All Environment
US's shadowy energy partnership with oil-rich AzerbaijanAzerbaijan has long been a key piece in the US's foreign policy puzzle, writes Nick Cunningham, and news that Congressmen traveled there at the expense of a state-owned oil company is the latest link between the countries.
Back to the Arctic for oil and gas [Recharge]Shell gets a green light to return to the Arctic; What TPP means for LNG; The shale boom slows down. Catch up on global energy with the Monitor's Recharge.
Seattle 'kayaktavists' plan civil disobedience against Shell OilShell Oil rigs are in Seattle, on their way to Alaska for offshore drilling. Hundreds of protesters paddling nearby are planning acts of civil disobedience in hopes of preventing damage to the Arctic and the effects of climate change.
Why California salmon are getting a free rideDue to drought, California is helping 30 million young salmon get downstream, deploying the biggest fish-lift in the state's history.
- Paddle in Seattle: Protest against Shell Arctic drilling
Activists opposed to drilling for oil in the Arctic play a kayak flotilla protest on Seattle's Elliott Bay on Saturday.
Seattle, like it or not, becomes Shell's Arctic baseThe first of two drilling rigs slated for Arctic oil exploration arrived in Seattle on Thursday as environmental activist geared up for days of protests.
Texas drought eases, but is relief in sight for California?Recent rain has brought much-needed relief to drought-stricken Texas. Is the relief more than temporary?
Could cocaine-eating caterpillars replace herbicides in Colombia?In their battle to eradicate cocaine-producing plants, the Colombian government will replace the use of aerial herbicides, which they say are hazardous to humans, with a species of moth that eats the plants.
Pacific trade deal or no, Japan eyes US gas richesThe Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal could accelerate and expand energy US-Japan energy trade as Japan looks to fill a gap left by a nuclear power ban. But with or without TPP, analysts say Japan is poised to buy a lot of US natural gas.
Why more research needs to be done to save honey beesHoney bee colony populations in the United States have dropped more than 40 percent in the 12-month period ending in April, according to a preliminary report. The continued decline suggests a need for more data around bees and pollinators.
Saudi Arabia continues to turn the screws on US shaleOPEC mega-producer Saudi Arabia is boosting oil production to hold its market share, writes James Stafford, forcing US shale drillers to scale back production until prices rise.
New York’s eco-friendly food carts: The next generation of street vending?In a pilot program, some 500 eco-friendly food carts will be provided to New York City street vendors. The initiative reflects how restaurants and food companies are responding to consumer demand for sustainable, higher quality options.
What happens if we scrap the US oil exports ban?The push to end the decades-old oil export ban is heating up in the Senate, but there's opposition from green groups who oppose drilling, and from legislators worried lifting the ban could be blamed for higher gasoline prices.
Drought shaming: Are Californians taking more ownership of conservation?Californians have started publicly calling out their neighbors for wasting water. Celebrities, in particular, are finding themselves in the drought-shaming cross hairs.
Did Saudis snub Obama over Iran deal?Unless the US can do more to assuage Saudi Arabia's concerns, writes Nick Cunningham, Arab opposition may undermine a comprehensive deal on Iran's nuclear program.
How Brazilian beef industry became latest ally in fight against deforestationOnce criticized for mowing down tropical rainforests to make way for pasture, the worlds largest meatpacking company now shuns cattle raised on deforested land.
Can emoji help save endangered animals?WWF International launched its 'Endangered Emoji' campaign, letting users donate to conservation efforts via Twitter. The campaign reflects efforts by charities and advocacy groups to marry social media and philanthropy.
Shell Arctic-drilling clears hurdle as government approves planThe Bureau of Ocean Energy Management approved the multi-year exploration plan in the Chukchi Sea for Shell after reviewing thousands of comments from the public, Alaska Native organizations and, state and federal agencies.
Energy in the age of disruption [Recharge]Technology breakthroughs challenge the future of oil; Conservatives shape energy policy in the UK; Solar power's potential hangs in the balance. Catch up on global energy with the Monitor's Recharge.
More bad news for North Dakota’s oil industryLow oil prices are especially challenging for producers in North Dakota, where the cost of production is high. Pipeline spills and an oil train derailment there last week add another dimension to the difficult oil drilling picture in the state.
