The planet: Art of erosion

Published on Saturday 22 November 2008 18:37

The rate of erosion of Britain's coastline is being measured by scientists using works of art.

Researchers at the University of Portsmouth are examining paintings and prints of the Isle of Wight between 1770 and 1920 to understand how the coasts have changed over time as well as give an insight into future problems likely to be caused by rising sea levels and climate change.

BEAVERS ARE BACK

A plan to reintroduce beavers to the UK after a 400-year absence has entered its next phase after the arrival of four families from Norway.

After six months in quarantine, they will be released in Knapdale, Argyll, in a trial in the spring.

The capture of the beavers marks the latest phase of the Scottish beaver trial, a six-year project aimed at achieving the UK's first native mammal reintroduction.

It is being spearheaded by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

WHALING PROTEST

Conservation groups have called for Japan's whaling fleet to turn back as the first ship set sail for the annual hunt in the Southern Ocean.

Greenpeace said the fleet's leading vessel, the Nisshin Maru, left from Japan today without its usual fanfare and under tight security.

Other ships are expected to leave later this month.

CARBON CASH

Cash raised from selling carbon allowances to companies to cover their emissions should be used to pay for measures such as improving energy efficiency in homes, a think-tank urged last week. Some 7% of the UK's carbon permits distributed under the new phase of the EU's emissions trading scheme will be auctioned, instead of being handed out for free. The first sale of four million allowances last week was expected to raise some ?72m (60m).