All Environment
Elevated CO2 robs crops of nutrients, say scientistsThanks to rising carbon dioxide levels, wheat, rice, and soybeans could have lower levels of zinc and iron in the future, according to new research.
How Brazil's oil boom went bustOnce touted as the next oil superpower, Brazil's oil production has flattened out entirely, due in part to mismanagement and allegations of corruption.
No region of US untouched by climate change, but effects vary, report findsClimate change is already affecting all regions of the US and their economies, states a report prepared by the Obama administration for Congress. Effects will intensify absent more vigorous efforts to cut greenhouse gases, it adds.
Gas prices: What to expect for Memorial DayGas prices were up in April on the Ukraine crisis and refinery maintenance, but that should change as Memorial Day approaches, according to AAA. Gasoline production is projected to outpace demand, which will put downward pressure on gas prices.
Climate change report: How to keep lights on when water is scarceClimate change poses threats to the extraction, production, and distribution of energy across the US, according to a new climate-change report from the Obama administration. Much of the challenge for the energy industry revolves around its reliance on water for cooling and production needs.
- US looks at climate change at local and regional levels
The US National Climate Assessment details how climate changes are influencing health, infrastructure, water supply, agriculture and may be resulting in more frequent severe weather such as floods and droughts.
Solar power breakthrough hints at cheaper panels for more roofsTwo sets of scientists have reported promising results from a new recipe for solar cells, which could result in panels for solar power that are easier and cheaper to make.
How long can Russia's oil and gas wealth last?Russia is in the midst of its longest streak of declines in oil and gas production in years, its economy is in shambles and its leverage on the international stage is in question. Its energy-dominated economy may not sustain Russia's ambitions in Eastern Europe for much longer, Graeber writes.
Ukraine crisis: Can Ukraine, Russia avoid another gas shutoff?Ukraine violence escalated over the weekend and into Monday as pro-Russian militants clashed with Ukraine forces in the east and the Black Sea port city of Odessa. The threat of another natural gas shutoff intensified, too, with Russia and Ukraine failing to agree on terms for paying down Ukraine's gas debt.
Oil prices stay below $100 a barrelOil prices rose 34 cents Friday after a strong jobs report, but still remain under $100 a barrel after US supplies of crude surged to a new record. In London, Brent crude oil prices closed at $108.59 a barrel.
Big gamble felled Energy Future Holdings. Safe bet could resuscitate it.Using an aggressive bet on the direction of natural gas prices, Energy Future Holdings (formerly TXU) went from big deal to bankrupt. But it still has the utility assets to emerge as a much more stable entity.
Ukraine crisis: Why no sanctions on Russian gas giant Gazprom?Western sanctions on Russia over Ukraine have so far avoided targeting Russia's state-owned natural gas company Gazprom. That's largely because Europe relies heavily on Russian natural gas imports and would suffer economically if sanctions are ratcheted up in the Ukraine crisis.
Scientists: 'Fracking' should be part of assessing earthquake hazardsResearchers are now including waste-water injection – including the ‘fracking’ used in oil and gas development – to estimate earthquake hazards. The central and eastern US have seen a steep increase in earthquakes.
Rancho Cucamonga fire grows to 800 acresRancho Cucamonga fire forced the evacuation of 1,100 homes near the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles in Southern California. Strong winds helped the Rancho Cucamonga fire spread to reach 800 acres Wednesday.
Oil train fire: Tankers derail, catch fire in Lynchburg, Va.Oil train fire started after several tanker cars carrying crude oil derailed in downtown Lynchburg, Va. The oil train fire caused the evacuation of nearby buildings but no injuries have been reported, according to Lynchburg officials.
Ukraine crisis: How Spain could ease Europe's energy woesThe Ukraine crisis has spurred new interest in Europe finding alternatives to Russian natural gas imports. Spain is not exactly an energy powerhouse, but it could serve as a conduit to the rest of Europe for supplies of non-Russian natural gas.
Half of Americans living in areas with polluted air, report findsMore than 147 million live in counties where levels of ozone or particle pollutions exceed safe limits, reports the American Lung Association.
Gas prices: What's keeping them from rising even higher?Gas prices are high in the US, but they could be even higher if it weren't for a boom in US oil production, according to AAA. US drivers are frustrated by the high gas prices, but they probably shouldn't expect a return to the days of cheap gas.
Supreme Court OKs EPA pollution rules: another blow for coalThe Supreme Court upheld a federal regulation Tuesday that limits the amount of air pollution that can cross state lines, handing a victory to the Obama administration's efforts to limit air pollution. The Supreme Court ruling deals a blow to the US coal industry, but the biggest hit is yet to come.
EU, US sanctions on Russia: Big Oil stands with Moscow – for nowNew Western sanctions on Russia over Ukraine early this week did little to deter the world's leading energy firms from moving ahead with major oil and gas projects in Russia. That could change as Washington and Brussels mull broader sanctions on Russia's energy industry.
