Coral in the northern Gulf of Aqaba, where Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia border the red sea are “bountiful, colourful and healthy despite rising carbon dioxide and warming seas.” Scientists are amazed at the resilience of this reef that likely originated further south and moved northward as water has warmed. Although the translocation of these corals to damaged reefs such as the Great Barrier Reef is not viable, there is much opportunity to study the genetics of these resilient corals and apply this to genetic engineering.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-28/the-coral-that-loves-climate-change/11817896?fbclid=IwAR0GVRFmoXZvkPug9cH76QIGObcckXwWwEYnhnXsMGd1j2qzukMJsx0fFIk
Conservation healing bonds between Solomon Islands and Australia
Conservation programs are helping to repair and nurture the relationship between Aus and the Solomon Islands after a past filled with horror, pain and suffering, including a massacre of 60 Kwaio people. The project facilitates the collaboration between scientists and local tribes to protect ecosystems from logging and feral animals.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-26/solomons-science-boosts-reconcilation-australia/11818744
Communities help wildlife out after fires
The lethal combination of drought and bushfires has wipes many areas of vegetation and moisture that was supporting native ecosystems. Fortunately people are feeding rock wallabies sweet potato as it contains moisture that rehydrates the animals and organisations are trying to educate people which foods to feed birds without causing illness or creating a dependence; a crucial and heart-warming reaction that shows the strength of rural communities.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-28/after-drought-and-bushfire-sweet-potato-helping-wildlife/11829064
Microplastics found in London’s atmosphere
A research project has found microplastics between 0.02mm and 0.5mm in diameter in London’s atmosphere. These tiny particles are easily inhaled or swallowed, exposing a new health risk for people living in polluted cities. Further research is being conducted to understand the potential impacts of these airborne microplastics.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/27/revealed-microplastic-pollution-is-raining-down-on-city-dwellers
Chinese company to mine water in drought-striken Queensland
Chinese owned Joyful View has recently been approved to operate a mine in Cherrabah by the Southern Downs regional council. Despite this the surrounding communities are facing extreme drought conditions and tight water restrictions and worry about the impact of the mine on water sources. Residents in the area have said that they have not had a reliable water source in over a year and many towns are already having to truck water in. The mine will be extracting and distributing water for bottled water - another reason for us all to refuse bottled water.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/28/chinese-company-approved-to-run-water-mining-operation-in-drought-stricken-queensland