Czech president attacks Al Gore's climate campaign
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: DAVOS, Switzerland - Czech President Vaclav Klaus took aim at climate change campaigner Al Gore on Saturday in Davos in a frontal attack on the science of global warming.
Scientists like Obama's environmental plan
CNN reports here: Environmentalists are encouraged by President Barack Obama's focus this week on renewable energy and stricter emissions standards, although some economists are skeptical he can pull the country out of the recession while cleaning up the planet.
Amazonians Make Plea for Forest
OneWorld.net reports here at Yahoo News: Indigenous leaders from the Amazon basin are calling for intense international scrutiny of the massive abuse of their land, including deforestation, which is making them increasingly vulnerable to the devastating effects of global warming.
Acid oceans 'need urgent action'
BBC Newsreports here : The world's marine ecosystems risk being severely damaged by ocean acidification unless there are dramatic cuts in CO2 emissions, warn scientists.
Offshore Wind Farms Fall Victim to Financial Crisis
Spiegel Online reports here: The German government and energy companies have made a big fanfare about their plans to build offshore wind parks in the North Sea. However the financial crisis is forcing several projects to be put on hold, with smaller companies in particular feeling the pinch.
UK energy saving policy 'failing'
The Energy Saving Trust wants to see less heat and more action, BBC News reports here: The UK government is failing to support its own measures designed to deliver energy savings, an expert has warned.
Gore hails Obama's climate goals despite crisis
AP reports here at Yahoo News: DAVOS, Switzerland – Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore urged President Barack Obama and other world leaders to seal a quick deal to fight global warming despite the pervasive financial crisis.
'Green' light bulb fears rejected
BBC News reports here: The government has rejected claims that partially-sighted people will suffer when new low energy light bulbs are introduced across the UK.
Despite new Prius, solar cars still a way off
CNN reports here: Toyota's third-generation Prius, due at dealerships this spring, will have an optional solar panel on its roof. The panel will power a ventilation system that can cool the car without help from the engine, Toyota says.
Can the EU Lead on Global Warming?
Spiegel Online reports here: The European Union on Wednesday unveiled its far-reaching negotiating platform ahead of this year's effort to find a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol. American global warming guru Al Gore, though, thinks that leadership has to come from the US.
Arctic thaw raises security concerns for NATO
CNN reports here: NATO representatives and lawmakers from alliance nations will meet in Iceland Thursday to discuss security challenges that are likely to arise as the Arctic Circle thaws.
Gore warns of damage from climate change
CNN reports here: WASHINGTON - Suggesting that the planet will soon reach an irreversible "tipping point" of damage to the climate, former Vice President Al Gore told members of Congress on Wednesday that the United States needs to join international talks on a treaty.
Obama orders push to cleaner, more efficient cars
AP reports here at Yahoo News: WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama opened an ambitious, double-barreled assault on global warming and U.S. energy woes Monday, moving quickly toward rules requiring cleaner-running cars that guzzle less gas — a must, he said, for "our security, our economy and our planet."
Wind Power hits economic storm
AP reports here at Yahoo News: WASHINGTON - Wind power has seen historic growth and the blessing of President Barack Obama — but it's far from recession-proof.
UK gets biofuels research centre
BBC News reports here: A £27m centre for developing economically and environmentally sound biofuels has been launched in the UK.
Report: Some climate damage already irreversible
AP reports here at Yahoo News: WASHINGTON - Many damaging effects of climate change are already basically irreversible, researchers declared Monday, warning that even if carbon emissions can somehow be halted temperatures around the globe will remain high until at least the year 3000.
Obama to let states set auto emission rules
CNN reports here: President Obama signed a memorandum Monday requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider an application by California to set more stringent auto emissions and fuel efficiency standards than required by federal law.
'Climate hope' in economic plans
BBC News reports here: Economic stimulus packages unveiled around the world show leaders are taking the environment seriously, says the UN's top climate official.
Obama targets greenhouse gases, fuel efficiency
AP reports here at Yahoo News: WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama took aim Monday at the lofty but long elusive goal of making the nation more energy independent, ordering reviews that could lead to tougher auto emission standards in states and higher pressure on automakers to produce more fuel-efficient cars.
