Environment news

• Oil up third day on supply worry; Fed chief remarks pare gains

  06-06-2016 21:56
  By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices rose for a third straight day on Monday, as crippling attacks on Nigeria's oil industry and fresh draws in U.S. crude stockpiles boosted prices even though gains were pared later on renewed expectations of a U.S. interest rate hike. Global crude benchmark Brent hit seven-month highs and settled 1.8 percent higher, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled up 2.2 percent, its largest gain in three weeks. Prices rose as industry sourc
  
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• Isabel dos Santos promises overhaul of Angola's state oil firm

  06-06-2016 21:52
  By Ed Cropley LUANDA (Reuters) - Isabel dos Santos, the billionaire daughter of Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, pledged a root and branch overhaul of state oil firm Sonangol on Monday to improve its efficiency and margins to offset the "huge" impact of depressed oil prices. A presidential decree issued last week said Isabel, ranked as Africa's richest woman by Forbes magazine, would become chief executive after the shock firing of Sonangol's existing board by Angola's leader of the la
  
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• Angola's dos Santos promises overhaul of state oil firm Sonangol

  06-06-2016 20:29
  Isabel dos Santos, the billionaire daughter of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, pledged a root and branch overhaul of state energy firm Sonangol on Monday to improve its efficiency and margins to offset the "huge" impact of depressed oil prices. A presidential decree carried on Angolan state media last week said Isabel dos Santos, ranked as Africa's richest woman by Forbes magazine, would become chief executive after the firing of Sonangol's board. After being sworn in as chief executive on Mo
  
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• Global stocks gain, dollar dips after 'dovish' Yellen speech

  06-06-2016 20:28
  By Saqib Iqbal Ahmed NEW YORK (Reuters) - World stocks gained on Monday while the U.S. dollar edged lower against a basket of currencies after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said U.S. interest rate hikes are likely on the way, but dropped a reference to the timing of the hike. U.S. Treasury yields pared gains and oil prices pulled back from a seven-month high after Yellen's remarks. "If incoming data are consistent with labour market conditions strengthening and inflation making progress tow
  
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• London: fatal lung conditions 'more likely' in deprived boroughs

  06-06-2016 19:56 via theguardian.com
  
  British Lung Foundation research finds those in poorer areas up to twice as affected as those in rich boroughsPeople living in some of London’s most deprived areas have up to twice as much chance of dying from life-threatening lung conditions – from cancer to asthma – as those in the richest areas, new research has shown.The research, by the British Lung Foundation charity, prompted the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to call for urgent measures to improve air quality and reduce p
  
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• Cash in the closet: how much could a wardrobe clearout raise?

  06-06-2016 19:12 via theguardian.com
  
  There are £2.7bn worth of unworn garments in Britain’s wardrobes. One writer calculates how much the items she rarely wears could raise for charityWake up. Remove dog from head. Ponder 100+ items of clothing in drawers so overstuffed they no longer close properly. Feel defeated by this cluttered life. Then rub face against vintage silk kimono, purchased on impulse in a charity shop on Orkney. Perk up. Put on same jeans as day before but with different top. Done.This is my morning rou
  
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• New molecular design to get hydrogen-powered cars motoring

  06-06-2016 18:46 via feedproxy.google.com
  A radical new process that allows hydrogen to be efficiently sourced from liquid formic acid could be one step forward in making the dream of hydrogen-powered cars an economic reality.Using formic acid to produce hydrogen has never been considered viable because it requires high temperatures to decompose and also produces waste by-products.But the University of Melbourne's Professor Richard O'Hair has led an international team of scientists in designing a molecular catalyst that forces formic ac
  
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• The housing development that could silence our nightingales | Patrick Barkham

  06-06-2016 18:31 via theguardian.com
  
  The 5,000 homes planned for Lodge Hill, Kent may be much needed, but what price do we put on the rare songbirds breeding there?Per-per-per-cheat. Churrup-churrup-chur-put. I’m struggling to put into words the extraordinary song I heard last week. Only poets such as John Keats and John Clare come close to capturing the quick-fire bubbling joy of the nightingale, whose liquid melodies make the lovely song of a nearby wren seem flat and one-dimensional.This aural wonder was even more miraculo
  
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• Oil jumps on Nigeria sabotage, Cushing drawdown data

  06-06-2016 18:20
  By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices rose as much as 2 percent on Monday, up for a third straight session with Brent hitting seven-month highs, as Nigeria's oil industry reeled from crippling attacks and traders said data pointed to fresh draws in U.S. crude stockpiles. Output of Nigeria's Bonny Light crude has fallen by an estimated 170,000 barrels per day (bpd) following recent attacks on pipeline infrastructure, industry sources said on Monday. Total crude production has fallen
  
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• In their hunt for misspent EU cash, even rare birds are fair game for Brexit camp

  06-06-2016 17:42 via theguardian.com
  Vote Leave campaign head mocks partly-EU funded conservation project to revive numbers of little terns as ‘aphrodisiacs for birds’
  For Brexit campaigners trawling for examples of apparently badly spent EU cash to hold up for public opprobrium, a project that involves leaving plaster models of birds on beaches may have seemed easy to mock. Continue reading...
  
