Here’s why a California beach town just banned balloons – the Grist
Celebrations in a beachside California city will soon have to take place without an iconic, single-use party favor: balloons.
The city council of Laguna Beach, about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles, banned the sale and use of all types of balloons on Tuesday, citing their contribution to ocean litter as well as risks from potential fires when they hit power lines…
In pictures: France demolishes beach apartments and relocates residents due to rising sea levels – Euronews | Reuters
When it was built at the end of the 1960s on one of France’s most glorious Atlantic coastlines, the beach was over 200 metres away.
Today, the hulk of the 80-flat Le Signal apartment block perches precariously on a dune just metres from the water and local authorities are tearing it down before it tumbles…
Long Story Shorts: What is Symbiosis? – Hakai Magazine
You might think symbiosis is when two different species live in perfect harmony— but that’s just one kind of interaction. See what happens when symbiosis takes a dark turn…
Is YOUR town at risk? – Daily Mail
Terrifying interactive map reveals the areas that could be plunged UNDERWATER by 2050 amid sea level rise fuelled by climate change.
With the allure of deck chairs, ice cream and amusement arcades, the Great British seaside holds a special, nostalgic place in the hearts of UK holidaymakers.
But fast forward just 25 years and scores of the country’s beaches, piers and bays could be underwater because of increasing global sea levels caused by global warming…
Why the Climate Fight Will Fail without India – Scientific American
India is in the midst of the biggest climate experiment the world has ever known.
It’s a test that aims to transform a nation marked by deep economic inequality and heavily polluting coal power to one where families drive electric scooters and cool their homes with the sun’s energy. And it could determine whether global temperatures exceed limits beyond which climate impacts become increasingly disastrous…
Long Story Shorts: Why Do Fish Have Gas? – Hakai Magazine
Fish have bladders, but not the one you’re thinking of. These swim bladders put the buoyancy control of scuba divers to shame.
Are You Giving Flowers with a Side of Plastic? – Hakai Magazine Editorial
Over a century ago, flower retailer Florists’ Telegraph Delivery group—more recognized as FTD—started the campaign “Say it with flowers” for Mother’s Day. And we’ve been saying it—I love you, I miss you, … congratulations on your new baby/home/job—ever since. Flower person or not, chances are you’ve recently intersected with a bouquet or arrangement… Look closely, and you’ll see the power of flowers; their ubiquity in our day-to-day.
The Edge of Extinction: Can sea otters survive the human threat? – Kim Steinhardt
I was hooked the first time I saw a southern sea otter bobbing in the surf off the coast of California’s Big Sur. I didn’t know then that I would be as spellbound by these rare creatures decades later as I was at that very first sighting. And little did I know that I was witnessing the latest act in a continuing saga of survival against all odds and an all too real human threat…
Don’t Overestimate Bioplastics’ Benefits – Hakai Magazine
Bioplastics may avoid some of the issues associated with non-biodegradable fossil fuel–derived plastics, but they’re no panacea.
Plastics produced from plants are often considered less environmentally damaging than plastics made from petrochemicals. But scientists are warning that we should be careful making such assumptions…