Climate scientists say that the world is continuing to warm, despite brief respite in record breaking temperaturesEarth's string of 13 straight months with a new average heat record came to an end this past July as the natural El Nino climate pattern ebbed, the European climate agency Copernicus announced on Wednesday.But July 2024's average heat just missed surpassing last year's July, and scientists said the end of the record-breaking streak changes nothing about the threat posed by the climate crisis. Continue reading...

Devastation in Brazil wetlands was made at least four times more likely by fossil fuel use and deforestation, scientists sayThe devastating wildfires that tore through the world's biggest tropical wetland, Brazil's Pantanal, in June were made at least four times more likely and 40% more intense by human-caused climate disruption, a study has found.Charred corpses of monkeys, caimans and snakes have been left in the aftermath of the blaze, which burned 440,000 hectares (1.1m acres) and is thought to have killed millions of animals and countless more plants, insects and fungi. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Victorian Environment Protection Authority launches proactive program' to investigate potential risks from recycled soil fillAsbestos found in recycled soil at more than half NSW waste facilitiesVictoria's environment watchdog has launched a compliance blitz of waste facilities that produce cheap landscaping soil after a Guardian Australia investigation revealed systemic problems with similar recycled products in New South Wales.The Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said it had begun a proactive program looking at recovered fines" - the cheap soil or sand substitute made from construction and demolition waste residues after larger recyclable materials are removed.Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...

Juneau residents clear sodden homes after lake dammed by Mendenhall Glacier gives way in what is now yearly eventResidents in Alaska's capital cleared out waterlogged homes on Wednesday after a lake dammed by the picturesque Mendenhall Glacier gave way, causing the worst flooding in Juneau yet from what has become a yearly phenomenon.At least 100 homes and some businesses were damaged by rapidly rising floodwaters that crested early on Tuesday, according to initial estimates. In some areas, cars floated in chest-high water as people scrambled to evacuate. The waters receded by Wednesday, and the river level was falling. Continue reading...

Volunteers are helping save baby sea turtles as the endangered species' favourite nesting spots come under pressure from development, poaching and tourists

UN says a global backlash' against climate action is being stoked by fossil fuel companiesFossil fuel companies are running a massive mis- and disinformation campaign" so that countries will slow down the adoption of renewable energy and the speed with which they transition away" from a carbon-intensive economy, the UN has said.Selwin Hart, the assistant secretary general of the UN, said that talk of a global backlash" against climate action was being stoked by the fossil fuel industry, in an effort to persuade world leaders to delay emissions-cutting policies. The perception among many political observers of a rejection of climate policies was a result of this campaign, rather than reflecting the reality of what people think, he added. Continue reading...

A year after the fire some try to rebuild life in the city known as the ninth Hawaiian island' - as temperatures top 117FRemedios Ramos moved into her newly built, sand-colored Las Vegas home during a blistering week in July, when temperatures topped 117F. Inside her air-conditioned living room, a shiny grandfather clock, its price tag still attached, chimed every half hour. I like it here," Ramos said, glancing around at her pristine surroundings: brand new reclining chairs, a glossy dining set, a television still in its box.But," she sighed, scrunching her face, I like it better back home, in Hawaii." Continue reading...

A new study is mapping the secrets to the remarkably steady flight of kestrels, which could inform future drone designs and help achieve steadier flight in fixed wing aircraft. Scientists later hope to adapt the data so it can be applied to larger aircraft Continue reading...

Much of Italy's beachfront is in the hands of family-run concessions who operate exclusive clubs or charge big money for umbrellas and loungers. But a new ruling is rallying activists on both sides

First phase of trial starts this month and includes rice and pastaOcado is testing offering everyday products such as pasta, rice and washing liquid in refillable packaging in a first by an online supermarket.The scheme will trial a reusable vessel that can take food or laundry products with no extra costs for customers. Continue reading...

Experts say booming demand for holidays afloat mean ocean liners' burden on the environment is growingThe huge passenger vessels sometimes known as cruisezillas" are getting bigger than ever, according to new research which has found that the world's biggest cruise ships have doubled in size since 2000.If the industry's growth does not slow, the biggest ships in 2050 will be eight times larger, in terms of tonnage, than the Titanic - the largest ship on the seas before it sank a century ago, according to the campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E). The group also found that the number of cruise ships has risen 20-fold since 1970. Continue reading...

