All Environment
- How much oil does the US have? It depends on who's counting.
The divergence between official energy statistical agencies, and the advent of well-funded independent original research, suggest that the days of looking solely to two governmental energy entities for energy information are over, Cobb writes.
- Why lots of rain offers little relief to drought-stricken California
Parts of Northern California received up to a foot of rain during two storms this weekend, but the stream of precipitation was too warm to bring any much needed snow.
- Why oil markets have become so volatile [Recharge]
Oil prices bounce up and down in search of a floor; LNG sees investments slow; 'Clean coal' suffers a setback. Catch up on global energy with Recharge.
- Is OPEC winning an oil price war against the US?
The latest oil market report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries paints a not-so-rosy picture for US drillers under pressure from lower oil prices. But even OPEC admits that US oil production has remained surprisingly stable despite collapsed oil prices and cutbacks in US energy.
- Why Europe wants to build an energy union
With about one-third of European gas coming from Russia – and Eastern Europe’s share is easily double that percentage – the Continent is looking inward to boost its energy security.
- Should you be panicking about the rising gas prices?
After falling for 123 days, gas prices are on the rise again. What does the future of gas prices likely look like?
- Winged hat thief: 'Angry Owl of Oregon' accosts 4 joggers in a month
A barred owl has reportedly swooped to down to attack the hats and heads of passing joggers in Oregon.
- The US is losing the clean energy race. Why that's OK.
Collaboration – not competition – is key to a clean energy future in the US, China, and beyond, writes Alex Trembath of The Breakthrough Institute.
- How lowly termites save grasslands for lions, elephants, and people
New research shows how termite mounds aerate the soil, helping to buffer grassland from the effects of climate change and slow the pace of desertification.
- What a North American oil slowdown means for global supply
The most important thing you need to understand about the coming oil production cutbacks is where they are going to come from, namely Canada and the United States.
- Why cheap oil is bad news for banks
Banks financed much of the US oil boom and are now faced with significant challenges as drillers run short of cash. Major, multinational banks are relatively insulated from any shocks, but smaller, regional banks – especially in Texas and North Dakota – are facing a much bigger problem.
- California's driest January on record: Is more water conservation needed?
Last month, parts of California received just 47 percent of average rainfall for this time of year. In some places, snowpack is at just 12 percent of the long-term average.
- How 'giant rabbits' took over an entire neighborhood in N.D.
Puppy sized jackrabbits are descending on Fargo N.D. by the hundreds causing problems for local residents.
- How one bacterium could help ease reliance on food crops for biofuel
A lowly bacterium, once sidelined in biofuel production, may help reduce production costs in converting crop residue and other non-crop plants into fuel.
- New NASA eye in the sky tracks floods and droughts
A new NASA satellite was launched Saturday to track the amount of water locked in soil, which may help residents in low-lying regions brace for floods or farmers get ready for drought conditions.
- Super Bowl XLIX: Super bad for the environment?
Like any event its size, the Super Bowl requires a huge amount of power. But with LED lights, energy-efficient stadiums, and renewables, the National Football League is trying to rein in its carbon footprint.
- EIA chief: Cheap oil won’t last forever
The recent fall in oil prices may be dramatic, but don't count on oil staying cheap forever, says Adam Sieminski, head of the US Energy Information Administration. Predicting exactly where prices will go from here is not unlike trying to predict the weather, Mr. Sieminski said at a Monitor event.
- Solar parking lots sound like a great idea. Why aren’t they catching on?
Solar canopies over parking lots would help reduce energy costs and work toward ending urban island effect. What is preventing this practical application of solar energy from becoming mainstream?
- Natural Gas: Think Big on Infrastructure
As blizzard conditions bear down on the Northeast, Marty Durbin, President and CEO of America’s Natural Gas Alliance, offers a look at the shale gas revolution that is transforming the US economy, enabling record emissions reductions and fueling our nation’s emergence as the world’s leading producer of natural gas.
- Germany's clean-energy turning point [Recharge]
Saudi Arabia's new king pledges no change in oil policy; Republicans and Democrats vote on climate change; Germany's Energiewende has a big year. Catch up on global energy with Recharge.