Environment news

• Laplace's Equation: Mathematical Key to Everything

  22-06-2016 23:37 via feedproxy.google.com
  PHYSICS HAS ITS own Rosetta Stones. They’re ciphers, used to translate seemingly disparate regimes of the universe. They tie pure math to any branch of physics your heart might desire.It’s in electricity. It’s in magnetism. It’s in fluid mechanics. It’s in gravity. It’s in heat. It’s in soap films. It’s called Laplace’s equation. It’s everywhere.Laplace’s equation is named for Pierre-Simon Laplace, a French mathematician
  
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• Particle zoo in a quantum computer

  22-06-2016 23:02 via feedproxy.google.com
  Elementary particles are the fundamental buildings blocks of matter, and their properties are described by the Standard Model of particle physics. The discovery of the Higgs boson at the CERN in 2012 constitutes a further step towards the confirmation of the Standard Model. However, many aspects of this theory are still not understood because their complexity makes it hard to investigate them with classical computers. Quantum computers may provide a way to overcome this obstacle as they can simu
  
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• Oil down after small U.S. drawdown; seen choppy before Brexit vote

  22-06-2016 22:26
  By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices settled down more than 1 percent on Wednesday after the U.S. government reported a smaller-than-expected inventory drawdown, and as investors fretted about Britain's upcoming vote on whether to stay in the European Union. Crude futures rose in early trading, with global benchmark Brent and U.S. crude's West Texas Intermediate (WTI) both trading above $50 a barrel at one point. Prices headed lower after the U.S. Energy Information Administration
  
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• Oil ends lower after small U.S. drawdown; choppy ahead of Brexit vote

  22-06-2016 21:21
  By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices settled down more than 1 percent on Wednesday after a smaller-than-expected U.S. inventory drawdown and amid jitters ahead of a vote on whether Britain should stay in the European Union. Crude futures rose early in the day, before the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a stockpile decline of 917,000 barrels for the week ended June 17. It was also about a third of the 5.2 million-barrel drop reported on Tuesday by trade group t
  
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• The Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Episode 05 - IN or OUT of the European Union?

  22-06-2016 21:01
  
  IN or OUT? In this episode of edie's weekly podcast, the editorial team rounds up everything that sustainability professionals need to know about the EU Referendum, with the help of some high-profile special guests...
  
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• The Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Episode 05 - EU Referendum special

  22-06-2016 21:01
  
  IN or OUT? In this episode of edie's weekly podcast, the editorial team rounds up everything that sustainability professionals need to know about the EU Referendum, with the help of some high-profile special guests...
  
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• Brighton 1984 bomb may have exposed rescuers to asbestos

  22-06-2016 19:12 via theguardian.com
  
  After officer’s asbestos-linked death, police seek people who helped in aftermath of IRA attack aimed at Margaret ThatcherRescuers who worked at the scene of the deadly IRA bombing in Brighton 32 years ago are being sought after a police officer died from an asbestos-related disease.Related: Asbestos: the hidden health hazard in millions of homesContinue reading...
  
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• EU Referendum: The environmental arguments FOR and AGAINST Brexit

  22-06-2016 17:56
  
  With just hours remaining until we learn the fate of the European Union (EU) referendum, edie has rounded up ALL of our coverage to bring you a quick overview of everything we've heard from the sustainability and environment sector, on both sides of the debate.
  
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• Dutch prototype clean-up boom brings Pacific plastics solution a step closer

  22-06-2016 17:44 via theguardian.com
  
  If tests of the 100m-long barrier that collects rubbish on the sea’s surface are successful, it could be deployed at a larger scale in the ‘great Pacific garbage patch’A bid to clear the Pacific of its plastic debris has moved a step closer with the launch of the biggest prototype clean-up boom yet by the Dutch environment minister at a port in The Hague. On Thursday the 100m-long barrier will be towed 20km out to sea for a year of sensor-monitored tests, before being scaled up
  
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• Leopard's killing of rare African penguins sparks conservation debate

  22-06-2016 17:37 via theguardian.com
  
  Some conservationists say endangered birds at the South African reserve take priority, but others argue that locally the big cat is rarerA leopard killed dozens of endangered penguins at a nature reserve outside Cape Town earlier this month, prompting a renewed debate about how best to protect South Africa’s threatened species.Ranger Cuan McGeorge found the bloodied, lifeless bodies of 33 African penguins on 11 June scattered across Stony Point, a reserve at the sleepy holiday town of Bett
  
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• Chicago's urban farming produces fresh veggies all year, 24/7

  22-06-2016 17:29 via feedproxy.google.com
  Hydroponics and new, high-tech urban agricultural techniques are now growing fresh food in the middle of Manhattan and other large metropolitan centers globally. People are catching onto the taste and business opportunities of urban agriculture: find it growing in Middle Eastern cities such as Cairo, Egypt too!Urban farming in midwestern American cities like Chicago has had its limitations due to adverse winter weather conditions at least 9 months a year. New indoor
  
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• Oil slips on modest U.S. draw; market swings seen pre-UK vote

  22-06-2016 17:27
  By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell about 1 percent on Wednesday after a smaller-than-expected weekly U.S. inventory draw erased early gains in crude futures. Investors also anticipated more market volatility ahead of Thursday's vote on whether Britain should stay in the European Union. Brent crude was down 55 cents, or 1.1 percent, at $50.07 a barrel by 11:08 a.m. EDT (1508 GMT), after climbing to $51.24 at the session high.
  
