All Environment
Ukraine crisis: Slovakia says Russian gas supply cut in halfRussian gas supplies to Slovakia dropped by 50 percent in the past day, according to Slovakia's government. The report has raised concerns over a potential disruption of gas flows to Europe as winter approaches. Already, Ukraine is preparing for a winter without crucial heating gas, as it tries to negotiate a temporary deal with Russia and the EU.
Solar power: World's No. 1 electricity source by 2050?Solar power could make up more than a quarter of the world's electricity supply by mid-century, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency. That would make solar power the world's largest source of electricity, providing more than fossil fuels, wind, hydro, and nuclear.
California bans plastic bags: what you need to know California bans plastic bags in what is the nation's first statewide ban. Here are six things to know about the landmark legislation:
35,000 walrus in Alaska: Why they came ashore35,000 walrus in Alaska sought refuge onshore, without the usual sea ice to rest on, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The gathering of 35,000 walrus in Alaska is a phenomenon that has accompanied the loss of summer sea ice as the climate has warmed.
$1 billion recreation spending fueled by sagebrush, study says$1 billion in recreation spending helped boost economies in 11 Western states and helped efforts to protect greater sage-grouse habitat last year, according to a study commissioned by Pew Charitable Trusts. The $1 billion in recreation spending came mostly from hunters, campers, fishermen, and others.
Gas prices: Why they'll keep fallingDespite turmoil across the globe, average US gas prices continue to plummet. As supplies continue to rise and demand stays flat, gas prices could stay low for some time.
The world's biggest energy hogs aren't who you think they areYou might expect the US and Canada to be home to some of the biggest energy consumers in the world, but Iceland and Luxembourg? Oilprice.com calculated the top 10 countries with the highest energy use per person and the results may surprise.
Half of global wildlife populations declined since 1970, says WWFThe worst decline was among populations of freshwater species, which fell by 76 percent over the four decades to 2010, while marine and terrestrial numbers both fell by 39 percent.
Was Climate Week successful? [Recharge]Climate Week had no shortage of speeches, pledges, and marches, but left little in the way of concrete global action on climate change. Catch up on the highlights from the march, the UN Climate Summit, and the rest of last week's events with a special Recharge on Climate Week.
How solar power is changing your utility bill (and your utility)The rise of solar power has created an ongoing debate about so-called 'net energy metering,' where customers can offset their utility bill with rooftop solar power – upsetting some utilities in the process. Lehrman and Bronski write that the debate distracts from a much bigger opportunity to unleash innovation and investment in distributed energy resources in ways that are better for everyone.
Ukraine crisis: Can a gas deal save Russia's economy?The EU is optimistic it can close a deal between Russia and Ukraine that will bring gas flows back to Ukraine in time for winter. But even if tensions in the Ukraine crisis ease, Russia still has a lot of work to do to stabilize its economy amid Western sanctions.
Mt. St Helens: Is it ready to erupt again?Mt. St. Helens awoke from an 18-year slumber roughly 10 years ago. Now, scientists are saying it looks like Mt. St. Helens 'is getting ready to erupt again and it can happen in the order of years to decades.'
Phoenix storms: Residents clean up after damaging stormsPhoenix storms swept through the region over the weekend, taking out trees, light poles, and power lines. Residents and utility workers are cleaning up after a damaging series of Phoenix storms.
Cover StoryFracking in the US: The story of one man's oil wellA writer from liberal Massachusetts goes to Texas to deal with a family oil well. What he learned about fracking, salt domes, and America's energy future.
- Earthquake swarm: What caused hundreds of mini-quakes?
An earthquake swarm hit Mammoth Lakes late last week, with more than 600 earthquakes hitting the region within 24 hours. The earthquake swarm is not connected to volcanic activity, scientists say.
Why global warming – usually under the radar – made headlines this weekClimate change stole the spotlight this week, with the People's Climate March drawing a record crowd to New York and the UN Climate Summit gathering leaders from around the world. From New York to Boston and Beijing to Washington, the Monitor was there to cover it.
Goodbye coal, oil? Team tests cheaper way to use sunlight to produce hydrogenIn principle, solar-derived hydrogen could replace fossil fuels for uses ranging from powering vehicles to producing electricity via fuel cells. One 'proof of concept' way to achieve this is outlined in Friday's issue of Science.
Gas prices head below $3. Will your state go that low?By the end of the year, up to 30 states could have an average gasoline price of less than $3 a gallon, according to a forecast this week.
Climate Week is ending. What next?A week of climate-themed events, public demonstrations, and diplomatic speeches on clean energy is coming to a close. What did the world accomplish on energy and climate this week, and what comes next?
Obama extends vast marine reserve in central Pacific OceanPresident Obama's proclamation adds 490,000 square miles to the Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument, which will be off limits to commercial fishing or mining.
