Hurricane Helene: computer chip supply fear as quartz mine hit ...Tech & Science Daily podcast

Rachelle Abbott and Alex Pell

2 October 2024 at 12:25 pm

Listen here on your chosen podcast platform.

A quartz mine that extracts silicon for chips inside the world’s computers has halted production after being hit by Storm Helene.

Tech editor Alex Pell explains what we know so far, and the possible disruption this might have on consumers.

Canary Wharf and the Eden Project’s “Eden Dock” launches in the UK’s capital, we hear from our business editor, Jonathan Prynn.

Also in this episode:

Meta partners with UK banks to combat fraud
How to help a dog understand you better, according to scientists
Moth species found in Wales ‘travelled 4,500 miles from South American jungle’

Yahoo News Australia
Woman witnesses incredible moment in shallows at Aussie beach: 'Never seen that'
In the murky water, an extraordinary scene unravelled.
NewsWire
Aussies brace for months of wild weather
Stronger cyclones, increased storm surges, and an early fire season are all headed for Australia in the coming months, with Aussies warned to get ready now.
NewsWire
Severe storms smash Sydney
Severe storms have hit some of the most populous areas in the country, with many being warned of flash flooding.
BBC
MP questions woman's fine for free furniture offer
An MP says a council should police "real fly-tipping" instead of free-to-collect items in streets.
CNN
As parts of Florida went dark from Helene and Milton, the lights stayed on in this net-zero, storm-proof community
While the newly developed storm-proof homes have endured a few storms since people moved in last year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton put those features to the test.
RFI
Meet the tiny tuft-tailed saviour of Madagascar's endangered baobabs
Standing up to 30 metres tall, Madagascar's giant baobab trees have towered over the island for thousands of years – but as the large animals that used to spread their seeds have died out, the trees' survival is threatened. New research indicates that much smaller species have an unexpected role in helping baobabs thrive. One of Madagascar’s most photographed tourist sites is the Avenue of the Baobabs near the city of Morondava, in the west of the island, where giant, stately baobabs line a dirt
BBC
Eight dead as violent storms sweep Brazil after worst-ever drought
Winds of up to 100km/h (60mph) have brought down trees and power lines.
Euronews
France could turn radioactive waste into cutlery if public agrees to proposed recycling plant
Sweden and Germany already have novel ways of recycling materials once a nuclear plant has closed.View on euronews
BBC
Recycling site closes due to fly-tipping
The recycling site in Tattenham Corner will close on 17 October.
Futurism
Wildlife Populations Have Shrunk a Shocking Amount in Just 50 Years, Report Finds
Nature in Danger Amid widespread environmental destruction and the pressures brought by climate change, the average size of wildlife populations across the Earth have plummeted by 73 percent in just fifty years, according to a new analysis released by the World Wildlife Fund. This astonishing figure comes from data on nearly 35,000 animal populations encompassing […]
PA Media: UK News
National conservation strategy launched to halt declining hedgehog numbers
Wildlife groups published the plan in response to findings that numbers have plummeted in rural areas since 2000.
Reuters
Low-cost hybrid tech gives Renault breathing space in tough EV transition
Renault CEO Luca de Meo's bet on a low-cost gearbox technology is allowing the French carmaker to gain ground in Europe's fast-growing hybrid car market, giving it some breathing space as rivals get squeezed by the electric mobility challenge. Demand for expensive electric vehicles is not taking off in Europe despite a European Union ban on combustion engine cars due to come into force in 2035, putting massive strain on Europe's automotive industry. But Renault, which is smaller than auto peers and was hit by record losses in 2020, is showing surprising strength in hybrid cars that use both a thermal engine and an electric one.
CNN
Biden announces more than $600 million for electric grid resilience during visit to survey Hurricane Milton damage
President Joe Biden made yet another trip to a community devastated by a hurricane with his Sunday visit to Florida, where he announced more than half a billion dollars in projects for electric grid resilience, as costlier and more frequent storms continue to strain the federal government’s disaster-relief funding.
BBC
Flood defences 'in worst state on record'
The floods minister says she will spend millions on repairs, as victims tell of a "national crisis".
CNN
Florida was hit first by Hurricane Milton, and scammers could be next
Thousands of Floridians are rebuilding their communities after Hurricane Milton made landfall as a deadly Category 3 storm this week and cut through the state, bringing destructive storm surge to parts of Florida’s western shore and deadly tornadoes to the east while killing at least 16 people. The state is anticipating more casualties, Gov. Ron DeSantis has said.
BBC
Dreaming of diamonds: Generations dig for fortune in India's gem town
In Panna, families hunt for diamonds hoping to strike rich and escape the cycle of poverty.
Sky News
UK weather: Temperatures to rise across country this week - with some areas potentially surpassing 20C
Parts of the UK could see temperatures reach as high as 22C (71.6F) this week, according to the Met Office. Forecasters say the cool temperatures seen this weekend will creep up to much milder conditions for all throughout next week, peaking on Wednesday. Peak temperatures are expected particularly in East Anglia and the Home Counties, which the Met Office says could reach around 22C.
PA Media: UK News
Officials: UK not locked into winter flooding but people should be prepared
Met Office and Environment Agency urging people to take action to check their flood risk.
Cosmo
Dua Lipa rocks invisible bra strap and Hello Kitty nipple pasties 👙
Dua Lipa rocked a bra with invisible straps and Hello Kitty nipple covers while getting ready to headline Austin's ACL Festival
Yahoo News Australia
Aussie drivers could face $5,000 fine for 'alarming' road act
Under bold new proposed laws, offenders caught in this act could be sent to prison, in addition to hefty fines.

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