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• Brexit just one of many risks for oil prices

  22-06-2016 16:50
  By Amanda Cooper LONDON (Reuters) - Regardless of whether Britain votes to leave the EU on Thursday, oil investors are likely to stay focussed on how to counter the risk of further price slides. Once global financial markets stabilise after the referendum result, analysts say the most likely near-term outlook for oil is decline, either through dollar strength against the pound in the event of "Brexit", or through a renewed focus on oil supply and demand if Britain opts to stay in the EU. The oil
  
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• Oil up, awaiting U.S. stockpile data; swings seen pre-UK vote

  22-06-2016 15:56
  By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices rose above $50 a barrel on Wednesday, helped by an industry report showing a large drop in U.S. crude inventories and on expectations that Britain will vote to stay in the European Union in an impending referendum. U.S. crude stockpiles fell by 5.2 million barrels last week, the American Petroleum Institute (API) said on Tuesday, a figure three times more than that projected by industry analysts. Official inventory data is due at 10:30 a.m. from
  
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• Niger Delta Avengers may agree ceasefire says community leader

  22-06-2016 15:56
  By Anamesere Igboeroteonwu ONITSHA, Nigeria (Reuters) - A Nigerian militant group known as the Niger Delta Avengers which has been attacking oil facilities might agree to a ceasefire on Thursday to allow the government time to meet its demands, a community leader involved in peace efforts said. Two oil ministry officials said earlier on Wednesday that the government had agreed a truce with the militant group in the oil producing swamp region, although the group denied this. The militants say the
  
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• Dutch test 'Ocean Cleanup' plan to collect floating plastic trash

  22-06-2016 15:26
  A Dutch foundation has developed floating barriers to try to collect trash from the world's oceans, and will launch a 100 meter-long prototype in the North Sea this week to see how it fares during storms. The Ocean Cleanup Foundation's 21-year-old Chief Executive Boyan Slat, who first had the idea for the system as a teenager, hopes to use the technology in an enormous area where trash circulates in the northern Pacific Ocean, from 2020. Experts have sounded the alarm in recent years over millio
  
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• Energy, aerospace on agenda of Putin's trip to China -Kremlin

  22-06-2016 15:19
  Russia and China will discuss cooperation in the energy sector and in aerospace during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing this week, Yuri Ushakov, Putin's aide, told journalists on Wednesday. Putin's delegation will include Igor Sechin, the head of Russia's top oil producer Rosneft , Ushakov said.
  
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• Congo almost runs out of yellow fever vaccine amid epidemic

  22-06-2016 14:37
  By Aaron Ross KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo has almost run out of yellow fever vaccine in Kinshasa, in the same week that the government declared an epidemic of the disease in the packed capital and two other provinces. More supplies have been promised, but health officials in the impoverished country say they have to choose between the high cost of flying them in, or a long wait for shipment by sea. The mosquito-borne haemorrhagic virus is a major concern in Kinshasa, a city
  
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• Antibiotic-free meat to hit the shelves

  22-06-2016 13:22 via theguardian.com
  
  Don’t want to eat pork pumped full of penicillin? Look for a smiling pig’s face on your next packet of bacon
  Name: Antibiotic-free meat.Age: Brand new. Continue reading...
  
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• Opencast coal mine planned for Northumberland coast

  22-06-2016 13:17 via theguardian.com
  
  Plans to open a new mine have been criticised by local residents and NGOs for contradicting government commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and phase out coal, reports ENDSA new surface coal mine could be created on the scenic Northumberland coast if an application is approved next month.Banks Mining wants to create a three million tonne (Mt) opencast mine which will operate for seven years from an area of 250 hectares at Druridge Bay, between Widdrington and Cresswell.Continue reading
  
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• Tesla takes 'first steps' to form clean energy dynasty with bid to acquire SolarCity

  22-06-2016 12:11
  
  Disruptive automotive manufacturers Tesla has submitted a bid to purchase sister company Solar City as part of a move to "complete the picture" and establish a holistic and "vertically integrated" clean energy empire.
  
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• Sainsbury's freezes emissions with liquid nitrogen refrigerated engine

  22-06-2016 12:11
  
  British supermarket chain Sainsbury's has become the first company in the world to trial a refrigerated delivery truck cooled by a liquid nitrogen powered engine, as the retailer works towards its commitment to significantly reduce absolute carbon emissions by 2020.
  
