All Environment
- Hundreds of Oklahoma earthquakes tied to oil and gas drilling operations
The Oklahoma Geological Society said Tuesday it is 'very likely' that most of the state's 585 earthquakes in 2014 were triggered by injection of wastewater from oil and natural gas drilling operations.
- NY judge recognizes chimps as persons: A step toward legal rights for animals?
A New York judge ruled that the writ of habeas corpus, which allows humans to challenge their imprisonment, applied to two chimpanzees held for research at a Long Island university. The decision could be a first step towards broader recognition in the United States of the legal personhood of apes and other animals.
- Despite more risks, humanity is less vulnerable to floods, study finds
Global fatalities and economic losses from flooding are easing, as developing countries invest in storm shelters and early-warning systems and keep natural barriers in place.
- Save the whales? Why the humpback doesn't need protecting anymore
After 45 protected years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is recommending that 10 of 14 species of humpback whales be removed from the US endangered list.
- Why the sage grouse is not endangered any more
The Mono Basin sage grouse, a bird that lives only in California and Nevada, no longer faces the threat of extinction. What changed?
- Why one town in oil-rich Texas is ditching fossil fuels
Georgetown, Texas, is set to become the first city in the state to rely entirely on renewable energy sources for fossil fuels – but not for the reason one would think.
- Another PG&E pipeline explosion: What was learned from the 2010 explosion?
A PG&E pipeline explosion Friday in central California raises questions about the gas utility's safety overhaul after a 2010 explosion.
- Why Apple is buying 36,000 acres of forest
Apple is partnering with The Conversation Fund to preserve two large tracts of forest and promote sustainable paper. Some businesses are recognizing the importance of their role, as well as see the profit, in promoting environmental sustainability.
- Eleven injured in natural gas pipeline explosion at Calif. gun range
An explosion caused when a construction crew hit a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. pipe Friday, left at least 11 people injured and brought traffic on Highway 99 in Fresno to a halt, as 100 foot-high flames towered over the roadway.
- Carly Fiorina: Fix climate change with innovation, not regulation
Likely 2016 GOP candidate Carly Fiorina says regulation to curb climate change won't be as effective as innovation, especially if the developing world is reluctant to scale back carbon pollution from high-emission sources like coal.
- India is reaping the rewards of cheap oil
India will outstrip China in economic growth this year, according to a new IMF report, due to a recipe of policy reforms, an increase in investment, and lower oil prices.
- Why Apple is investing in Chinese solar power
The Chinese solar power project will produce more than the amount of energy consumed by Apple's 19 corporate offices and 21 retail stores in China and Hong Kong. Apple says it uses renewable energy for 87 percent of the power at its facilities worldwide.
- Is hard-to-reach energy slowing down economic growth?
Since the early 20th Century, the amount of energy required to produce new energy has skyrocketed. That puts a drag on the economy, Cobb writes, as more and more resources are devoted to keeping up with energy demand.
- BP Gulf oil spill anniversary comes with new regulations
Five years after the deadly Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Obama administration is out with new regulations on offshore drilling. The hope is to prevent future catastrophe, but environmentalists say offshore drilling still isn't worth the risks to ocean life.
- Hillary Clinton has a Keystone XL problem
After six years of delays, the Keystone XL pipeline still hasn't been approved or rejected. Hillary Clinton's entry into the 2016 presidential race has renewed calls for the former secretary of State to take a stand on the divisive issue.
- US energy's big transformation [Recharge]
The US approaches a critical mass in a shift to lower-carbon fuels; Shell makes a big bet on the future of LNG; Caribbean nations turn to the north for energy solutions. Catch up on global energy with Recharge.
- How global energy is getting cleaner
Decarbonization trends and new technologies indicate we can land at a reasonable climate future with very modest costs and profound benefits, writes Hal Harvey of Energy Innovation.
- In California and beyond, drilling for oil as water runs short
Californians are being asked to cut water usage 25 percent. Should the oil industry cut back, too? It's a question arising worldwide as energy demand rises in water-scare regions.
- Study: Protecting tropical reefs need not be a zero-sum game
A new study suggests that less draconian restrictions could still put many troubled reefs on the road to recovery. This could reduce friction between conservationists and those who depend on the reefs for their livelihood.
- Shell to purchase British rival BG for nearly $70 billion
Other energy giants may follow suit as they look to boost growth through acquisitions after increased production in the US helped trigger a plunge in oil prices.