Study shows average platform has four times the level of pollution exposure deemed safe by EPANew York City subway riders are breathing in hazardous air, with Black and Hispanic commuters exposed to higher levels of pollution, a new study shows.New York University researchers found that the average subway platform had four times the particulate pollution (PM2.5) exposure standard deemed safe over a 24-hour period by the Environmental Protection Agency, and nine times the exposure guideline set by the World Health Organization. Continue reading...

Only 40% of birds survive collisions with windows, researchers say, suggesting that mortality rates are far higher than previously thoughtLess than half of stunned or injured birds survive a collision with a window, research has found, pushing up estimates that more than 1 billion birds may die each year from flying into buildings in the US.In a new study published on Wednesday in Plos One, researchers examined how many birds recovered in rehabilitative care after a building collision. Older estimates had assumed that most stunned birds would recover, but researchers found about 60% died, meaning the number killed by building strikes may be far higher than previously thought. Continue reading...

Even those who are concerned about climate crisis were influenced by false claims, showing how insidious' repetition is, researcher says

Community landmark is now thriving and bearing fruit after about half its branches died due to intense heatWhen a deadly wildfire tore through Lahaina on Maui last August, the wall of flames scorched the 151-year-old banyan tree along the historic town's Front Street. But the sprawling tree survived the blaze, and thanks to the efforts of arborists and dedicated volunteers, parts of it are growing back - and even thriving.For generations, the banyan tree served as a gathering place along Lahaina's waterfront. By many accounts, it was the heart of the oceanside community - towering more than 60ft (18m) high and anchored by multiple trunks that span nearly an acre. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Watchdog says it ordered disposal of more than 600 tonnes of soil fill, fined three facilities and is considering significant changes' to rules following Guardian investigation

Researchers say coral analysis shows recent extreme temperatures would not have happened without greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels

More than 95% of investors urged commodities firm to keep highly profitable fossil fuel arm to help maximise shareholder cashGlencore has scrapped plans to spin off its coal business after shareholders urged the commodities company to hold on to the highly profitable but heavily polluting division.The FTSE 100 company said that an overwhelming majority of its shareholders favoured retaining the coal business over its plan to list the division as a separate company on the New York stock exchange. Continue reading...

This has been a summer of extreme heat around the world. The Guardian is investigating how it harms our planet and leaves the world's most vulnerable people exposed to its impact

Kamala Harris's running mate boasts a strong record on climate policy and green energy as Minnesota governor

The weather system has inundated parts of the country including Florida and Georgia, whipping up tornadoes and submerging streets in waist-high flood waters Continue reading...

Gardeners and pest controllers say wasps, important predators and pollinators, appear to be in sharp declineThe UK is not doing enough to track wasp populations as numbers appear to plummet, a leading expert has warned.While there were national monitoring schemes for some invertebrates, including bees and butterflies, there was no such programme in place for wasps, said Dr Gavin Broad, principal curator of wasps at the Natural History Museum. Continue reading...

Our former environment correspondent had solar panels installed in 2010 and later added a heat pump. He's totted up the energy generated and cash saved over the yearsAn abiding memory of a day in August 2010, the first time my solar panels were connected to the grid, was of the builders downing tools and watching the electricity meter whiz round backwards.It was a sunny day and they were supposed to be finishing the plastering and insulation, but the novel sight of the old-style electricity meter in reverse was too entertaining. Continue reading...

Eight Australian sea lions were enlisted to map the ocean floor by sticking cameras with satellite tracking to their backs. Almost 90 hours of footage and 500km later, conservationists hope to have much clearer ideas on how to protect the sea lions. I can watch this stuff for hours," says Prof Simon Goldsworthy. It's like the best slow TV ever. You just don't know what you're going to see next."

