Issues

Issues March 10, 2017

January-March 2015 (ONE)

Articles Climate Change

Three small steps for mankind, one giant leap for the climate

From rising sea levels to scorching heat waves, the planet has one foot in the climate grave. But a new report says three targeted policy interventions could lead to positive tipping points, helping pull us back from the brink. The…

Articles Innovation

Ships harness wind for voyage to a cleaner future

There is no mistaking Cristina Aleixendri’s enthusiasm – and competence – when it comes to talking about how wind-assisted shipping is on the verge of making a planet-changing comeback. Aleixendri founded a company called bound4blue with two fellow Spaniards in…

Articles Solar

A Solar solution to the West’s changing climate?

The summer of 2022 was tough for farmers in the American West: Hot, dry conditions led snow to melt early, reservoirs to run low and streams to pare down to mere trickles. For many, that meant less water to grow…

Articles Hydrogen

Trailblazing Hydrogen Plant Could ‘Cannibalize’ Green Power from Nova Scotia Grid

Nova Scotia has approved plans for what could be North America’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen facility, amid lingering concerns that powering the plant could cannibalize renewable energy that’s vital to meeting the province’s climate goals. Early in February, Nova Scotia…

Articles Nature & Environment

Wanted (by Scientists): Dead Birds and Bats, Felled by Renewables

“This is one of the least smelly carcasses,” said Todd Katzner, peering over his lab manager’s shoulder as she sliced a bit of flesh from a dead pigeon lying on a steel lab table. The specimens that arrive at this…

Articles Climate Change

A Criminal Lexicon for Climate Change

«Every person on Earth today is living in a crime scene». Journalist Mark Hertsgaard referred to the criminal nature of the fossil fuel industry when he also stated that «the climate crisis is a crime that should be prosecuted. ……

Articles Policy & Strategy

No justice without credibility

There is a lot of rhetoric when it comes to the just transition. Beginning with the adjective chosen to describe this path from a fossil-based energy economy to a zero-emission one based on renewables. The energy transition has many issues.…

Articles Biomass

More Biomass with Irrigation from the Sea

Seawater cannot be used for irrigation due to its sodium (Na) content, which most plants don’t tolerate. Seawater’s various salts ordinarily total circa 3.5% by weight, though nearly 4% in some places, with almost all being simple table salt: NaCl.…

Articles CCS

Direct Air Capture: Is it finally gaining momentum?

Climate change caused by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), is progressing rapidly and has reached dangerous levels. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report reminds us that “multiple, feasible and effective options to reduce greenhouse…

Articles Last Exit

Ahouli

Ahouli is an abandoned mining village in the remote Atlas mountain in Morocco. This lead mine is located in a valley along the Moulouya river. From 1928 Ahouli was one of the most important lead deposits in Morocco. The French…