All Environment
- Wildlife trafficking: US initiative in Africa 'really about people'
The US wildlife initiative to stop poaching of elephants and other animals aims to address each level of an expanding illegal global market that is rivaling the global narcotics, arms, and human trafficking markets.
- Obama pledges $7 billion for clean energy in Africa
President Obama unveiled this week a $7 billion plan to improve energy access in Africa over the next five years. The "Africa Power" initiative was announced during President Obama's three country tour of Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania.
- Tanzania: Obama kicks soccer ball, generates power
Tanzania: Obama showed off his soccer skills with a so-called Soccket soccer ball that creates and stores kinetic energy during play. The Tanzania demonstration underscores President Obama's plan to invest $7 billion in energy access programs in Tanzania and across Africa.
- GM, Honda to join forces on fuel cell vehicles
GM and Honda said Tuesday they would collaborate to develop new alternative fuel vehicles based on hydrogen storage and fuel cell technologies. GM and Honda already have more than 1,200 fuel cell patents between them, and both companies have experimental vehicle fleets. Ford, Daimler and Renault-Nissan have announced similar plans.
- Why oil and gas drilling is going deeper and further offshore
Offshore oil and gas drilling is moving further offshore and deeper underwater as energy companies seek to find sources of production in low-risk areas, Gagliardi writes. The added incentive is that more remote basins may hold the promise of significant deposits of hydrocarbons with 200 million barrels or more of recoverable reserves.
- Could nuclear weapons save the elephants?
Researchers have found a way to use radioactive isotopes from above-ground nuclear testing to determine the age – and thus the legality – of ivory.
- Obama climate plan: the one thing you need to know
President Obama's plan to address climate change will at most have a slight impact, Cobb writes, but it is nonetheless a brave and even historic move towards slowing the effects of climate change.
- Heat wave tests California power grid. Why no blackouts so far?
A heat wave scorching its way through the West is the first major test of summer's spiking energy demand, but it seems to be passing the test. Better technology and communications may be to thank for that. But utilities are still on high alert, particularly in California where two nuclear plants have gone offline.
- Death Valley temps tie record in extreme heat wave
Death Valley temps soared Sunday at least tying the record high temperature of 128 degrees for June. One thermometer recorded Death Valley temps of 129.9, which shatters the record for June.
- How to reap the rewards of the shale gas boom
The increased role for natural gas consumption is obvious, Warren writes. Smart government policies can play a positive role so society benefits from this once-in-a-century boon.
- Yucaipa fire burns through California amid broiling heat wave
Yucaipa fire scorched 200 acres of brush and threatened homes in San Bernardino County in California. Firefighters worked to combat the Yucaipa fire in high temperatures as much of California broils under a massive heat wave.
- Just how much shale gas does the UK have?
It’s obvious that any attempt to ridicule UK estimates of shale gas resources as inconsequential is absurd, Grealy writes.
- House eyes major budget cuts to energy innovation
No matter how you look at it, cutting energy innovation doesn’t make sense, Stepp writes. If the House Energy and Water appropriators are interested in ensuring national security and economic growth, then their proposed energy budget would look the opposite it does today
- How hot is the heat wave? Very, very hot
The heat wave scorching the West is one of the worst in years with temperatures approaching record levels in some areas. So, just how hot is the heat wave? A look at five ways the heat is punishing the West.
- British shale gas reserves double. Will the UK frack?
Estimates of shale gas resources in the North of England are double that of previous estimate, according to a new report. Britain’s shale industry is still very young, Burgess writes, and as it has not been determined whether any gas can be economically extracted, it may never actually grow to maturity.
- Heat wave scorches California
A heat wave moved its way through California Friday morning where temperatures were already topping 90 degrees Fahrenheit across many areas of the Los Angeles basin. The heat wave is expected to worsen over the weekend as temperatures could hit 120 degrees in the desert.
- Arizona jaguar? Photos show rare big cat near Tucson.
Arizona jaguar is seen in photos roaming the mountains southeast of Tucson. Federal wildlife officials provided the photos of the rare Arizona jaguar to the Arizona Daily Star in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.
- Clean energy will be world's No. 2 source of power by 2016, IEA says
Clean energy will be the second largest global source of electricity by 2016, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency. Only coal will generate more electricity than clean energy within three years, the IEA projects.
- The 10 most expensive US natural disasters Here are the top 10 priciest US natural disasters in 2017 dollars adjusted for inflation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
- The 10 most expensive US natural disasters Here are the top 10 priciest US natural disasters in 2017 dollars adjusted for inflation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.