Eight females from two seal colonies have filmed almost 90 hours across more than 500km, helping scientists map 5,000 sq km of habitat

Ageing correctional centers and the people within are threatened by floods, extreme heat, and building collapses due to snowfall and thawing permafrostOver millions of years, glaciers slid across what is now northern Juneau, forming the craggy valleys and alluvial plains of south-east Alaska. Then about 200 years ago, when these glaciers shrank amid rising global temperatures, meltwater flowed downstream, depositing loose, silty soil along bodies of water like Lemon Creek.In 1969, the state chose to build a prison on this flat land - despite an assessment that the glacial deposits would be poor ... material" for the building's foundation. Continue reading...

The number of species recognised as threatened with extinction rises by 13 and now stands at 2,224

More than half classed as very toxic, toxic or harmful to aquatic life, with 20 categorised as substances of very high concern'Almost 500 different chemicals, some of which are banned, have been found in various mixtures across all 171 river and groundwater catchments tested in England in 2024, according to data from the Environment Agency, analysed by the Guardian and Watershed Investigations.More than half of them are classified as very toxic, toxic or harmful to aquatic life, according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and a banned, carcinogenic forever chemical" was among 20 substances of very high concern" found. Continue reading...

The penalties reflect the failings of the Environment Agency and Ofwat as much as the water companiesBehind the record fines announced by Ofwat for the routine dumping of sewage into rivers and seas by three water companies, there is a voiceless victim, one that does not sit in boardrooms, or get a chance to count dividends. It is our rivers and coastal waters, subjected to years of continuous pollution under the noses of the regulators, which are suffering.In all likelihood the 168m penalties for the already struggling Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water will be followed by fines for the remaining eight water and sewerage companies, all of whom Ofwat is investigating over failure to treat sewage according to the law. Continue reading...

Firm moves ore through land without telling tribal leaders as mine resurfaces painful legacy of nuclear developmentA coalition of hundreds of environmental activists, Navajo and Havasupai tribal members are protesting the transportation of uranium ore through the Navajo Nation, as a newly opened mine near the Grand Canyon resurfaces a painful legacy of nuclear development.Located just seven miles south of the famous national park, the controversial Pinyon Plain mine is one of the first uranium mines to open in years as the United States works to boost its nuclear arsenal and energy supply. Continue reading...

The environmental regulator has a history of backing fossil fuels - that is why its preliminary view on Woodside's Browse project is extraordinary

Newcastle doctor Dave Hogbin named as man killed by 4.9-metre crocodile near Cooktown

Married couple from Bristol attract awe and abuse on X with photos that show staggering' changes in the AlpsA tourist has posted staggering" photos of himself and his wife at the same spot in the Swiss Alps almost exactly 15 years apart, in a pair of photos that highlight the speed with which global heating is melting glaciers.Duncan Porter, a software developer from Bristol, posted photos that were taken in the same spot at the Rhone glacier in August 2009 and August 2024. The white ice that filled the background has shrunk to reveal grey rock. A once-small pool at the bottom, out of sight in the original, has turned into a vast green lake. Continue reading...

Ex-president, who previously denigrated electric vehicles, says they are suitable for a small slice' of the populationDonald Trump has for months denigrated electric vehicles, arguing their supporters should rot in hell" and that assisting the nascent industry is lunacy". He now appears to have somewhat shifted his view thanks to the support of Elon Musk, the world's richest person.I'm for electric cars, I have to be because Elon endorsed me very strongly," Trump, the Republican nominee for US president, told supporters at a rally in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday. Continue reading...

One dolphin was discovered near Chelsea Harbour Pier, the other on the riverbank at GreenwichTwo dolphins have reportedly been found dead on the banks of the Thames in London, after one was spotted in the river last week.The common dolphin was seen multiple times from late morning on Thursday, and was described as appearing to be struggling with the tide". Continue reading...

Each piece of information about this xenophobic rodent is worse than the last, but you cannot stop reading

Industry downgrades forecast for sales of battery vehicles after 18.8% rise in July on a year earlierThe UK car industry has downgraded its forecast for electric vehicle sales this year in the latest sign of pessimism in the industry over its ability to meet government targets for shifting away from fossil fuels.The number of battery EVs sold in the UK in July rose by 18.8% on the figure a year ago, according to data published on Monday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Continue reading...

America's landmark climate law, which turns two years old this month, has Harris's signature all over itTwo years ago this week, I watched as Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote for the largest climate investment in American history. It was an emotional moment. After decades of inaction, the US had finally passed a climate law - one of the strongest climate laws in the world.I didn't know it then, but a month later I would get a call asking if I would like to interview the vice-president about climate policy. Continue reading...

