The Eco Room
Ecosystems

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.

The Guardian environment desk19 August 2026
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Restoration

Rehabilitated grizzly bear cubs struggle to survive in the wild, study finds

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 Guardian environment desk19 August 2026
A study tracking orphaned grizzly bear cubs in British Columbia reveals high mortality rates after release, raising concerns...

Also filed

A surge in marine heatwaves is causing shifts in marine life, with some species moving away from warmer waters, while others...
Ecosystems

Marine Heatwaves Affect Life in British Seas

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.

The Guardian environment desk17 August 2026
Relief from the heat is on the way for western Europe, with temperatures expected to fall back towards the seasonal norm
Protection

Temperatures to Fall Across Europe as Rain Heads for UK

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.

The Guardian environment desk17 August 2026
Flies, often misunderstood and maligned, play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators, predators, and recyclers
Ecosystems

The Overlooked Pollinators: The Ecological Importance of Flies

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.

The Guardian environment desk17 August 2026
A lethal disease caused by the fungus *Pseudogymnoascus destructans* (Pd) has spread to northern Canada, putting bat...
Pressures

Fungus Threatens Bat Populations in Northern Canada

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.

The Guardian environment desk17 August 2026
Spanish officials investigate after the matriarch of an orca pod known for ramming boats off the Iberian Peninsula is...
Protection

Iberian Orca Suffers Suspected Gunshot Wounds

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 Guardian environment desk16 August 2026
Scientists predict that the peak of El Niño will occur at the worst possible time for the Amazon, exacerbating the already...
Pressures

Amazon Faces Extreme Drought as El Niño Peaks

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.

The Guardian environment desk16 August 2026
While the Edinburgh festival dominates headlines, a lesser-known but deeply rooted Scottish tradition-the Burryman...
Living with nature

Scotland’s Burryman procession: a living tradition of community and endurance

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.

The Guardian environment desk16 August 2026

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