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• Dollar steady, yields, stocks rise before Yellen speech

  06-06-2016 17:31
  By Saqib Iqbal Ahmed NEW YORK (Reuters) - World stocks and U.S. Treasury yields rose on Monday ahead of an impending speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen on monetary policy, while the U.S. dollar steadied against a basket of key currencies, stabilizing above its lowest in more than three weeks. A gauge of global equity markets ticked higher, lifted by energy stocks, as Brent crude oil prices jumped to a fresh seven-month high following Friday's sharp slide in the dollar. Traders awaited
  
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• US bid to grow human organs for transplant inside pigs

  06-06-2016 17:27 via bbc.co.uk
  
  US scientists try to grow human organs inside pigs to solve the transplant shortage by injecting human stem cells into pig embryos.
  
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• Bid to grow transplant organs in pigs

  06-06-2016 17:27 via bbc.co.uk
  
  US scientists try to grow human organs inside pigs to solve the transplant shortage by injecting human stem cells into pig embryos.
  
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• Global standard launched to tackle swelling food waste issues

  06-06-2016 17:12
  
  Companies and countries have been urged to ramp up efforts to prevent food waste, through a new global standard that outlines reporting requirements on food management for business and governments to adhere to.
  
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• Recall of Monsanto's Roundup likely as EU refuses limited use of glyphosate

  06-06-2016 16:23 via theguardian.com
  
  Proposal for temporary licence extension for chemical used in weedkiller, to study concerns over cancer risks, fails to get sufficient majority in votingEU nations have refused to back a limited extension of the pesticide glyphosate’s use, threatening withdrawal of Monsanto’s Roundup and other weedkillers from shelves if no decision is reached by the end of the month. Contradictory findings on the carcinogenic risks of the chemical have thrust it into the centre of a dispute among EU
  
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• The Louvre's closure proves art cannot survive climate change

  06-06-2016 15:54 via theguardian.com
  
  The flooding in Paris is a stark warning of the danger posed by climate change to everything human civilisation has achieved – no matter how priceless Related: Strikes, floods, protests and sense of betrayal pile on misery for France One of the oldest human illusions is that culture is a conquest of, or an escape from, nature. It is an illusion we need to abandon fast. Continue reading...
  
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• Energy firms urge EU to back offshore wind

  06-06-2016 15:51 via theguardian.com
  
  Companies say offshore wind will generate electricity as cheaply as fossil fuels within a decade if properly supportedA group of offshore wind companies have pledged that the technology will generate electricity as cheaply as fossil fuels in Europe within a decade – but only if policymakers across the EU take the steps needed to ensure such growth as a matter of urgency.The pledge(pdf) and the challenge to ministers are designed to reposition offshore wind as having a strong future in the
  
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• NASA Satellite Spots Toxic Air Pollution That Went Unreported

  06-06-2016 15:41
  
  A new satellite-based detection method has revealed 39 unreported and major human-made sources of toxic air pollution. A known health hazard and contributor to acid rain, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions are closely monitored. Before this satellite-based analysis, SO2 monitoring methods had relied on known locations of pollution sources and subsequent use of emissions inventories from ground-based measurements.
  
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• UK among 10 EU countries to sign offshore wind agreement

  06-06-2016 15:08
  
  The UK is among 10 northern European countries to sign an agreement on enhanced cooperation within the offshore wind sector, in a deal which aims to reduce the costs and accelerate the deployment of wind power at sea through joint development and purchasing.
  
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• Offshore wind agreement signed by 9 EU countries

  06-06-2016 15:08
  
  A total of 9 northern European countries have signed an agreement on enhanced cooperation within the offshore wind sector, in a deal which aims to reduce the costs and accelerate the deployment of wind power at sea through joint development and purchasing.
  
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• Mexico ruling party routed in regional vote on graft, gang violence

  06-06-2016 14:57
  By Dave Graham XALAPA, Mexico (Reuters) - Mexico's ruling party lost several bastions in Sunday's regional elections, dealing a heavy blow to President Enrique Pena Nieto for failing to crack down on corruption and gang violence. Early results from gubernatorial races in 12 of Mexico's 31 states on Monday showed Pena Nieto's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, heading for defeat in seven of them, a result far worse than most polls had forecast. Projected losses included two oil-ric
  
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• Good news for the Giant Panda!

