Topic: Nature and the Environment

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

Michelle Obama: 8 food and garden tips, stories from the First Lady

8 stories and pieces of advice from Michelle Obama's new book 'American Grown'
Where gas prices are highest

Gasoline is a very visible price, and closely watched by many drivers. Petroleum prices impact many products, from food to industrial production. While the cost of crude is the major factor in gasoline price volatility, some countries levy taxes on fossil fuels. Here are ten countries where high gas prices are the norm, according to British insurance firm Staveley Head.
Top 10 most expensive car repair mistakes

Better built cars and an uncertain economy mean that Americans are holding onto their cars for longer than ever and are doing more of their own repairs. Nearly half of those who already do their own auto repairs say they are doing more of them themselves this year; 3 in 4 of those who rely on a mechanic say that economic conditions are making them more likely to attempt their own repairs, according to a recent survey by AutoMD.com. But there are mistakes that even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfers can make. Whether you like to go under the hood or take your vehicle to the shop, here are 10 expensive repair and maintenance mistakes to avoid:
10 best Avengers of all time

Many Avengers have come and gone over the years. But, in my opinion, here are the 10 best.
'Paris, I Love You but You're Bringing Me Down': 5 memories of living in Paris

Author Rosecrans Baldwin dreamed of living in the City of Light, but when he finally did, it wasn't exactly what he expected.

All Content

Voracious kudzu bugs spread across South. Are they boon or bane?

The nubbin-sized Japanese invader arrived on American shores somewhere near Atlanta in 2009. Today it’s eating pesky kudzu across at least three states. Unfortunately, it’s chowing on soybean crops, too.
Enormous forest fire in New Mexico sets state record for acres burned (+video)

For the second year in a row, New Mexico is battling a huge, record-setting forest fire. The Whitewater-Baldy fire, triggered by lightning strikes, has torched more than 170,000 acres.
Michelle Obama: 8 food and garden tips, stories from the First Lady

8 stories and pieces of advice from Michelle Obama's new book 'American Grown'
In Brazil, a showdown over rainforest deforestation

Brazil's president is scheduled to sign a reform package today that could retroactively legalize the deforestation of millions of acres in the Amazon.
Modern Parenthood
US Navy uses new online game to gather energy security solutions

A new online game developed by the US Navy creates a platform for older kids to contribute ideas on how the military can lessen its dependence on oil, supplementing its current research on energy security.
Los Angeles to become largest US city banning plastic bags

The Los Angeles City Council voted 13-to-1 to move forward with a controversial ban on single-use plastic grocery bags. Critics say it’s an example of regulatory overreach.
Rich-poor divide bogs down UN climate talks

Developing nations say the industrialized world - responsible for most of the emissions historically - should bear the brunt of the emissions cuts while developed nations want to make sure that fast-growing economies like China and India don't get off too easy.
Man-to-dolphin conversation? Scientists can now talk like dolphins

A new device mimics the sound of dolphins, allowing scientists to possibly start communicating in the language that dolphins speak.
The bear necessities

No. 1: When in bear country, don’t do what ‘Dora the Explorer’ does.
Where gas prices are highest

Gasoline is a very visible price, and closely watched by many drivers. Petroleum prices impact many products, from food to industrial production. While the cost of crude is the major factor in gasoline price volatility, some countries levy taxes on fossil fuels. Here are ten countries where high gas prices are the norm, according to British insurance firm Staveley Head.
Change Agent
Community radio cuts disaster risk in flood-prone Bangladesh

Radio stations that broadcast in local dialects along Bangladesh’s coast warn residents about storms and help farmers cope with erratic weather.
Readers Write: Natural gas won't save America

Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of May 21, 2012: Natural gas is a stopgap at best. What are the long-term risks of fracking? The real issue is the huge quantity of water used and chemically contaminated in the fracking process.
Top 10 most expensive car repair mistakes

Better built cars and an uncertain economy mean that Americans are holding onto their cars for longer than ever and are doing more of their own repairs. Nearly half of those who already do their own auto repairs say they are doing more of them themselves this year; 3 in 4 of those who rely on a mechanic say that economic conditions are making them more likely to attempt their own repairs, according to a recent survey by AutoMD.com. But there are mistakes that even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfers can make. Whether you like to go under the hood or take your vehicle to the shop, here are 10 expensive repair and maintenance mistakes to avoid:
'Ring of Fire' eclipse delights millions in Asia, US (+video)

A solar eclipse was visible to millions Sunday when the moon hid the sun, creating a 'ring of fire.' It was the first annular eclipse seen in Japan since 1839, and it was broadcast live on TV.
Green Economics
Anti-dumping policies can have environmental consequences

Anti-dumping laws don't protect the environment in every industry. In some cases, such restrictions can actually do harm.
At G8 summit, US taps into Africa's 'cheetah generation'

For the G8 summit, Obama unveils a promise by private firms to invest $3 billion in raising Africa's farm productivity. Many young Africans, dubbed 'cheetahs,' are posed for effective private investment.
The kudzu of global business languages

A call for companies to require English of all their employees seems insensitive – and unnecessary.
Diggin' It
Tiarella, or foamflower, does double duty in the shade garden

Foamflower is a perennial plant that comes in two forms, clumping and creeping. Both Tiarellas are favorites with gardeners who have shade.
Change Agent
New ideas reduce waste and spoilage after the harvest

A new kind of bag for cowpeas in western Africa cuts weevil infestations and boosts incomes and productivity. Research on how to better grow crops is now being joined by research on how to reduce waste and spoilage after harvest.
Change Agent
Solar-powered phones recharge Kenya's conversations

An inexpensive solar cell phone made of recycled materials opens new opportunities for people in rural Kenya.
In Gear
New world record: 1,626 miles on one tank of gas

Helen and John Taylor drove the longest distance without refueling of anyone in the world. Their car, a diesel-powered Volkswagen Passat, got an average 84.1 miles per gallon.  
Diggin' It
Peony season

When peonies bloom in spring, it's time to think about adding more next season. Singles or doubles may be the question.
Green accounting of economic growth

A World Bank study offers a new attempt to reconcile growth-oriented economics with Earth-oriented environmentalism. But can economists put price tags on nature?
Antarctic ice sheet at risk, say scientists

A new study points out an unexpected weakness in the Antarctic ice sheet, which could melt rapidly within the next century, say scientists.
Warm water threatens vast Anatarctic ice shelf (+video)

A new study indicates that a large ice sheet is at risk. Warm water from below is causing it to melt.