
Australia's Shark Fears: A Primal Anxiety Rooted in History
A recent spate of shark bites in Australia has reignited calls for shark culls, but experts say the real issue is not the sharks themselves, but the fear they evoke in the public.
Staff reporter at The Eco Room, covering Environment.

A recent spate of shark bites in Australia has reignited calls for shark culls, but experts say the real issue is not the sharks themselves, but the fear they evoke in the public.

A new study by Queen Mary University of London has found that the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) in London has improved the lungs and lives of the city's children, with a significant reduction in air pollution and related health issues.

Urban areas offer a surprising sanctuary for wildflowers facing decline in the countryside.

A study tracking orphaned grizzly bear cubs in British Columbia reveals high mortality rates after release, raising concerns about rehabilitation practices. The bears, significantly larger than wild-reared yearlings, faced metabolic challenges and human-wildlife conflicts, prompting calls for more hands-off rearing methods.

The UK's new prime minister, Andy Burnham, faces a dilemma between creating jobs and addressing the climate crisis.

Miami-Dade county is dealing with an increasing amount of sargassum, a type of floating brown algae, washing up on its beaches. The county spends $3m per year on sargassum removal, more than any other county in Florida.

Heavy rain is expected to hit the UK, but it will not reverse widespread drought conditions that have put pressure on wildlife, farmers, firefighters, and water resources.

England's ancient oak trees are struggling to cope with the country's extreme hot and dry weather, with many dying prematurely due to drought stress.

A country diary entry captures the experience of waiting for and finally spotting a nightjar, a crepuscular ground-nesting migrant that has prospered in recent years due to the clearance of conifers.

The villages in northern Iraq, once ravaged by Islamic State, are now struggling to survive due to the climate crisis, with drought, neglect, and a lack of jobs and basic services driving residents away.

Europe's farmers are facing an unprecedented crisis due to successive intense heatwaves and a severe drought, with vegetable and grain growers warning of catastrophic harvests.

A study in The Lancet Public Health reveals that older adults face health risks from heat exposure at lower temperatures than previously thought, with the world's population of those aged 60 and over projected to double by 2050.

A surge in marine heatwaves is causing shifts in marine life, with some species moving away from warmer waters, while others are appearing for the first time around Britain's coastline.

Richard Tice's comments on climate change have sparked a backlash from nurses, medical experts, and green campaigners.

Over 200 musicians, including Massive Attack and Brian Eno, have signed a letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to reject plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.

Relief from the heat is on the way for western Europe, with temperatures expected to fall back towards the seasonal norm. Rain is also forecast for parts of the UK, with some areas potentially seeing substantial rainfall.

Flies, often misunderstood and maligned, play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators, predators, and recyclers. From bee-mimicking hoverflies to punk flies that control invasive pests, these insects contribute significantly to environmental balance and biodiversity.

As the UK experiences its hottest summer on record, workers in various industries are struggling with heat-related illnesses, with some even collapsing on the job. The issue is not limited to the UK, with similar problems reported worldwide.

The rise of SUVs has led to a decline in traditional family car options, leaving consumers with limited choices.

A lethal disease caused by the fungus *Pseudogymnoascus destructans* (Pd) has spread to northern Canada, putting bat populations at risk. The fungus attacks the face, wings, and arms of hibernating bats, causing them to stir from rest and eventually die from dehydration or starvation.

Spanish officials investigate after the matriarch of an orca pod known for ramming boats off the Iberian Peninsula is spotted with wounds suggesting she had been shot by a pellet gun.

The death of Jackie, a 14-year-old bald eagle, has drawn international attention and sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans who were inspired by her life and conservation efforts.

Scientists predict that the peak of El Niño will occur at the worst possible time for the Amazon, exacerbating the already dire situation of the world's largest tropical rainforest.

While the Edinburgh festival dominates headlines, a lesser-known but deeply rooted Scottish tradition-the Burryman procession-takes place nearby. This annual event, part of the Ferry Fair, involves a volunteer covered in burdock seedheads walking a seven-mile route, collecting donations and accepting whisky through a straw. This year marks a significant transition as the current Burryman passes the role to a younger participant, ensuring the tradition’s continuity.