Plants May 2, 2016 The astonishing 390-year old bonsai tree that survived the Hiroshima atomic blast The history of a 390-year old bonsai tree at the National Arboretum that survived the Hiroshima atomic blast is being honored this week. Thursday marks the 70th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing.
Green May 2, 2016 Levi Strauss touts ambitious garment recycling initiative Earlier this year, American denim giant Levi Strauss & Co. asked consumers to be more aware of the impact washing their jeans had on the environment. Now, in its continued sustainability efforts, the company is ramping up its clothing recycling initiative. Levis Strauss recently announced that all main and outlet Levi’s stores will participate in the initiative in which customers can drop off old clothing and shoes to be recycled – not only will they receive a store discount, but will also contribute to the company’s commitment to supporting a “circular economy” by 2020.
Climate May 2, 2016 Climate change brings needed rain to Africa Climate change has been going on since the beginning of time, but has been the source of intense debate in recent years. In the case of the Sahel area of Africa, climate change means 4 more inches of desperately-needed rainfall per year than in the past, according to a new study by climatologists in the Journal Nature Climate Change. The main cause of the increase is rising greenhouse gas emissions, it finds.
AIR AND SPACE May 2, 2016 Solar Impulse 2 lands in Japan, waits out bad weather on epic journey across Pacific Solar Impulse 2 has landed in Nagoya, Japan, as the solar-powered plane prepares to wait out a spell of bad weather on its epic flight across the Pacific.
Plants May 2, 2016 Taxing organic products could solve California water problem, experts say Environmental experts Terry L. Anderson, and Henry I. Miller, both fellows at Stanford University are touting a solution to California's ongoing water problems. In their proposal “How Taxing Organic Products Could Solve California’s Water Shortage,” published last week on National Review Online, Anderson and Miller state the need for a revenue–neutral tax on all organic products (which would diminish their demand), while outlining how organic agriculture is less efficient and more wasteful than conventional and genetically engineered agriculture.
Energy May 2, 2016 Solar Impulse 2 plane takes renewable energy and clean tech to new heights, says pilot The Solar Impulse 2 plane, about to embark on the most daunting leg of its epic round-the-world journey, is taking renewable energy and clean technology to new heights, says pilot Bertrand Piccard.
Green May 2, 2016 Oregon's mysterious 'disappearing lake' explained During the rainy fall and winter, most Oregonians probably don't give much thought to Lost Lake, a shallow lake surrounded by pine trees that sits near a highway
Green May 2, 2016 Killer beetle attacks trees, costs taxpayers billions Ash trees in almost half of U.S. states and parts of Canada are under attack by a very small killer called the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).
Energy May 2, 2016 NYU faculty senate recommends ending fossil fuel investments New York University’s faculty senate voted Thursday afternoon to recommend that the university “divest” and strip its $3.5 billion endowment of investments of major fossil fuel stocks in order to make a statement about the dangers of global warming.
Climate May 2, 2016 Universities under pressure to ‘divest’ from fossil fuels Environmental activists are pressuring universities around the country to “divest” and stop all investment in fossil fuels. Many are taking heed, and more than a dozen universities -- among them Stanford and Syracuse -- have already promised to stop all such investments. But around 50 others, such as Harvard, Yale, and the University of Colorado, have decided not to.
Climate May 2, 2016 Happy Earth Day! 5 ways to get kids to help the planet Earth is a constant marvel, especially for children who enjoy learning about its wonders