All Environment
- The many empty meanings of 'energy security'
We have talked about the concept of ‘energy security’ so much that it no longer means anything, Holland writes. It is time to retire the term.
- How much will replacing coal cost Los Angeles?
Coal-based electricity is one of the least expensive, most reliable means of producing electricity, and it’s a central part of the American energy portfolio, Tracey writes. Not only that, coal has a long history of providing energy to Americans.
- Nebraska hearing vitrifies Keystone XL pipeline debate
The Keystone XL pipeline debate comes to a head in Grand Island, Neb., as the State Department holds a public hearing on the Canada-Texas pipeline. If the passionate, opposing sides agree on anything, it's that the Keystone XL pipeline debate is about more than just a pipeline.
- Climate change deniers strike out – even in energy-rich Kansas
States, not Congress, are taking the lead on climate change laws – from a new cap-and-trade program in California to widespread adoption of renewable electricity standards. Moves to weaken those standards aren't gaining traction in state capitals.
- How GE is boosting its oil and gas portfolio
GE's acquisition of a Lufkin significantly boosts GE’s oil and gas portfolio, which was worth $15.2 billion of its total $147 billion in revenues for 2012, Alic writes. Over the past three years, GE’s oil and gas segment has realized annual growth of 16 percent due to an ambitious acquisition drive.
- Has clean energy hit a plateau?
Clean energy growth worldwide has stalled despite significant gains in electric vehicles and renewable power, and financing has slowed, according to separate studies released Wednesday. Is increased government funding the answer for clean energy, or should private business play a bigger part?
- Why the 2012 US drought keeps growing
Drought conditions now cover nearly two-thirds of the continental US, according to a new report. The South and West are particularly vulnerable to drought in years ahead, scientists say.
- A global fracking revolution? Curb your enthusiasm.
While China, Saudi Arabia, and other nations are pushing to replicate America's shale boom, they face huge logistical obstacles. Some nations may find the investment is just too big.
- Keystone XL pipeline: Could Congress bypass Obama to get it built?
The Keystone XL pipeline's fate hangs in the air, with some in Congress hoping to move forward without approval from the Obama Administration. New legislation for the Keystone XL pipeline proposes to do just that, but faces significant obstacles.
- Antarctic ice tells conflicting story about climate change's role in big melt
Two different areas of Antarctica tell two very different stories about how climate change might be affecting ice melt. The data appear to confirm that climate change impacts can be very local.
- Antarctic ice tells conflicting story about climate change's role in big melt
Two different areas of Antarctica tell two very different stories about how climate change might be affecting ice melt. The data appear to confirm that climate change impacts can be very local.
- In Germany, a building that aims to run on algae
The world’s first ever algae-powered building is being built and tested in Hamburg, Germany, Kennedy writes. With the outer facades covered in glass panelled bioreactors the building can produce its own energy.
- How oil exporters reach financial collapse
High oil prices are good for oil exporters while low oil prices are good for oil importers, Tverberg writes. The result is a price tug of war between oil importers and oil exporters.
- Tesla Motors and Fisker Automotive: a tale of two electric cars
Tesla Motors will do well to distance itself from Fisker Automotive as much and as quickly as possible, as they really do have a different tale to tell, Stuebi writes.
- Giant snail invasion hits South Florida. Gooey mess.
Giant snail invasion puts more than 500 plant species and even stucco and plaster at risk. More than 1,000 giant African land snails caught each week in Miami and invasion expected to spread in upcoming rainy season.
- Giant snail invasion hits South Florida. Gooey mess.
Giant snail invasion puts more than 500 plant species and even stucco and plaster at risk. More than 1,000 giant African land snails caught each week in Miami and invasion expected to spread in upcoming rainy season.
- Why peak oil demand is already a major problem
Oil demand has to do with how much oil we can afford, Tverberg writes, and many of the developed nations are not able to outbid the developing nations when it comes to the world’s limited oil supply.
- Will we ever understand 2012 drought? Study blames 'random weather'
The drought of 2012 was more about unusual weather patterns than global warming, says a study. But its authors acknowledge the record-smashing event likely will be a puzzle for years to come.
- The decline of the world's major oil fields
Aging giant fields produce more than half of global oil supply and are already declining as group, Cobb writes. Research suggests that their annual production decline rates are likely to accelerate.