Islabikes' radical new plan means you may never need to buy your child a bike again
Imagine Project sets out to cut waste in the industry by renting rather than selling bikes, which can then be returned and refurbished when the child outgrows them The idea had been nagging at her for years, but Isla Rowntree went to the ends of the earth before she was finally ready to go ahead […]
After coking plant's last gasp, a feast for nature
Rother valley, Derbyshire The malign dragon’s breath ceased, the air cleared, then a corner of the vast works became a nature reserve As a boy, rushing south from Chesterfield on the train, I remember how the farmland was interrupted by the Avenue coking works breathing fire and acrid smoke like a malign dragon. Eight hundred […]
We are approaching the Trumpocene, a new epoch where climate change is a big scary conspiracy | Graham Readfearn
Websites pushing climate science denial are growing their audience in an era where populist rhetoric and the rejection of expertise is gaining traction For years now geologists have been politely but forcefully arguing over the existence or otherwise of a new epoch – one that might have started decades ago. Some of the world’s most […]
Australia joins bid to outlaw large-scale commercial and 'scientific' whaling
International Whaling Commission meeting in Slovenia follows Japan’s recent slaughter of more than 300 minke whales Australia has thrown its weight behind a bid to outlaw large-scale commercial and so-called “scientific” whaling at a summit next week. The International Whaling Commission meeting in Slovenia follows Japan’s recent slaughter of more than 300 minke whales, many […]
BHP Billiton employees face criminal charges on Brazil dam disaster
Mining company denies prosecutor claims that executives knew the Samarco dam could fail but allegedly prioritised profits over safety Eight employees of BHP Billiton face criminal charges over the Samarco dam collapse a year ago that left 19 people dead and hundreds homeless, amid accusations that the company put profit before safety. Brazilian prosecutors on […]
Madagascar drought: catastrophe looms as 850,000 go hungry, says UN
Drought in the south leaves households experiencing emergency levels of hunger, with nothing but wild fruits to eat Nearly 850,000 people in drought-hit southern Madagascar are experiencing “alarming” levels of hunger, and more aid is needed to prevent a dire situation from becoming a “catastrophe”, UN agencies said on Thursday. This is the latest warning […]
Spiders can 'tune' their webs to sound out plucky potential mates
Spiders can control their web’s tension and stiffness to help them identify potential partners as well as prey, study shows Spiders can control the tension and stiffness of their webs to optimise their sensory powers, helping them locate and identify prey as well as partners, according to researchers at Oxford University. Much in same way […]
Corporations aren't known for honesty, but Skins showed us how it's done
Rather than sweep the scandal surrounding ultrarunner Robert Young under the rug, Swiss sportswear brand Skins set an example on doing the right thing During last week’s presidential debate, Hillary Clinton leaned on an old and appealing line. “We are great because we are good.” Reagan has used it before, as did Eisenhower. What it […]
Before the Flood review – DiCaprio's level-headed climate change doc
Correctly identifying the most important issue of our time, the actor uses his clout and his carbon footprint to travel the world and ponder the incongruities Here is a heartfelt, decent, educational documentary about the most important issue of our time – climate change – presented by A-lister Leonardo DiCaprio, who proves his own commitment […]
Documentary film-makers face decades in prison for taping oil pipeline protests
Deia Schlosberg and Lindsey Grayzel face felony charges that first amendment advocates say are part of a growing number of attacks on freedom of the press Two documentary film-makers are facing decades in prison for recording US oil pipeline protests, with serious felony charges that first amendment advocates say are part of a growing number […]