  06-06-2016 14:45 via feedproxy.google.com
  Due to a breeding boom over the past few years, giant pandas are making a strong recovery. Some experts argue that the species should be removed from the critically endangered list — but is it too soon?This comes as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature undertakes an official reassessment of the panda’s status. The Swiss-based organization uses a seven-point scale to gauge the risk facing animal populations. 
  
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• Bankruptcy looms for companies failing to carry out climate change 'stress tests'

  06-06-2016 13:41
  
  Companies that fail to carry out "stress tests" for their business plans against risks associated with climate change face the possibility of economic decline or bankruptcy, according to a submission to the Bloomberg Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures from leading research institutions.
  
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• Milky Way Glitters Over Arches National Park

  06-06-2016 13:37
  
  Astrophotographer Manish Mamtani saw his first Milky Way on a spring trip to Utah four years ago. Mamtani took this image of the Milky Way in April 2016 from Arches National Park in Utah. The park is a hub for astrophotographers because the area is relatively dark and unaffected by light pollution .
  
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• Could Arctic research fast-track an international shipping emissions standard?

  06-06-2016 12:44
  
  With the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) beginning to piece together an early resemblance of an emissions reduction target for the industry, a two year Arctic trial could pave the way for more reliable measurement techniques.
  
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• Rescued whale sharks released back into the ocean – in pictures

  06-06-2016 12:29 via theguardian.com
  
  Two whale sharks destined for an ocean theme park in China were rescued after an 18-month investigation by Wildlife Conservation Society, covered by investigative photojournalist Paul Hilton. The operation, supported by Indonesia’s marine police, revealed where the protected species were being illegally caught and kept in sea pens by a major supplier of large marine megafauna to the international wildlife tradeContinue reading...
  
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• What can 100 cities teach us about the future of this vulnerable world?

  06-06-2016 12:05 via theguardian.com
  
  Since the launch of the 100 Resilient Cities initiative, writes Rockefeller Foundation president Judith Rodin, we have been inspired – and daunted – by our member cities’ willingness to confront the many challenges aheadAs we move deeper into the 21st century, the stresses and shocks come faster and faster. They’re hitting hard in all parts of the world, and cities are bearing the brunt because that’s where the largest segments of our populations live.While a huge a
  
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• Climate change and the value of daring | Joseph Robertson and David Thoreson

  06-06-2016 12:00 via theguardian.com
  
  Solving the problem of climate change will require daring actions
  The climate system is a unifying ethical field that extends from the physical to the metaphysical and connects your actions to my well-being, and vice-versa, no matter how remote your life is from mine. The Golden Rule we have always treated as an abstract moral recommendation is now visibly playing out its logic in the physical world.This period in history must be about useful innovations that rescue Earth systems from collapse a
  
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• The best women's summer cycling kit

  06-06-2016 11:29 via theguardian.com
  
  Helen Pidd chooses her favourite bike clobber for 2016 after extensive testing in Mallorca ... and ManchesterHurray! Summer is finally here and with it comes the best ever choice of women’s cycling gear. I’ve been testing a load of kit for the past few months in my native Manchester, plus sneaking off to Mallorca with my club to test the wicking properties of various jerseys and seeing which chamois offer best protection to my delicate bits. Here are my favourites: Continue reading..
  
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• L&T wins $135 million Qatar World Cup stadium contract, official says

  06-06-2016 10:40
  Larsen & Toubro Ltd has secured a contract to build a $135 million stadium for Qatar's 2022 World Cup, an official told Reuters on Monday, a boost for the Indian firm facing a slowdown in its key Middle East market due to low oil prices. "As part of a joint venture, L&T will serve as a contractor building the 40,000 seat Al Rayyan stadium," said the Qatari government official, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak publicly. In May the company's group executive chairm
  
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• Rout looms for Mexico ruling party in regional vote

  06-06-2016 10:12
  By Dave Graham XALAPA, Mexico (Reuters) - Mexico's ruling party looked set to lose control of several bastions in Sunday's regional elections, dealing a heavy blow to President Enrique Pena Nieto for failing to crack down on corruption and gang violence. Early results from gubernatorial races in 12 of Mexico's 31 states showed Pena Nieto's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, heading for defeat in seven of them, a result far worse than most polls had forecast. Projected losses inclu
  
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• Perth shark attack victim named as hunt continues for suspected great white

  06-06-2016 10:09 via theguardian.com
  
  University lecturer Doreen Collyer named as victim of second fatal shark attack in Western Australian waters within five days as authorities seek to kill animal The second shark victim in West Australian waters within five days has been named as university lecturer Doreen Collyer, as authorities try to catch and shoot the animal believed responsible.Collyer, a lecturer with the school of nursing and midwifery at Perth’s Edith Cowan University, was hailed as a much-loved and respected colle
  
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• Sustainability professionals must adopt 'courageous leadership' skills, says P&G

  06-06-2016 10:00
  
  EXCLUSIVE: Integrating sustainability as a business strategy requires "courageous leadership" in a world with limited resources and environmental challenges, according to Procter & Gamble's (P&G) global sustainability director.
  