Climate denialists - 23 in Senate and 100 in House - are all Republicans and make US an outlier internationallyUS politics is an outlier bastion of climate denial with nearly one in four members of Congress dismissing the reality of climate change, even as alarm has grown among the American public over dangerous global heating, an analysis has found.A total of 123 elected federal representatives - 100 in the House of Representatives and 23 US senators - deny the existence of human-caused climate change, all of them Republicans, according to a recent study of statements made by current members. Continue reading...

I do believe we are being targeted and they are trying to silence us out of this space,' ACF spokesperson says

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Desperate to restore the Chao Praya River to a pristine state, an abbot in the Thai capital began recycling in his temple. Now he has a floating ally in his efforts to clean up the river

Restoration of Pleasure Boat Inn on edge of Hickling Broad makes charity the first wildlife trust to own a pubIt was a much-loved endangered species that desperately needed saving, but it was still a surprise when the Norfolk Wildlife Trust stepped in to revive it.The nature conservation charity has become the first wildlife trust to own a pub after restoring the Pleasure Boat Inn on the edge of Hickling Broad, a national nature reserve in the Broads national park. Continue reading...

Trend also reflects concerns over range and a lack of charging infrastructure affecting purely electric vehicles, experts say

As Americans worry about inflation and no planet B', some look to the trash for answersWhen Annemarie Cox drives around San Diego, she scans the urban landscape for one thing that the rest of the population likely ignores: dumpsters. Where other people see trash, she sees possibilities - quirky secondhand clothes, collectible antiques, even family heirlooms and photographs that have been casually discarded.On one recent Tuesday in southern California, the mid-morning sun already beating down, Cox's usual quest was under way. She paid a visit to one of her favorite local dumpsters, first resting her forearms comfortably on the sides and then reaching barehanded towards whatever was at the bottom. Other than a broken TV atop a huge stack of cardboard boxes, there wasn't much to find this time around. Continue reading...

Air conditioning isn't always enough to keep you safe - but people across the US have hacks to handle extreme heatAnother heatwave is sweeping much of the US this week, with millions under heat advisory. The blistering and potentially life-threatening temperatures come as much of the western US faces devastating wildfires and the north-east endures apocalyptic" floods.Scientists agree such conditions would be virtually impossible without the climate crisis. Last week saw the four hottest days ever recorded on the planet, and 2024 is expected to be the warmest year on record. Continue reading...

Campaigners say rare grassland on former firing range in Essex was mowed, killing the birds and their chicks that nest on the groundThe song of the skylark has filled poets' hearts for centuries, from Shelley's blithe spirit" to Wordsworth's ethereal minstrel". But there is little that is poetic about a row over the birds that has blown up in Colchester.Campaigners seeking to save Middlewick Ranges, a former Ministry of Defence firing range in Essex, are furious that some of the 76 hectares of rare grassland were mowed last month, an act that they believe has killed skylarks and their chicks, which nest on the ground. Continue reading...

Rescue body says dolphin spotted on Thursday may be further disoriented by human interferencePeople have been urged to stay away from a dolphin spotted in the River Thames.The common dolphin had been seen several times near Putney Bridge, south-west London, on Thursday, and had appeared to be struggling with the tide", but had not been seen since. Continue reading...

Centuries-old Montrose golf links falling into the sea and town at risk of flooding as coastal erosion acceleratesA beach in north-east Scotland is eroding rapidly owing to climate change, leaving a town at risk of flooding and its centuries-old golf links crumbling into the sea.The Dynamic Coast report in 2021 studied the rate of erosion at Montrose and predicted that 120 metres would be lost over 40 years, an average of 3 metres a year. Continue reading...

At least 23 sea lions with suspected domoic acid poisoning rescued from Santa Barbara and Ventura beachesSea lions are stranding themselves on a long stretch of the California coast in what experts say could be a sign of widespread poisoning by a harmful algae bloom this summer.The Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (Cimwi) said that since 26 July, it had been inundated by daily reports of sick sea lions along the shoreline in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Continue reading...