Energy

Reuters | — “The first battery-powered passenger train to run on Britain’s tracks in over 50 years completes a five-week trial in a bid to prove the viability of more eco-friendly alternatives to diesel-powered locomotives. Mia Reakes went aboard.” Reuters: Battery-powered train brings low-carbon commuting to UK

Featured

Iran’s Khamenei throws support to a Practical Nuclear Deal with West

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s clerical leader, gave a speech on Sunday in which he said he supports an agreement with the West on Iran’s nuclear enrichment program that is practical and can be achieved, but added, “I will not accept a bad deal.” The speech is being seen […]

Energy

EPA: Keystone XL would have a ‘significant’ impact on climate

contributors

The Tree | — Intro The arguments for rejecting the construction of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline just got stronger: this time its about carbon emissions. On last Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) challenged the State Department to revisit its environmental impact analysis of the pipeline, saying that developing Canada’s tar sands “represents […]

Energy

Can Plants teach us how to make Better Solar Panels?

contributors

CCTV America | — “Even with the robust sales, solar panels aren’t terribly efficient, converting only about 10-15 percent of the sun’s rays into useable and storable energy. A group of scientists are hoping to improve that and they are inspired by nature. CCTV America’s Jessica Stone reported this story from Albany, New York.” CCTV: […]

Energy

As South Africa aims to get 1/2 of Power from Solar, US Firms Jump In

contributors

CCTV | – “Pretoria is promoting its growing solar industry, with predictions the sun will soon contribute about half of all South Africa’s new power generation. The ambitious approach is leading to major opportunities for solar power companies, including those attending an investor summit called “Powering Africa.” CCTV America’s Daniel Ryntjes reported the story from […]

Climate Change

Big Oil wants N. Dakota to ease radioactive waste laws on Fracking

contributors

RT | – “Amid falling oil prices nationwide, energy industry players in North Dakota want officials to alter radioactive waste disposal laws so that more toxic fracking fluid can be stored in-state, saving companies tens of thousands of dollars per truckload.” RT: “Big Oil wants N. Dakota to ease radioactive waste laws – to save […]

Climate Change

Yes, Virginia, Global Warming can mean Heavier Snowstorms (for a while)

contributors

By Kevin Trenberth | National Center for Atmospheric Research | (The Conversation) As first glance, asking whether global warming results in more snow may seem like a silly question because obviously, if it gets warm enough, there is no snow. Consequently, deniers of climate change have used recent snow dumps to cast doubt on a […]

Energy

In 10 Years, No One In Helsinki Will Even Want to Own a Car: 3 Simple Ideas That Are Making Cities Sustainable

contributors

By Shannan Stoll | (YES! Magazine | “Cities are Now”) An app that combines the affordability of ride sharing with the reliability of taxis. Playgrounds built as sponges for reusable greywater. From Finland to California, the cities of the future are here. 1. A bus that will pick you up anywhere in the city with […]

Energy

The false promise of fracking and local jobs

contributors

By Susan Christopherson | (The Conversation) In a surprise decision that led to consternation in the oil and gas industry and elation among fracking opponents, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in December banned fracking in the state. He attributed his decision to unresolved health risks associated with this drilling technique, but the governor surely also […]