New report: coastal adaptation against sea level rise makes economic sense
A new study underlines that coastal adaptation measures can protect Europe’s communities from coastal flooding while also being economically efficient.
A radar for plastic: High-resolution map to track plastic emissions in seas
A team of scientists developed a new method to combat plastic emissions, taking into account the origin of plastic emissions.
Authorities seize record 26 tons of illegal shark fins in Hong Kong
Customs officials in Hong Kong have seized 26 tons of shark fins from an estimated 38,500 sharks classified as vulnerable and protected species — the biggest shipment ever to be intercepted in the region. This recent shipment, which came from Ecuador, is valued at $1.1 million.
Global trade in soy has major implications for climate
Global soy trade is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions for multiple reasons. The conversion of natural vegetation into arable land is probably the most important cause, but greenhouse gases are also released during the harvesting, the processing into derived products, the subsequent transport to ports of export and shipment.
California’s critical kelp forests are disappearing in a warming world. Can they be saved?
The “sequoias of the sea” suck up carbon and shelter special species. They’ve been hit hard, but scientists, surfers, and more are banding together to save them.
The world is paying a high price for cheap clothes
The global fashion industry generates a huge amount of waste – one full garbage truck of clothes is burned or sent to a landfill every second, and, 60% of materials used by the industry are plastic fibers – the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles are leaked into the ocean through garment wash every year.
Coastal armoring and disappearing beaches; By Gary Griggs
Coastal erosion or retreat is a natural ongoing process that has only become a problem because people have built structures or infrastructure in areas exposed to wave attack and erosion. Beaches, dunes, bluffs and cliffs are all temporary features that will continue to be shaped by wave, wind and tidal forces as well as a rising sea level.
Scientists find highest ever level of microplastics on seafloor
An international research project has revealed the highest levels of microplastic ever recorded on the seafloor, with up to 1.9 million pieces in a thin layer covering just 1 square meter. The hotspots appear to be the deep-sea equivalents of the so-called ‘garbage patches’ formed by currents on the ocean surface.
Rays, sharks, and dolphins enjoy new freedom as humans retreat from the oceans
The sightings of rays, sharks, and dolphins are welcome and have been particularly noticeable along the Emirati coastline in recent weeks, as wildlife is taking the opportunity to fill abandoned spaces.