Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Sophie Hadley
The Illegal Bird Trade in Brazil is Responsible for Thousands of Bird Deaths
Every year, thousands of saffron finches are taken from South American rainforests by traffickers and sold within Brazil through the illegal bird fighting market. Legal oversight is lacking, and there are concerns that the saffron finch population will continue to dwindle as they continue to be highly sought after for the trade. — These illegal fighting rings are known as rinhas, and bird owners and other participants gamble on a winner, with bets ranging from $10 to $167 USD.
Japan Will Release Radioactive Fukushima Water into the Pacific Ocean
Japan has announced that it will release over a million tons of radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi site into the ocean. The decision has angered neighbouring countries, including China, as well as local fishermen. — About 1.25 million tonnes of water has accumulated at the site of the nuclear plant, according to Tokyo Electric Power Company, known as TEPCO. Okuma Town in Fukushima was rocked by an earthquake which triggered a tsunami back in 2011.
PCBs: Banned, Toxic Pollutant is Still Being Found in UK waters
Toxic chemicals known as Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are continuing to leach into oceans, causing serious physiological damage to cetacean life. PCB exposure is particularly rife in European waters. Symptoms include infertility, weakened immune systems and causing changes to brain functionality in both humans and animals. An estimated 10% of all PCBs created are currently contaminating the world’s oceans. — PCBs were introduced into US manufacturing processes in 1927.
Clothing Fibres Make Up 73% of Microplastic Pollution in the Arctic- Study
A recent study from a team of scientists at the Ocean Wise Conservation Association has found that 90% of microplastics pollution found in the Arctic consists of man-made fibres, 73% of which are made of polyester. The study indicates that these microplastics derive from washing machines – specifically in Europe, Canada and the US. In a single wash, one item of apparel is able to shed millions of fibres, which leech into sewage systems and then seep into the ocean.
Conservationists are Suing the US Fish and Wildlife Service to Preserve the Red Wolf Population
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is facing legal action after being accused of not taking enough direct action to help the struggling red wolf population flourish in the wild. The Southern Environmental Law Center is representing the Animal Welfare Institute, Defenders of Wildlife as well as Red Wolf Coalition to sue the USFWS. The iconic red wolf has become one of the most endangered canids in the world, with fewer than 20 left within the wild.
Ocean Acidification Linked to Plastic Pollution- Study
New research has found that pollution from plastic waste dumped into the world’s oceans is correlated with ocean acidification, which occurs when the water’s chemistry is altered as CO2 is absorbed by seawater. This process reduces water PH levels and vital minerals like calcium carbonate, a key building block for many marine skeletons and shells. Increased ocean acidity is also caused by CO2 emissions being absorbed into the sea.
Naval Sonar in Scotland Called Into Question After Whales Found Stranded
A spate of whale deaths has been linked to the UK Ministry of Defence’s use of sonar in Scottish waters. Scientists were tracking the MoD’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) war games last year, known as Joint Warrior, which lasted from October 4-15. These operations serve as a practice for conflict scenarios (such as terrorism, pirates or military aggression from other nations) and were conducted with the British Military as well as army troops from 13 other countries.
Protecting 30% of Biodiversity Hotspots Could Eliminate Extinction Risk for 90% of Land-Dwelling Species- Study
Research co-authored by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre and other scientific parties has revealed that strategically preserving 30% of valuable land in biodiversity hotspots would preserve carbon stocks by up to 80% and secure biodiversity benefits by 95%.
Air Pollution is Causing Permanent Damage to Eye Health
Air pollution is known to negatively impact virtually all of our organs, including the lungs, heart and bones. Long-term exposure to air pollution is also eroding eye health and vision in general. If exposed on a regular basis, air pollution can cause dry eye syndrome, watering and burning sensations, blurred vision and even glaucoma, the effects of which could be irreversible.
UK Government Launches Plan to Preserve Honey Bee Populations
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the UK, alongside the Welsh government, have published the Healthy Bees Plan 2030, which outlines measures to ensure a greater level of protection for honey bees throughout England and Wales.
The UK is Failing to Protect its Biodiversity- Report
The UK government is facing criticism for a lack of progress in hitting major biodiversity targets. Recent analysis from The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has concluded that the UK has fallen severely short on its UN biodiversity objectives that were put forth a decade ago at the Convention of Biological Diversity in Japan. Out of 20 long-term targets, only three have been achieved thus far.
Up to a Million Tons of Ghost Fishing Nets Enter the Oceans Each Year- Study
Recent figures from the WWF indicate that between 500 000 and one million tons of ghost fishing equipment are abandoned in the ocean each year. Ghost nets are lost, abandoned or discarded fishing gear left by fishermen. The proliferation of discarded ghost nets is a major issue for marine life and sea habitats, as well as the commercial fishing industry and marine vessels themselves.
Large Herbivores are Facing the Greatest Risk of Extinction- Study
A recent study has shown that large herbivores are facing the greatest risk of extinction compared to other species, a result of human activities along with natural threats in the wild. A quarter of herbivores are currently classified as vulnerable or endangered by the International Union For Conservation of Nature.
Review: Boomtown Halloween at Area 404
“Wow” was the first word that came out of my mouth when I got inside, I could not believe the attention to detail put into this once empty warehouse; it was incredible! Upon arrival, I was greeted by some power plant looking workers who told me to get in quickly before I was contaminated. It was at this point I already knew the night was going to be absolutely insane.
Tackling cross-continental female identity
Introducing Wendy Lee-Warne, former architect turned LCC graduate who decided to delve into the medium of photography after falling in love with developing film at her former universities darkroom. Her series, A Woman’s Fate, is a projection of societal pressures, the looming shadow of gender roles, and cultural expectations for a woman of Chinese descent.
This new zine wants you to be disgusted
Taking zine culture into a dark new stratosphere with cuttingly raw portraits, prose, and anti-establishment approach to fashion – SORT (dropping today) is the latest in a string of mini-projects from the London based collective. Under the influence of Joseph Delaney of NOWNESS and stylist Matt King, its debut issue is a visual assortment of pierced meat, ripples of flesh and grainy CCTV inspired visuals.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sophie
Contact Sophie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack