Floatation tanks deployed to Maui for wildfire survivors

May 18, 2026

Reported by AI

A shipping container with three mobile floatation tanks is en route to Maui to address rising mental health challenges after the 2023 wildfires. The initiative aims to offer free therapy sessions while collecting data on the treatment.

Justin Feinstein announced the project on 2 May at the Embodied Minds Summit in Los Angeles. The tanks will provide free sessions for first responders and survivors of the fires that killed 102 people and destroyed thousands of homes in August 2023. Feinstein, who leads the non-profit Float Research Collective, noted the lack of local infrastructure for a mental health crisis of this scale and highlighted increased risks of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Middle East conflict delays relief voyage to Marion Island

South Africa's annual supply mission to Marion Island has been delayed due to fuel shortages caused by the war between the US, Israel and Iran. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment confirmed that global scarcity of specialised polar diesel disrupted the departure of the SA Agulhas II. Officials stated they are working to limit the impact while ensuring safety.

Start-up builds floating data centres powered by waves

May 11, 2026 Reported by AI

A US company has developed autonomous ocean platforms to handle AI computing demands with wave-generated electricity. Panthalassa announced $140 million in funding last week for the project.

Environment

Study finds fuel treatments save $3.73 per dollar spent on wildfires

Asia

Fukushima industrial parks show successes and struggles after 15 years

Australia

Australia concludes operation to protect Great Barrier Reef from disabled ship

Memorial park opens 15 years after Fukushima disaster

The Fukushima March 11 Memorial Park, spanning the towns of Namie and Futaba in Fukushima Prefecture, has opened jointly established by the central government and the prefecture. The opening marks exactly 15 years since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear disaster. It serves as a facility to pass on the memory of the disaster to future generations.

Burying wildfire-killed trees aims to lock up carbon

May 15, 2026 Reported by AI

A Montana project has buried thousands of dead trees from a 2021 wildfire in an effort to store their carbon underground for centuries. The approach by Mast Reforestation replaces the usual practice of burning the trees in piles. It also allows the company to sell carbon credits while planting new trees on the site.

May 14, 2026 22:58