Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Group of activists, who range in age from seven to 25, include plaintiffs who won landmark climate case in Montana two years ago Youth climate activists are taking the Trump administration to court this week over its anti-environment agenda. In a two-day hearing in Missoula, Montana, starting Tuesday, the young activists, who are between seven and 25, will argue that a federal judge should block three of Donald Trump’s pro-fossil fuel executive orders. Continue reading...

The next pandemic or geopolitical shock could be close at hand. To look after our people, we’re looking after our supply chains, agriculture and fuel reserves Miika Ilomäki is chief preparedness specialist for Finland’s National Emergency Supply Agency In times of crisis, food is more than sustenance. It is a pillar of national stability. Finland has long understood this, not just because of policy, but because of who we are and where we live. Geography, a mild continental climate and our history have shaped a mindset where preparedness is essential. In a country with vast territory, a sparse population and long distances between communities, resilience must be built into everything we do. This understanding is deeply rooted in our society, in individual households as much as government institutions. Today, Finland’s approach to preparedness is rightly seen as a model for Europe. But it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for Finland, such as our high levels of food self-sufficiency, strong institutions and a culture of cooperation, may not work elsewhere. Still, our experience offers valuable lessons. Preparedness must be proactive, inclusive and deeply integrated into national strategy. Miika Ilomäki is chief preparedness specialist for Finland’s National Emergency Supply Agency Continue reading...

Western suburbs, where temperatures are often 5C warmer, need shaded bus stops, more green space and better environmental standards in rented homes, locals say Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Full Story: Rising sea levels and soaring heat deaths: will climate action match the risks? Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Bud Moses is all too aware of the longer, hotter summers impacting his community in Sydney’s west. As black summer bushfires raged on 4 January 2020, Penrith was sweltering in temperatures of 48.9C, making it the hottest place on the planet that day. It was just one of a growing number of above-40C days Moses has witnessed in recent years. Continue reading...

State faces more frequent heatwaves, floods, cyclones and bushfires as world warms, national climate risk assessment warns Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Full Story: Rising sea levels and soaring heat deaths: will climate action match the risks? Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Up to 185,000 properties in Queensland would be considered at “very high risk” of natural disaster if global heating continues unabated, according to a new report that warns that many of those homes would also become uninsurable. The federal government’s national climate risk assessment report – released on Monday – says climate-related natural disasters would occur more frequently if global temperatures increase. Continue reading...