Financial Crisis Drives Down Price of Pollution
Spiegel Onlie reports here: As the economic effects of the financial crisis deepen, it has become surprisingly cheap to pollute. Prices for carbon dioxide emissions permits have fallen below 12 euro per ton. Some companies are selling them to generate much needed cash.
Shortlist for Severn energy plans
BBC News reports here: A proposed shortlist of schemes to harness renewable energy from the tides of the Severn estuary has been announced by the UK Government.
Will green tech be the next investment bubble?
Large investment in green tech lead to speculation that it may be overhyped, CNN writes here: recent world events have shown in stark relief how financial speculators hype industries up, only to scare and scatter when a bubble bursts leaving the value of stocks and shares to tumble.
China dams reveal flaws in climate-change weapon
AP reports here at Yahoo News: XIAOXI, China - The hydroelectric dam, a low wall of concrete slicing across an old farming valley, is supposed to help a power company in distant Germany contribute to saving the climate — while putting lucrative "carbon credits" into the pockets of Chinese developers.
The top ten worst cars for our climate
Found at the website Rated Top Ten:
Spiegel Online lists here (article in German) the top ten worst cars for our climate, what many think are cool and super fast cars yes they are super fast in spoiling our climate and produce the most CO2! many folks just dont get the message yet!!
- Bugatti Veyron
- Bentley Arnage
- Lamborghini Murciélago
- Dodge Viper
- Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
- Ferrari 599 GTB
- Bentley Continental
- Lamborghini Gallardo
- Mercedes M63 AMG
- Maybach 57S
IBM tool helps companies cut costs and emissions
Reuters reports here at Yahoo News: LOS ANGELES - International Business Machines Corp unveiled a consulting tool on Thursday that allows companies to reduce both costs and carbon dioxide emissions in their supply chains.
The High Price of Clean, Cheap Ethanol
Spiegel Onlinereports here : Brazil hopes to supply drivers worldwide with the fuel of the future -- cheap ethanol derived from sugarcane. It is considered an effective antidote to climate change, but hundreds of thousands of Brazilian plantation workers harvest the cane at slave wages.
Japan launches satellite to track greenhouse gases
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: TOKYO - Japan successfully launched the world's first satellite dedicated to monitoring global greenhouse gas emissions Friday as part of efforts to tackle climate change, the space agency said.
Climate shift 'killing US trees'
BBC News reports here: Old growth trees in western parts of the US are probably being killed as a result of regional changes to the climate, a study has suggested.
Focus on Climate Change Could Depoliticize EU- Russian Debate
Spiegel Online reports here: Energy policy is central to the EU's relationship with Russia -- but enhancing cooperation on climate change could expand the agenda beyond oil and gas. A green shift could also be beneficial to European companies.
New evidence on Antarctic warming
BBC News reports here: The continent of Antarctica is heating up in step with the rest of the planet, according to a new analysis.
Cleaner air 'adds months to life'
BBC News reports here: Cuts in air pollution in US cities have added an average of five months of life to their inhabitants, research suggests.
Sun 'could supply Gulf's day-time energy needs'
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: ABU DHABI - Oil-rich Gulf Arab states enjoy year-round sunshine but they remain slow in adopting environmental technologies to let them harvest their abundant solar power, industrialists said Tuesday.
'The Arctic Has Taught Us to Be Stubborn'
Nowhere are the effects of climate change as obvious as in the Arctic. For Greenland, that may mean economic opportunity. SPIEGEL ONLINE spoke here with Foreign Affairs Minister Per Berthelsen about how global warming might help the island.
Hong Kong's economic growth spluttering on filthy air
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: HONG KONG - In recent years, a thick haze originating from factories in southern China has enveloped Hong Kong for large chunks of the year, blocking views of its famous harbour and raising health fears.
Sweden Puts Its Bets on Green Tech
Spiegel Online reports here: Sweden boasts some 3,500 clean technology companies that together book roughly $14 billion in revenues. One of the industry's greatest champions in Swedish King Carl-Gustav.
Sharp, Toshiba and Panasonic Launch US Recycling Network
PC World reports here at Yahoo News: Three of the biggest names in consumer electronics have launched a joint nationwide recycling program in the U.S. that allows consumers to return end-of-life gadgets at no cost for recycling.
