and public health. The consistent occurrence of these incidents raises concerns about the effectiveness of current sewage management practices in the region.
The long-standing theory suggesting that the population of Easter Island collapsed due to 'ecocide' has been debunked by modern archaeological research. This new evidence has helped restore the reputation of the ancient civilization that once thrived on the remote island.
Reports of an invasive "mystery" snail have raised concerns in Georgia after the state's Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) confirmed its presence in a local lake.
After a years-long battle, UC Berkeley has received approval to construct housing at People's Park. The California Supreme Court has given the green light for the project, despite protests from local organizations who argue that it will increase noise pollution in the already densely populated historic park. The court's ruling, issued on Thursday, stated that a new law implemented in 2023 overrides the objections raised by the two organizations that sued the university. They claimed that student housing in downtown Berkeley would exacerbate noise levels in the area. The construction project has sparked controversy and protests due to People's Park's significance as a symbol of counterculture. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over the future of People's Park and the surrounding community.
In a televised debate, political leaders John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Douglas Ross, and Alex Cole-Hamilton engaged in a heated discussion over the North Sea industry. The debate marked the first of its kind in the election campaign, with each leader presenting their views and clashing over the future of the vital sector.