Biomimicry: using nature's designs to transform agriculture
Finalists in the Food Systems Design Challenge are creating cutting edge agriculture systems using some of the world’s oldest designs From lab-grown burgers to farms monitored by sensors and drones, technology lies at the heart of many of today’s sustainable food solutions. Now, the Biomimicry Institute, a Montana-based nonprofit, is taking the trend a step […]
VW scandal: the winners and losers, from carmakers to car owners
Volkswagen expects to ride out the emissions scandal but what does the future hold for others caught in the fallout? For the first time in 15 years, Volkswagen’s quarterly accounts have landed in the red. Results published by the German car giant on Wednesday showed a loss of €3.5bn (£2.5bn) for the three months until […]
Can solar cookstoves help reduce greenhouse emissions in developing countries?
An Ohio startup is disrupting the clean cookstove industry with the introduction of a solar powered cookstove – but not everyone is convinced Since Hillary Clinton announced the creation of a Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves in 2010, the public-private partnership has helped raise more than $400m for cleaner stoves and cooking fuels, enlisted more […]
Environmental groups demand inquiry after Exxon 'misled public' on climate
In call for attorney general to investigate, top activists say company acted deceptively despite knowing about climate change ‘as early as the 1970s’ Leading US environmental campaigners have joined a diverse line-up of pressure groups to demand a federal investigation into allegations that the oil giant ExxonMobil illegally covered up the truth about climate change. […]
Flowers bloom in the Atacama desert – in pictures
The Atacama desert is experiencing a rare springtime bloom of flowers after El Niño brought the heaviest rainfall in two decades earlier this year. The desert is usually one of the driest places on Earth. Flowers normally bloom every five to seven years but this year’s showing has been one of the most spectacular Continue […]
Greening the Big Apple: New York plants millionth tree ahead of schedule
City links: The MillionTreesNYC campaign has hit its target two years early, cash machines that dispense stories and the youngest cities in England and Wales feature in this week’s best city stories The best city stories we’ve spotted around the web this week celebrate the tree-planting efforts of New York City, discover how Grenoble is […]
Ben Nevis visitors urged not to build mini cairns
Officials say ever-increasing DIY cairns are ruining mountains in Highlands, as well as potentially misdirecting other walkers Building “mini cairns” on Scottish mountains has become a popular way for walkers to leave a memorial, create a photo opportunity, or hide their rubbish. However, the ever-increasing piles of rocks are ruining Ben Nevis and other mountains […]
Amazon wildfire engulfs Brazilian forest and threatens tribes – video
A huge fire that has been burning for two months engulfs a swath of Brazilian forest, threatening the existence of remote indigenous tribes. According to Greenpeace, the fire is suspected to have been started by illegal loggers invading the territory. The local government has declared a state of emergency Read: Vast Amazon wildfire destroys forest […]
Wildlife TV shows don't help conservation, says Autumnwatch presenter
Martin Hughes-Games, of the BBC’s Spring, Autumn and Winterwatch, says series presents ‘a utopian world that bears no resemblance to the reality’ Wildlife programmes have totally failed to have an impact on conservation, the presenter of some of the UK’s most popular natural history shows has said. Martin Hughes-Games, presenter of the BBC’s Springwatch, Autumnwatch […]
Essar Oil fined £500k for Cheshire pollution
Firm pleads guilty to two separate incidents, including five tonnes of oil entering the Manchester ship canal, reports the Ends Report An oil company has been fined nearly half a million pounds for two pollution incidents in Cheshire. Essar Oil (UK) Ltd, which is headquartered in India and operates Stanlow oil refinery in Ellesmere Port, […]