The greenest office: No office at all?
CNN reports here: Why don't you tell your boss you are going to work from home this year, and it's not just for your sake, but for the sake of the environment.
Light pollution forms 'eco-traps'
BBC News reports here: An international team of researchers has found another form of light pollution that could have an adverse effect on wildlife.
EPA to regulate mercury from cement plants
AP reports here at Yahoo News: TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Federal regulators have settled a lawsuit with environmental activists and nine states over standards for mercury emissions from cement plants, the plaintiffs announced Friday.
World oil demand to shrink sharply this year: IEA
Reuters reports here at Yahoo News: LONDON - World oil demand will contract sharply in 2009 as global economic slowdown further erodes consumption, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Friday.
Nations demand climate plan from air, maritime industries
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: TOKYO - Representatives of 20 nations and the European Union called Friday on the air and maritime industries to act on global warming and address carbon emissions from the unregulated sector by year-end.
Tories plan 'energy revolution'
The Conservatives plan to look at other forms of energy, BBC News reports here: Street plug-points for electric cars, smart meters, and energy efficiency loans for homes are among Tory plans for an "energy revolution".
This green Web site really rocks
CNN Money reports here in this Fortune Interview: A Rolling Stones keyboardist and veteran ad man team up to launch the Mother Nature Network, a different breed of environmental-news outlet.
Global Downturn Dooms Prestige Construction Projects
Spiegel Online reports here: The financial crisis has led to the cancellation of spectacular construction projects in the previously booming metropolises of Dubai, Moscow and Abu Dhabi. Does the demise of overblown architecture spell an opportunity for sustainable building?
UK Government Gives Funding To Blue H Floating Wind Turbine Project-Co
CNN Money reports here: Project Deepwater Turbine, a consortium led by Blue H including BAE Systems PLC, EDF Energy, CEFAS, SLP Energy and Romax, has been selected by the Energy Technology Institute, or ETI, as one of the first projects to receive funds from its GBP1.1 billion initiative.
The 'Green' Revolution in Cars Dies Off
Times.com reports here: Toyota now admits that the sales of its Prius are dying in the U.S. That is because of two things. One is that no cars are selling at all. The other is that hybrids are expensive.
Massachusetts governor unveils big push for wind power
AP reports here at Yahoo News: BOSTON - Wind turbines would increasingly dot the Massachusetts landscape under a plan unveiled by Gov. Deval Patrick to ramp up the state's reliance on wind power over the next dozen years.
Obama to lead fight against climate change: Clinton
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: WASHINGTON - Incoming President Barack Obama will lead "a global and coordinated response" toward combating climate change, secretary of state designate Hillary Clinton told a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday.
Challenge to plant methane link
BBC News reports here: The recent finding that plants could be a major source of the atmosphere's methane is challenged by new research.
Stanford creates 100 mln dlr energy research center
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: SAN FRANCISCO - Stanford University is creating a 100-million-dollar research institute that will focus on energy issues, including the search for ways to reduce global warming, officials said.
Toyota unveils 2010 Prius that boasts 50 mpg
AP reports here at Yahoo News: DETROIT - Toyota Motor Corp.'s sleeker, more fuel-efficient update to its iconic Prius goes on sale this spring in a market growing more crowded with competing hybrids and battered by the global financial crisis.
'Carbon cost' of Google revealed
BBC News reports here: "Two search requests on the internet website Google produce "as much carbon dioxide as boiling a kettle", according to a Harvard University academic." I wonder do if not finding the info as fast as with google, having to do longer queries on different engines or trough other means would not increase it much more??
Oil execs see growth in renewable energy
AP reports here at Yahoo News: WASHINGTON - Many oil and gas company executives are predicting a significant ramp-up of renewable energy use over the next five years to run cars and trucks and generate electricity, according to a new survey.
Honda to launch Insight hybrid in Japan in February
Reuters reports here at Yahoo News: DETROIT - Honda Motor Co will begin selling the Insight, the first of its next generation low-cost hybrid cars, in Japan in February, followed by launches in Europe and the United States in March and April.
Toyota Plug-In Hybrid Coming Late This Year
The New York Times reports here: Toyota plans to introduce its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle late this year, a year earlier than originally planned, and a year ahead of the Chevrolet Volt, a senior Toyota executive said Sunday.
