Hinkley C's future is in doubt. Let's turn our sights to offshore wind | Huub den Rooijen
Falling costs and increased reliability mean this clean power now offers a mature part of the solution for the UK’s energy mix With the government re-examining the case for new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point, it’s a good time to reflect on recent breakthroughs in another low carbon technology: offshore wind. Offshore wind is already […]
World's largest vertical farm grows without soil, sunlight or water in Newark
AeroFarms has put $30m into a green revolution that seeks to produce more crops in less space, but whether it’s economically viable is an open question An ambitious, almost fantastical, manifestation of agricultural technology is expected to come to fruition this fall. From the remains of an abandoned steel mill in Newark, New Jersey, the […]
Louisiana flooding cuts off roads and thousands of homes
At least three people dead and huge rescue effort under way after heavy rain causes rivers and creeks to burst their banks Emergency crews plucked motorists from cars stranded by high water along a seven-mile stretch of highway in southern Louisiana and pulled others from inundated homes and waist-deep waters, conducting at least 2,000 rescues. […]
The heart of darkness that still beats within our 24-hour cities
With technology man has conquered the night. Yet walk the streets alone at 3am, and still the magic and mystery seep through… • Meet the late-night radio DJs: ‘It’s like a confession and I’m the priest’ On some nights, in the insomniac intervals between rumbling goods trains, and beneath the sound of ambulance sirens, I […]
Security is not the only reason to cancel Hinkley. There are many others
China’s involvement in a UK nuclear project is potentially sensitive. But that need not be the pretext for withdrawal when the plant has so many problems The proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset has turned into the first headache for Theresa May’s government. The issue is now about far more than […]
The eco guide to algae
Toxic bloom is terrible for acquatic life – the good news is, we may be able to harness the sludge as a carbon-neutral biofuel Ideally, in these days of busy news cycles, an eco problem needs to be visible from space to gain traction. Algae has obliged again this summer. At Florida’s largest freshwater lake, […]
River Dee's pearl mussels get a helping hand – or gill
They were hunted to near-extinction. Now a £3.5m project aims to let the Scottish molluscs flourish again The sun shines on clear river water running through a valley in the Cairngorms, bringing the stones on the river bed into colourful focus. Here and there are dark shadows, half-buried clusters of dull black shells, lined and […]
Philip Hammond told to extend UK guarantees on EU grants
Treasury is expected to continue funding for all investment fund projects if they are agreed before autumn statement The chancellor has been told to go further after promising to invest billions of pounds in projects currently funded by the EU after the UK leaves the union. Philip Hammond announced on Saturday that taxpayers would contribute […]
Large cruise ship voyage through Arctic ice rekindles rows
Campaigners say Crystal Serenity trip puts at risk very environment tourists are travelling to see in Northwest Passage A decision to proceed with plans to sail the first huge cruise liner through the Northwest Passage on Tuesday with 1,000 passengers on board has rekindled rows with environmentalists about the Arctic. The wildlife charity WWF has […]
White waterlilies combine purity with a hint of danger
South Uist They exist in two worlds, coming to flower in the sunshine and open air while rooted in the murky waters of the loch It’s a scene worthy of the grounds around the most cultured of stately homes. An expanse of tranquil water faithfully reflecting back the glorious blue of a cloudless summer sky […]