The Guardian · 12 Aug, 06:00
Europe is warming at twice the rate of other continents, with temperatures 2.5C higher than before the mass burning of fossil fuels, and the consequences are deadly, with tens of thousands of heatwave deaths this summer.
Europe is experiencing rapid warming, with temperatures rising by 0.56C per decade since the mid-1990s, compared to 0.42C in North America, 0.36C in Africa, and 0.27C in South America. This warming is attributed to four factors: changed weather patterns, closeness to the Arctic, less snow, and less air pollution. The consequences of this warming are increasingly deadly, with tens of thousands of heatwave deaths this summer, as well as more intense wildfires, droughts, storms, and floods.
Why it matters: Europe's rapid warming is significant because it has severe consequences for human lives and livelihoods, and it serves as a warning for other continents. The warming is also a result of human activities, specifically the burning of fossil fuels, and can be mitigated by reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Urgent action is needed to protect citizens and prevent further worsening of the climate crisis.
2.5C, 1.4C, 0.56C, 0.42C, 0.36C, 0.27C, 1.3m km2, 31%, 1983, 1991-2020, 2025, 2026
The awful costs of this climate crisis – both human and economic – are now reaching national emergency levels. What needs to be done is clear: leave coal, oil and gas behind faster, scale up renewables, and protect people. - Simon Stiell
The Guardian · 12 Aug, 06:00
Some UK residents are using heat pumps to cool their homes during heatwaves, with one couple reporting a temperature drop from 35C to 21C in their living room. The UK government is offering grants to support the installation of heat pumps and air conditioning units that can heat and cool.
A growing number of UK residents are using heat pumps to cool their homes during heatwaves. Heat pumps can transfer heat energy from one place to another and can be used for both heating and cooling. The Ingrams, a couple from Maidenhead, Berkshire, installed an air source heat pump in their home and have been using it to cool their living room during hot weather. They reported a significant drop in temperature, from 35C to 21C, and have found the system to be an 'absolute lifeline' during heatwaves.
Why it matters: The use of heat pumps for cooling is significant as it could help reduce the need for air conditioning units, which can be expensive to install and run. The UK government is offering grants to support the installation of heat pumps and air conditioning units that can heat and cool, which could make this technology more accessible to homeowners. As the country experiences more frequent heatwaves, finding ways to keep homes cool will become increasingly important.
£18,600, £1,700, £7,500, £9,000, £2,500, £4,500, £12,000, 358,000, 323,000, 92%, 2050, £16m, £2.50-£3, 19C-24.9C, 32C, 35C, 21C
If it is 35C outdoors, I can get the temperature down to 21C. On the nights I’ve slept in there, you have to put your thick pyjamas on.
The Guardian · 12 Aug, 06:00
The UK government has announced that paid paternity leave for police officers in England and Wales will be doubled to two weeks, following reports that officers were being 'mocked and ostracised' for taking time off to care for their newborns.
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has increased paid parental and adoption leave for police officers from one week to two weeks, with fathers' leave now equal to mothers'. This change comes after a report revealed that police officers who took paternity leave were often mocked and ostracised. Prior to the change, only a quarter of forces offered two weeks' full pay, while others offered one week on full pay and the second week on statutory pay.
Why it matters: This change is significant as it recognises the importance of family life for police officers and aims to support new fathers in spending time with their families. The move is also expected to put pressure on the government to improve paternity leave across the public sector, with campaigners arguing that current leave for fathers is poor and patchy.
2 weeks, 40%, 88%, 90%, 6 weeks, 95%, 30%, 1 in 3, 18 months, £184.03
“Police officers work tirelessly to protect the public, so it is right that new fathers are better supported to spend time with their families. By expanding police paternity leave, we are recognising the importance of family life.” - Sarah Jones
Ars Technica · 12 Aug, 00:08
Passengers on Delta flight 591 allegedly spoofed the onboard Wi-Fi, possibly after attending the DEF CON security conference. The incident has drawn attention from federal law enforcement.
On Monday, passengers on Delta flight 591 from Las Vegas to Atlanta reportedly spoofed the onboard Wi-Fi. This incident occurred one day after the DEF CON security conference in Las Vegas. According to social media accounts tracking air-to-ground messages (ACARS), the pilots sent a message stating that passengers who had attended a cyber conference in Las Vegas were able to jam the Wi-Fi and broadcast their own signal.
Why it matters: This incident is significant because it highlights potential security vulnerabilities in in-flight Wi-Fi systems. The involvement of passengers who had recently attended a cyber conference suggests that the incident may have been a test or demonstration of such a vulnerability.
NO INFO AS OF NOW WE HAVE A BUNCH OF PAX THAT WERE AT A CYBER CONFERENCE IN LAS THEY WERE ABLE TO JAM OUR WIFI AND BROADCAST THEIR SIGNAL.
Ars Technica · 11 Aug, 21:20
Romanian army divers used explosives to destroy two Russian-made drones found floating in the Black Sea near Romania's largest natural gas project.
Two Russian-made drones of the Gerbera type were found drifting in the Black Sea near Romania's Neptun Deep offshore gas project. A Romanian Coast Guard ship responded with army soldiers aboard and identified the drones along with other debris. The drones were destroyed using explosives by Romanian army divers on August 11. Romania had confirmed with Ukrainian partners that the drones did not belong to them.
Why it matters: This incident is significant because the Neptun Deep project will make Romania the largest gas producer in the European Union, and the presence of Russian drones near the site poses a potential threat to European energy security. The destruction of the drones by Romanian authorities demonstrates their commitment to protecting critical infrastructure.
Ars Technica · 11 Aug, 18:31
The used EV market is experiencing an increase in supply and prices, with a 5% appreciation in used EVs since February. There are over 9,000 used EVs for sale between $25,000 and $30,000.
The used EV market is seeing an increase in supply, driven by ex-lease cars entering the market. Despite this, prices have also risen, with used EVs appreciating by 5% since February. Used EV sales have been strong, up 25% year over year by May, although June saw a weaker sales performance, bringing overall sales up 20% year over year. Used EVs also sell quickly, with only 38 days' supply on dealer lots, compared to 81 days for new EVs.
Why it matters: The used EV market is significant because it provides an affordable option for consumers looking to purchase an electric vehicle. The increase in supply and prices, as well as the strong sales performance, indicate a growing demand for used EVs. This trend is important for consumers, manufacturers, and the environment, as it can influence the adoption of electric vehicles and the overall sustainability of the transportation sector.
30,000, 5%, 25%, 20%, 38, 81, 9,000, $25,000, $1,750
NPR News · 12 Aug, 03:28
Summary not available.
NPR News · 12 Aug, 05:13
Summary not available.
NPR News · 12 Aug, 05:27
Summary not available.