Sustainable energy: inside Iceland’s geothermal power plant
In the first of a series, we visit the Hellisheiði plant, which provides 300MW of power – and Reykjavik’s hot water Thanks to its position on a volatile section of the Mid-Atlantic ridge, Iceland is a world leader in the the use of geothermal energy, and of the six geothermal power plants in Iceland, Hellisheiði […]
Women lead the call to arms as anti-fracking fight intensifies
Female opposition to drilling soars as mothers unite in desire to safeguard children’s future “We are ready for them,” said Tina Louise Rothery. “It has been a long battle but we have been ready for a confrontation for a long time.” Rothery is one of a growing group of women at the forefront of opposition […]
The eco guide to pet fish
Time to help the creatures that, wrested from habitats where they swim thousands of miles, end up atrophying in tanks We need to talk about Dory. As Pixar’s charming version of a tropical blue tang swims on to screens in Finding Dory next month, conservationists fear a wave of inappropriate fish buying. Finding Nemo, which triggered […]
Replacing pipes to fix Flint’s water crisis could cost twice as much as expected
Report notes other concerns such as removing lead-contaminated soil Engineering company said average cost is double what Michigan estimated Replacing pipes to solve the lead-tainted water crisis in Flint could cost at least twice previous estimates, according to a report obtained by a newspaper. Engineering company Rowe Professional Services told the state the average cost […]
Scientists discover gigantic sea sponge in Hawaii – video
Deep sea scientists exploring the remote waters between Hawaii and Midway atoll find a gigantic sea sponge “about the size of a minivan” that could be the oldest animal on earth. A remote-operated submersible found the sponge about 2,100m (7,000ft) down, while exploring the depths of the Papahānaumokuākea marine park Continue reading… Source: Guardian Environment
Construction of world's largest dam in DR Congo could begin within months
Mega dam on Congo river to produce electricity equal to 20 large nuclear power stations, but critics say it will displace 60,000 people and wreck the ecosystem The largest dam in the world is set to begin construction within months and could be generating electricity in under five years. But 35,000 people may have to […]
Slap on the wrist: can new wearables help tackle problem drinking?
New technology is helping alcoholics and casual drinkers alike monitor and manage their consumption How many units of alcohol do you drink each week? It’s a question most people stumble over. It’s not easy to monitor alcohol intake. So often a doctor asks and the patient tries to quickly calculate the recommended weekly units, before […]
Solved: the mystery of our absent red squirrels
Strathnairn, Highlands In all the years we had lived here, we had never had a red squirrel in the garden. This has been the subject of much banter in the village shop One of the main wildlife mysteries in the strath is the distribution of red squirrels in gardens in the adjoining villages of Farr […]
Sea sponge the size of a minivan discovered in ocean depths off Hawaii
Researchers believe the creature found by scientists 2,100m below the surface of the ocean is the largest of its kind ever documented Scientists on a deep-sea expedition in the waters off Hawaii have discovered what they say is the world’s largest known sponge. The creature, roughly the size of a minivan, was discovered about 2,100m […]
Zambian villagers win right to have pollution case heard in Britain
High court judge dismisses claims by mining firm Vedanta Resources that water contamination case against them and subsidiary KCM should be heard in Zambia Eighteen hundred Zambian villagers claiming to have had their water supplies polluted and their health affected by a giant mining company’s subsidiary have won the right to have their case heard […]