admin | Common News Update

Mar32023 by adminNo Comments

Airlines sue Dutch government over flight cuts

Science

Getty ImagesBy Georgina RannardBBC climate and science reporterFive airlines are suing the Dutch government over plans to cut the number of flights operating from Europe's third-busiest airport.The government cited local concerns at Amsterdam Schiphol about the impact of flying on noise pollution and climate in its decision.Airlines KLM, Easyjet, Delta, Tui and Corenden say the plans are in breach of EU and international law.The cap would reduce the annual number of flights from 500,000 to 440,000.The government says it wants to strike a balance between the economic benefits of a large airport and a healthy living environment, prioritising tackling noise pollution.Global aviation is responsible for 2.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. These gases warm the atmosphere, contributing to gl...

Feb182023 by adminNo Comments

The King co-writes children’s climate change book

Science

PA MediaBy Georgina RannardClimate and science reporterKing Charles has co-written a children's book about the environmental threats the planet is facing.'Climate Change' - a Ladybird Book, will be published next month.On Friday the King hosted global leaders at Buckingham Palace to support action on restoring the natural world.Speaking at the reception, the book's co-author Chair of Natural England Tony Juniper said the King wanted to empower young people."I think he's been struck by the level of energy and passion shown by young people on these subjects, and was keen to put something into their hands which was about those basic facts and figures, basic ideas, but also with his personal message in there," Mr Juniper said.In 2017 the King and Mr Juniper wrote a book for adults about climat...

Feb92023 by adminNo Comments

Orca mothers make ‘lifelong sacrifice’ for sons

Science

Center for Whale ResearchBy Victoria GillScience correspondent, BBC NewsA study of orcas in the North Pacific has revealed that mothers make a "lifelong sacrifice" for their sons.Rearing a son significantly reduced a female killer whale's chance of reproducing in the future. The energy they need to feed sons appears to compromise their health, leaving them less able to reproduce and raise other young."Mothers sacrifice their own food and their own energy," said Prof Darren Croft from the University of Exeter. Orcas remain closely bonded to their families throughout their lives. But while young female offspring become independent in adulthood, males depend on their mothers - even demanding a share of the food that their matriarchs catch. Prof Croft described it as a "new insight into the co...

Feb32023 by adminNo Comments

Bird flu ‘spills over’ to otters and foxes in UK

Science

BBC/Tim NicholsonBy Claire Marshall & Malcolm PriorBBC News Rural Affairs teamThe largest ever outbreak of bird flu is spilling over into mammals, including otters and foxes in the UK.Figures released to the BBC show the virus has led to the death of about 208 million birds around the world and at least 200 recorded cases in mammals.Public health bosses warn the mutation in mammals could see a jump to humans but the risk to the public is very low.There will now be more targeted surveillance and testing of animals and humans exposed to the virus in the UK.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) still advises that avian flu is primarily a disease of birds, but experts across the globe are looking at the risks of it spilling over into other species.Worldwide, the virus has been found in a r...

Jan132023 by adminNo Comments

‘Forever chemicals’ still in use in UK make-up

Science

ReutersBy Esme StallardBBC News Climate and ScienceMajor beauty brands Urban Decay, Revolution and Inglot are selling make-up in the UK containing "forever chemicals", BBC News has found.These pollutants - known as PFAS - have been linked to serious health concerns including cancer.They are not illegal in the UK but five European countries are expected to propose an EU-wide ban on Friday.L'Oréal, which owns Urban Decay, told the BBC it was "well underway" with phasing out the chemicals.PFAS, which stands for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, are resistant to oil and water, making them highly valuable to the make-up industry. Historically they have been added to products to make them last longer, improve finish and preserve the colour of eyeshadows and lipsticks. Many brands are now "PFA...