Energy/Environment

All Energy/Environment

Tropical Storm Cosme becomes hurricane off Mexico coast

Tropical Storm Cosme no more; Hurricane Cosme has formed off Mexico's Pacific coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Cosme will generate large swells that will affect parts of Mexico's Pacific coast Tuesday and parts of southern Baja California starting Tuesday night and into Thursday.
Obama climate plan: bold, but will China go along?

President Obama's climate plan aims to address climate change with an eye toward global partnerships. Without cooperation from China and the developing world, international climate treaties have fallen short – a shortcoming Obama hopes to remedy with his climate plan.
How shale gas can slow global climate change

Shale gas has done much to reduce US emissions as the nation shifts from coal to natural gas, Holland writes, but the US is exporting record amounts of coal, essentially outsourcing part of the emissions that would otherwise have been produced here. Globalizing the shale revolution could change that.
Indiana leopard: Since when did leopards live in Indiana?

Indiana leopard: An Indiana woman and her boyfriend shot and killed a leopard that they spotted prowling in their backyard. Wait, they have leopards in Indiana?
How energy companies fight terrorism

Energy companies across the globe are forming special units to respond to acts of terrorism after recent attacks in Algeria. With the economy just as much a viable target as any, counter-terrorism may becoming more than just the military's game.
Tropical Storm Cosme forms off southwest Mexico

Tropical Storm Cosme made its way through the Pacific southwest of Mexico Monday. The US National Hurricane Center said Tropical Storm Cosme could become a hurricane by Tuesday night or Wednesday.
Supreme Court sides with ethanol in renewable fuel debate

Renewable fuel advocates praised a Supreme Court decision Monday not to hear a challenge to higher ethanol blends of gasoline, while opponents warned of potential mechanical damage. The Supreme Court decision comes as fuelmakers struggle to meet federal renewable fuel standards.
Methane leaks of shale gas may undermine its climate benefits

If methane leak rates are more than 3 percent of output, fracking of shale gas formations may be boosting greenhouse gas emissions rather than lowering them.
South Fork fire forces town to evacuate

South Fork fire threatens to engulf the Colorado tourist town as officials evacuate 400 residents and visitors. In South Fork, fire crews are working to save cabins and homes from the approaching blaze.
Bee kill-off in parking lot. Pesticide blamed.

Bee kill-off at an Oregon shopping center was caused by a pesticide for aphids. The kill-off involved some 25,000 bumble bees.
Can Baghdad stop exports of Kurdish oil?

For the moment, Baghdad won't be able to stop the Kurdish oil and gas momentum growing in Northern Iraq, Alic writes. Once the pipeline is up and running, the game is over and Baghdad doesn’t have the resources to turn it into a conflict.
Tesla: It's faster to 'recharge' electric car than pump gas (+video)

Electric carmaker Tesla Motors debuts its much anticipated 'battery-swapping' technology, upending preconceived notions about energy and transportation. Can electric cars that 'recharge' in 90 seconds finally break through the public skepticism that has dogged the industry?
Developing nations: First, find your 'green' energy, then develop it

Many developing countries have immense wind and solar resources, but lack the data and infrastructure to harness them. A new project from The World Bank aims to change that, partnering with nine countries to develop more sustainable energy strategies.
Canmore flood threatens towns in west Canada

Canmore flood in western Canada may force as many as 100,000 people from their homes. The flood washed out roads and bridges and at least one person is missing in the Canmore flood.
The future of natural gas is the car?

Rising use of natural gas in the transportation sector will offset a slowdown in other areas, says the International Energy Agency in a new report. But don't expect natural gas vehicles to dominate roadways anytime soon.
Record US coal exports fuel climate change debate

With cleaner-burning natural gas cutting into the US electricity mix, American coal companies have found an eager customer in the East, fueling urbanizing economies in Asia with cheap steelmaking coal. It's why coal export terminals are emerging as a flash point in the fight against climate change.
Will Obama's new climate policy lead to a greener future?

President Obama is expected to roll out a major climate policy that may include EU-style benchmarks for renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Can Obama make progress on clean energy in his second term?
To frack or not to frack? Well, it's complicated.

Fracking and shale gas are often portrayed as black or white issues, Grealy writes, when in reality there is a need for shades of gray. And the urgency of the climate change issue means that, with natural gas from shale, we have to make a choice between the perfect and the good.
The consequences of 'extreme energy'

Proponents of fracking, the Keystone XL pipeline, and deep-offshore production all say that these are just other forms of 'oil' and 'clean-burning natural gas,' without explaining that these forms of 'extreme energy' have significantly worse impacts on the environment, Michael Klare, a professor of peace and world security studies at Hampshire College, says in an interview with OilPrice.com.
Why squirrels are nuts about solar panels

Squirrels have taken a shine to gnawing through home solar panel wires, according to various reports. The good news is there's a simple solution to prevent squirrels from feasting on your photovoltaic array.