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• Stumbling dollar, Nigeria sabotage push up oil prices

  06-06-2016 09:20
  By Henning Gloystein SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Brent crude oil prices rose on Monday, lifted by a plunge in the dollar that could spur demand just as attacks on Nigerian oil infrastructure tighten supplies, but signs of recovering U.S. output capped gains. Brent crude futures rose as high as $50.10 but retreated to be up 38 cents or 0.7 percent at $50.02 a barrel at 0700 GMT. Traders said oil prices rose on a sharp fall in the dollar on Friday after weak U.S. jobs data sparked concerns over the stat
  
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• From ISO to LEDs: Global leaders announce seven huge schemes to drive the low-carbon transition

  06-06-2016 09:00
  
  Global leaders gathered in San Francisco last week (1-2 June) to discuss ways to implement the goals established in the Paris climate accord as part of the Seventh Clean Energy Ministerial. With the dust now settled, edie explores the seven huge new initiatives announced at the event.
  
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• London cannot afford a bus service slowdown

  06-06-2016 08:13 via theguardian.com
  
  Road traffic congestion is damaging the capital’s most important form of public transport with a variety of ill-effectsAll over Britain, buses are slowing down. They’re doing it in Brighton, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol and Hull and most of all they’re doing it in London. Over the past year, speeds on a third of London’s bus routes have fallen by more than 5%, reducing some of them to walking speed: route 11, which runs between Fulham Broadway and Liverpool Street stati
  
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• Lonely struggle of India's anti-nuclear protesters | Vidhi Doshi

  06-06-2016 08:00 via theguardian.com
  
  Women are leading protests in Tamil Nadu state against a power plant – yet few people in India know the village they’re from, let alone support their causeBehind the Lourdes Matha church in Idinthakarai, a fishing village at the southern tip of India, five women have abandoned their chores to protest at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant. Today is day 1,754 of their relay hunger strike, which began when the plant was fuelled in 2011. Celine, 73, is among the five protestors, who take
  
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• The people's mountain – without the people

  06-06-2016 06:30 via theguardian.com
  
  Blencathra, Lake District In the whole time I tread its slopes and ridges this evening, I don’t see another soulIn a bright, breeze-ruffled Derwentwater, a shoal of swimmers moves towards the shore. Dozens of wet-suited arms arc rhythmically above the water like small sea serpents, churning the lake as they go. A gauzy light filters down through high streaks of cirrus and ranks of towering cumulus look like smoke thrown up over the fells from a giant cannon salvo.Continue reading...
  
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• Australia's 7.5m tonnes of food waste: can 'ugly food' campaigns solve the problem?

  06-06-2016 04:14 via theguardian.com
  
  While government needs to address food waste issue, experts say customers also need to change their perceptions about what normal food looks likeWould you drink water made from food waste? You could soon be doing just that, thanks to an innovation that is not only promising to help in the race to find sustainable sources of drinking water, but also in the battle against food waste.Continue reading...
  
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• Stumbling dollar, Nigeria sabotage push Brent to $50/bbl

  06-06-2016 04:12
  By Henning Gloystein SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Brent crude oil prices rose to $50 a barrel on Monday, lifted by a plunge in the U.S.-dollar that could spur demand, just as ongoing attacks on oil infrastructure in Nigeria tighten supplies. International Brent crude futures were trading at $50.03 per barrel at 0139 GMT, up 39 cents or 0.8 percent from their last settlement. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 49 cents or 1 percent at $49.11 a barrel.
  
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• Stumbling dollar lifts oil prices, but uptick in U.S. drilling caps gains

  06-06-2016 02:35
  By Henning Gloystein SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices edged up in early trading on Monday as a plunge in the U.S.-dollar was seen spurring fuel demand, although traders said plentiful supplies capped increases. International Brent crude futures were trading at $49.91 per barrel at 0014 GMT, up 27 cents from their last settlement, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 28 cents at $48.90 a barrel. Traders said that the higher oil prices were largely a result of a sharp fall
  
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• Exclusive - As Iran's oil exports surge, international tankers help ship its fuel

  06-06-2016 01:26
  By Keith Wallis and Henning Gloystein SINGAPORE (Reuters) - More than 20 European and Asian-owned supertankers are shipping Iranian crude oil, data seen by Reuters shows, allowing Tehran to ramp up exports much faster than market analysts had expected following the lifting of Western sanctions in January. Iran had been struggling as recently as April to find partners to ship its crude, but after an agreement on a temporary insurance fix more than a third of Iran's crude shipments are now being h
  
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