All Environment
- Fighting climate change with nuclear energy
Nuclear power is currently the only carbon-free energy source that can provide base load electricity, Stepp writes, a characteristic crucial to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change. Next-generation nuclear energy offers even more productive strategies for reducing carbon emissions.
- Chile: LED light bulb heist highlights high cost of energy
Approximately $100,000 worth of LED light bulbs were stolen in Santiago, Chile, where electricity can cost more than 10 percent of the median income.
- G8 leaders tackle inequities of global oil, coal extraction
G8 leaders aim to level the global resource playing field this week, discussing a consequential, if obscure, energy issue at the G8 summit. Are developing nations getting a fair share of their oil, coal, and mineral wealth?
- BP ends cleanup of oil spill in Gulf of Mexico
BP is wrapping up cleanup operations of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The move comes with permission from the US Coast Guard, which says BP no longer needs to send out regular patrols to clean the tar from the coastline.
- Is Europe ready for a shale boom?
The world has plenty of shale resources, a report showed last week. Europe can either access their own, or buy someone else’s, but shale is the future either way, Grealy writes.
- The kaleidoscope of fossil fuel abundance
If the US shale experience is supposed to forecast the world, then the evidence so far suggests a boomlet followed by frantic efforts just to keep production level, Cobb writes. But in some cases, such as Poland, the results have been far worse as heavily touted prospects have turned out to be duds.
- First-class ticket: more legroom, more emissions
First-class air passengers have a carbon footprint as much as seven times larger than the average passenger's, according to a new study from the World Bank. The study comes as airliners push the envelop of luxurious accommodations, while simultaneously aiming to 'green' their operations.
- Drilling for (virtual) oil in industry's new online game
An energy and shipping company has developed an online video game to help attract young people to jobs in the oil and gas industry. Players locate and drill into deep oil reserves situated in extreme environments, which vary from the cold, dangerous North Sea, to the blazing heat of the Qatari dessert.
- Bear mauls man: Animal was 'goaded' into attack
Bear mauls man who offered it barbecue meat at a campground in Alaska. The man was treated for puncture wounds and scratches after being mauled by the bear. The animal isn't likely to threaten other people, officials said.
- Bear mauls man: Animal was 'goaded' into attack
Bear mauls man who offered it barbecue meat at a campground in Alaska. The man was treated for puncture wounds and scratches after being mauled by the bear. The animal isn't likely to threaten other people, officials said.
- Singapore haze hits seven-year high
Singapore haze caused by illegal forest-clearing in Indonesia. Because of Singapore haze, officials urge residents to avoid prolonged activities outdoors.
- Profits ahead for refiners, thanks to differentials
Share prices for US refiners have soared over the past year because they've leveraged a $20 per barrel differential between Bakken oil and Brent crude. This year refiners' profit potential looks solid, but the differential could narrow.
- Solar power shines in oil-rich Saudi Arabia
As solar prices have fallen, and oil prices have risen, Saudi Arabia now has a strong economic incentive to push ahead with its long awaited solar plans, Peixe writes. Saudi Arabia’s desire to install vast amounts of generation capacity makes them a potentially important market, and they will be able to take advantage of this with Chinese manufacturers.
- Court ruling: a boost for renewables or can of worms?
Appeals court ruling will allow wind energy from the northern Plains to reach population centers in the Midwest. But the ruling may force states to rewrite their renewable portfolio standards, opening them up to attack.
- East Antarctic ice shelves melting at surprising pace, study suggests
Breakup of the shelves can accelerate the flow of continental ice to the sea, contributing to sea-level rise, and the Antarctic shelves 'are melting too fast,' the study's lead author says.