Opening the Arctic to oil development could have the unintended consequence of creating “subsidised housing” for predators that feed on native nesting birds, according to a new study from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the US Fish and Wildlife Service and other organisations. Opportunistic predators like Arctic fox, ravens and
green energy
Could the future see a new generation of forest-based environmental monitors powered entirely by the energy from trees? US researchers say it’s possible, having found a way to run an electronic circuit by essentially “plugging into” living trees. The findings by engineers at the University of Washington (UW) are
biofuels
A unique dual-fuel, low-emissions bus is making its debut this week at the UK’s leading low-carbon vehicles technology exhibition. Adapted from a standard Optare Solo single-deck midibus, the vehicle’s Mercedes-Benz engine can be powered by either diesel or biomethane, a low-carbon fuel generated from biowastes. The innovative design
green economy
If you believe science trumps politics, and that clean technology will win the day because it makes long-term sense — both environmentally and economically — think again. As the amped-up right-wing noise machine in the US is making it perfectly clear, good does not always triumph in the non-fact-based world of deniers,
Jurdy finds a hole in our environmental strategies …
peak oil
Why, in the midst of a global recession, are oil prices hovering in the $70-a-barrel range, when $30-odd a barrel was considered a good price for the market just a couple of years ago? Meet a little concept called “peak oil,” which — despite its detractors — is daily showing more signs
green cars
Mix together a bit of chocolate with some carrots, potatoes, flax and soybeans and what do you get? Pose that question to University of Warwick researcher Kerry Kirwan and the answer you’ll get is, “A Formula 3 race car that can do 125 mph around corners.” One of five
The future of low-carbon innovation lies in part with improved support from the Government for research and development tax credits, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). That was one of 10 recommendations made by the British business group in a new report, “Pulling ahead: Innovating for low-carbon leadership.
Cleantech start-ups — we need you … Over the summer, Greenbang has been approached by several investors wishing to know more about cleantech start-ups. We have a lot of these companies on our records already, but we’d like to see who else is out there. So if you’re a clean-tech
climate
Environmentally “green” beer: Munich brewing engineers research energy savings Brewing engineers from the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) are working hard to improve the energy balance of the amber beverage. They are looking into a new process combination that would allow energy savings of up to 20% during brewing. Siemens wants
The Carbon Trust is expanding its UK cleantech business incubation scheme with an additional £1.75 million in funding that could provide up to £70,000 of support to 25 new start-ups. The incubation programme covers strategic and business development consultancy, advice on corporate finance, management team recruitment and mentoring,
Jurdy discovers the irrational side of the climate change equation …
