The Guardian · 30 Sept, 06:00
A report found that a record 23 zettajoules of heat was absorbed by the world's seas last year, causing ocean waters to become hotter, higher, and less hospitable. This has significant implications for marine life, sea levels, and the Earth's climate.
The world's seas absorbed a record 23 zettajoules of heat last year, which is almost 40 times greater than all the energy humanity used that year. This has led to a rise in sea levels, with an average increase of 3.8mm per year since 1999, and 4.2mm per year between 2012 and 2025. The global ocean has also become 17% more acidic in the last 40 years, and has absorbed about one-third of the carbon dioxide and 90% of the extra heat trapped in the Earth's system due to greenhouse gas pollution.
Why it matters: This is significant because the changes in ocean temperature and acidity have far-reaching implications for marine life, sea levels, and the Earth's climate. The report found extensive damage to marine life, including coral bleaching, shifts in phytoplankton growth patterns, and breeding failures in emperor penguin colonies. These changes can also have impacts on human societies, including exacerbating heatwaves on land and eroding coastlines.
23 zettajoules, 40 times, 3.8mm/year, 4.2mm/year, 17%, 1/3, 90%, 0.32C/decade, 84%, 5%, 40C
The ocean is transforming before our eyes. Warming, rising seas and ecosystem degradation are interconnected signs of significant and long-term change. - Pierre Bahurel
The Guardian · 30 Sept, 05:48
The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has approved the largest coal mine project in its history, allowing mining to continue until 2045 at a Hunter Valley project.
The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) of New South Wales has approved the Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project, a coal mine project that has been described as a 'carbon bomb' by climate groups. The project, owned by Glencore and Yancoal, will allow mining to continue until 2045 at the north mine site and until 2042 at the south mine site. The IPC acknowledged that the project's greenhouse gas emissions would contribute to climate change impacts but stated that these impacts were outweighed by the project's benefits to the Hunter region and NSW, including continued employment and economic activity.
Why it matters: The approval of this project is significant because it has been strongly opposed by climate and environment groups, who argue that it is out of line with Australia's commitments under the Paris climate agreement and could exacerbate extreme weather events. The project's approval has been described as a 'catastrophic failure' of the New South Wales planning system and a 'betrayal' of the public trust.
2045, 2030, 2042, 809m, 794Mt, 87%, 1,500, 75
There is no other way to describe this other than a catastrophic failure of the New South Wales planning system to protect the people of the state from the worst impacts of global warming.
The Guardian · 30 Sept, 05:00
Andy Burnham has announced plans to review the UK's relationship with the EU, potentially paving the way for a referendum on rejoining the union. He will present options for a new relationship with the EU around the time of the next EU-UK summit in November.
Andy Burnham, a UK politician, has stated that Brexit has 'done more harm than good' and plans to launch a review of the UK's relationship with the EU. He will present options for a new relationship with the EU around the time of the next EU-UK summit in November. The options may include rejoining the EU, a Swiss-style deal, joining the European Economic Area (EEA), or associate membership. This move may test Burnham's ability to sell a closer relationship with the EU to a country still affected by Brexit.
Why it matters: This is significant because it may change the UK's relationship with the EU, which has been strained since Brexit. The review could lead to a potential referendum on rejoining the EU, which would be a major shift in UK policy. The stakes are high, with the UK's trade with the EU and its global influence at risk.
3-5% (potential GDP increase if UK rejoins EU), 2-3% (potential growth increase if UK joins EEA), €375m (£322m) (annual payment to EU if UK has Swiss-style deal), 10 years (time since Brexit referendum)
Brexit hasn’t given us control
Ars Technica · 29 Sept, 22:30
A new obesity drug, retatrutide, has shown significant weight loss results in a late-stage clinical trial, with patients losing up to 25% of their body weight after 80 weeks. The drug also improved various health metrics, including knee pain, sleep apnea, and cardiometabolic measurements.
Researchers published late-stage clinical trial data for the obesity drug retatrutide, which showed that patients with obesity on the highest dose lost an average of 25% of their body weight after 80 weeks and 30% after an extension period to 104 weeks. The trial included 2,339 participants from 131 clinical trial sites in 11 countries. The drug also reduced knee pain and sleep apnea events, and improved cardiometabolic measurements. More than a third of participants taking retatrutide lost 30% or more of their weight.
Why it matters: This is significant because retatrutide appears to be the most powerful obesity drug yet, with substantial weight loss results and improvements in related health conditions. The drug's effectiveness in reducing knee pain, sleep apnea events, and improving cardiometabolic measurements could have a major impact on the treatment of obesity and related health issues.
25%, 30%, 62%, 57%, 90%, 2,339, 131, 11, 2023, 80 weeks, 104 weeks
Ars Technica · 29 Sept, 20:23
Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has filed a complaint alleging that Trump ads paid for by the US government violate anti-propaganda laws. The ads appear to be campaign ads, but are labeled as paid for by the US government.
Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission against Trump ads that appear to violate US laws. The ads in question are allegedly using taxpayer funds for propaganda and restrict political activity by federal government employees. The ads are nearly identical to ones used by Trump's 2024 campaign committee, but are labeled as paid for by the US government. The White House claims these ads are public service announcements.
Why it matters: This complaint is significant because it alleges that the Trump administration is violating laws that prohibit using taxpayer funds for propaganda and restrict political activity by federal government employees. If the allegations are true, it could be a serious breach of ethics and potentially undermine the integrity of the US government's communications with the public.
This is the final battle. With you at my side, we will demolish the deep state. We will expel the warmongers from our government.
Ars Technica · 29 Sept, 21:14
AMD will acquire AI startup World Labs for $8.2 billion, pending regulatory approval. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
AMD announced that it will acquire World Labs, an AI startup founded in 2024 by computer vision scientist Fei-Fei Li and others. World Labs focuses on developing new world models, which are AI models that aim to provide a useful, predictive simulation of the physical world. The acquisition is valued at $8.2 billion and is pending regulatory approval. World Labs was founded with $230 million in funding, some of which came from AMD.
Why it matters: The acquisition is significant as it ups the ante in the AI chip market, particularly against competitor Nvidia. World Labs' technology has the potential to advance AI capabilities in areas such as computer vision and predictive simulation. The deal also highlights AMD's commitment to expanding its presence in the AI sector.
$8.2 billion, $230 million, 2024
NPR News · 29 Sept, 21:29
Summary not available.
NPR News · 29 Sept, 19:19
Summary not available.
NPR News · 29 Sept, 18:00
Summary not available.