Senate to consider expanding wilderness protection
AP reports here at Yahoo News: WASHINGTON – Congress is considering whether to set aside more than 2 million acres in nine states as wilderness in an early showdown that threatens to derail pledges by Senate leaders to work cooperatively as a new administration takes office.
Greenpeace hands out green grades to electronics makers
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: LAS VEGAS - Consumer electronics manufacturers are making greener products than a year ago but more progress needs to be made before they can claim a truly environmentally friendly product, Greenpeace said Friday.
Toxic coal ash piling up in ponds in 32 states
AP reports here at Yahoo News: WASHINGTON - Millions of tons of toxic coal ash are piling up in power plant ponds in 32 states, a practice the government has long recognized as a risk to human health and the environment but has left unregulated.
"Green" billboard ready to light up Times Square
Reuters reports here at Yahoo News: NEW YORK - The world's first billboard running solely on wind and solar power is ready to make its debut in the capital of all billboards -- New York's Times Square.
Heat may spark world food crisis
BBC News reports here: Half the world's population could face a climate-induced food crisis by 2100, a new report by US scientists warns.
Obama vows to double US output of alternative energy
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: FAIRFAX, Virginia - President-elect Barack Obama pledged Thursday to double US production of alternative energy in three years, as part of a raft of stimulus proposals to drag the economy out of recession.
Tech fair offers greener vision
BBC News reports here: In the near future, the "greenness" of a gadget will have a big influence on whether consumers will buy it, suggests research published as CES begins.
Japan to monitor greenhouse gases from space
Reuters reports here at Yahoo News: TOKYO - Japan's space agency will launch a satellite later this month to monitor greenhouse gases around the world, officials said Wednesday, hoping the data it collects helps global efforts to combat climate change.
Increase of sick brown pelicans baffles experts
AP reports here at Yahoo News: LOS ANGELES - Wildlife experts are trying to figure out why sick, disoriented and bruised California brown pelicans are being found in record numbers along more than 1,000 miles of coastline.
'Greenness' to drive tech market
BBC News reports here: Analysts predict that the environmental credentials of technology products will become a major factor in their success.
Pope: Pollution could destroy world's future
AP reports here at Yahoo News: VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI is warning that pollution in the world could destroy our present and our future.
Bush casts wide net for marine conservation
CNN reports here: U.S. President George W. Bush on Tuesday will designate nine sites in three areas of the central Pacific as marine national monuments, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Monday.
Group sues to force EPA to clean up Chesapeake Bay
AP reports here at Yhaoo News: WASHINGTON - A conservation group filed a federal lawsuit Monday to force the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enforce the law and clean up the polluted Chesapeake Bay, citing 25 years of failure to restore the nation's largest estuary.
South Africa to start wind power project: official
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's state-run power utility Eskom plans to start operating wind turbines this year to boost the supply of electricity, a company spokesman said on Monday.
A Tree Grows in Panama
ANDREW C. REVKIN reports here at the New York Times: While working in eastern Panama between 2002 and 2006, four young Peace Corps volunteers conceived of a plan to help restore the region’s disappearing tropical forests, provide income for struggling landowners and make money for investors and themselves.
Hong Kong air pollution worst since records began: official data
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: HONG KONG - Air pollution across large swathes of Hong Kong last year reached its highest level since records began, despite government efforts to improve the environment, official figures showed Friday.
Coral reef growth is slowest ever
BBC News reports here: Coral growth in Australia's Great Barrier Reef has slowed to its most sluggish rate in the past 400 years. The decline endangers the species the reef supports, say researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
Slowing Global Warming with Antarctic Iron
Spiegel Online reports here: Recent research shows that melting icebergs in the ocean around Antarctica may actually slow global warming. The iron particles they carry feed algae blooms that suck up CO2. Could man-made algae blooms in the frigid waters help combat climate change?
Report: Toyota developing solar powered green car
AP reports here at Yahoo News: TOKYO - Toyota Motor Corp. is secretly developing a vehicle that will be powered solely by solar energy in an effort to turn around its struggling business with a futuristic ecological car, a top business daily reported Thursday.