Zipcar Co-Founder Robin Chase: Exploring the Collaborative Economy
In her latest book, Peers Inc, Robin Chase writes, “We are in the middle of an economic transition, from the old industrial economy to the new collaborative economy”. Chase provides a unique insight into the collaborative sharing economy. As a co-founder of Zipcar, she has been a leading thinking in the movement since its emergence. […]
Pink manta ray spotted off the coast of Lady Elliot Island in Australian first – video
A manta ray with a pink underside is filmed swimming in the southern Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Lady Elliot Island. Dive instructor Ryan Jeffery spotted the animal while out with a group two weeks ago. The strange colouration of the male ray is said to be new to Australia, with experts speculating […]
Kangaroo flatulence research points to new climate change strategy for farmers
Kangaroos produce relatively little methane, but study suggests transplanting gut micro-organisms into sheep or cattle would not help reduce emissions New analysis of kangaroo farts suggests their low methane levels could have implications for farmers in the fight against climate change. It has long been known that kangaroos – unlike sheep and cattle – produce […]
US denies TransCanada request to delay Keystone XL review
State Department spokesman says there was no legal requirement to pause US review, a request seen by many as an attempt to avert rejection from Obama The United States has formally denied a TransCanada Corp request to pause the US review of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, a State Department spokesman said on Wednesday. John […]
VW emissions scandal still obscured by a cloud
The carmaker’s beleaguered management insist they are aiming for clarity. But obvious questions are still not being answered The surprise is that Volkswagen’s shares fell only 10% as the cheating affair deepened in several ways. First, the scandal now covers emissions of carbon dioxide, or CO2, not only nitrogen oxide. Second, some petrol engines are […]
Bernie Sanders on climate change: ‘You can't just talk the talk’ – video
Vermont senator and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders unveils a new bill aimed at stopping future production of oil and other fossil fuels on US land. Sanders made the announcement along with the bill’s author, Senator Jeff Merkley. The bill is called the Keep it in the Ground Act. Sanders also laid down a challenge […]
Room for debate on the UK’s rising population | Letters
Zoe Williams puts forward an extraordinary argument (There’s plenty more space for humanity on this ‘tiny’ island, 2 November). She suggests that because “only” 10.6% of England’s land area is urbanised there is room for a great many more people than currently live here. This ignores lots of things, but let’s focus on one: food. Despite […]
Drinks industry should follow Guinness’s lead and go vegan | Letter from Richard Ross
Now that Guinness is to be made without isinglass (Pass notes No 3,575: Guinness, G2, 4 November) I may start drinking it. Let’s hope the rest of the drinks industry follows Guinness’s example and removes not just isinglass but also albumin (from egg whites), milk protein, chitin (from shellfish) and gelatine (from the bones and tissues of cows […]
National Grid in urgent call for companies to reduce electricity usage
Company uses last resort emergency powers for first time, only lifting request after 40MW of extra power made available National Grid has for the first time used “last resort” emergency powers to tell companies to reduce their electricity usage in an effort to avoid the risk of blackouts. It asked firms to reduce their power […]
Prickly problem: man crowdfunds vet bill after porcupine takes on dogs
Canadian Dennis Mazur raises thousands online to cover cost of treating three pets, one of which was severely injured The owner of three dogs who was landed with a hefty vet bill after his pets encountered a prickly situation with a porcupine has raised thousands of pounds in a crowdfunding campaign. Dennis Mazur, a youth […]