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• Oil rises further above $50 on API report, braced for Brexit volatility

  22-06-2016 11:26
  By Alex Lawler LONDON (Reuters) - Oil rose further above $50 a barrel on Wednesday after an industry report showed a large drop in U.S. crude inventories, with analysts expecting volatile trading ahead of Britain's referendum on EU membership. U.S. crude inventories fell by 5.2 million barrels, the American Petroleum Institute (API) said on Tuesday, far more than analysts expected. Official stocks data is due later on Wednesday from the U.S. Department of Energy.
  
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• Musk's Tesla makes a bid for Musk's SolarCity energy company

  22-06-2016 11:21 via theguardian.com
  
  Electric car company attempts to acquire solar panel seller to create a Silicon Valley one-stop-shop for clean energy for car and home
  Elon Musk’s Tesla electric car company has made an offer to buy Musk’s solar power company, SolarCity, for as much as $2.8bn in stock in an attempt to make a one-stop-shop for cleaner energy.SolarCity, for which Musk is both chairman and its largest shareholder, is the market leader in residential solar panel installations in the US, but has about $6.
  
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• 'Zombie corals' pose new threat to world's reefs

  22-06-2016 11:18 via theguardian.com
  
  Scientists discover corals that look healthy but cannot reproduce, dashing hopes such reefs could repopulate bleached areas Zombie corals, which look healthy but cannot reproduce, have been discovered by researchers, dashing hopes that such reefs could repopulate areas destroyed by bleaching.Scientists have also found that a common ingredient in sunscreen is killing and mutating corals in tourist spots. Continue reading...
  
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• India’s captive leopards: a life sentence behind bars

  22-06-2016 11:16 via theguardian.com
  
  As sightings in populated areas increase, authorities are trapping leopards and keeping them captive, often in small cages without adequate food. The solution is to educate the public on coexisting with the big cats, reports Environment 360When an escaped leopard tackled a man at a poolside on a school campus in the southern Indian city of Bangalore early this year, the video went viral. The victim was one of the wildlife managers trying to recapture the animal. His colleagues finally managed to
  
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• "Pushing boundaries in sustainability": Formula E set to electrify London

  22-06-2016 10:00
  
  The second season of the FIA Formula E Championship is headed for a nail-biting finale in London next weekend (2 3 July) that will decide the champion of the world's first all-electric single-seater series event.
  
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• EU Referendum QUIZ: who said what on the environmental ramifications?

  22-06-2016 09:55
  
  In or Out? By the early hours of Friday morning, Britain will finally have an answer to the ongoing Hokey-Cokey dilemma on whether or not we will remain in the European Union (EU).
  
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• Brexit QUIZ: who said what on the environmental ramifications?

  22-06-2016 09:55
  
  In or Out? By the early hours of Friday morning, Britain will finally have an answer to the ongoing Hokey-Cokey dilemma on whether or not we will remain in the European Union (EU).
  
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• Our new alliance unites 600m city dwellers in fight against climate change

  22-06-2016 09:39 via theguardian.com
  
  Cities are huge carbon emitters but are ideally placed to tackle climate change. Michael Bloomberg on how the Global Covenant can give them the tools to do soWhen it comes to confronting climate change, the world’s cities are proving that there’s strength in unity. The historic climate agreement reached in Paris in December, which was approved by nearly all of the world’s nations, was made possible in part by the progress that cities have made by working together. Today, the tw
  
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• Jaguar shot dead just hours after posing with Olympic torch in Brazil – video

  22-06-2016 09:21 via theguardian.com
  
  A jaguar has been shot dead just hours after taking part in a photoshoot to promote the Olympics in the Brazilian city of Manaus. The animal, which had escaped from its handlers, was killed when a soldier fired a shot at the jaguar as it approached him, despite the fact that it had been tranquillized Continue reading...
  
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• Cattle station purchase 'fantastic' for Great Barrier Reef, green groups say

  22-06-2016 09:09 via theguardian.com
  
  Queensland government’s $7m purchase aims to cut back on sediment flowing on to the reef, where it can smother coral and prevent its recovery from bleachingEnvironment groups are applauding a “fantastic move” by the Queensland government to protect the Great Barrier Reef by buying a Cape York cattle station responsible for a disproportionate amount of pollution that flows on to the reef.The Queensland government has spent $7m buying the 560 sq km Springvale Station, situated so
  
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• What has the EU ever done for my … compost?

  22-06-2016 08:00 via theguardian.com
  
  In the 1990s almost all rubbish in the UK went to landfill. Today nearly half of household waste is recycled, thanks to EU legislationWe recycle and compost far more in Britain today than at the turn of the millennium.Recycling targets come from Europe, and are the result of decades of directives from Brussels to reduce the environmental harm from our rubbish. Continue reading...
  
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• Natalie Bennett and Ed Davey: Brexit would be an 'environmental disaster' under this UK Government

  22-06-2016 08:00
  
  EXCLUSIVE: Exiting the European Union (EU) would create yet more uncertainty for Britain's energy and environment policy, which has already fallen into a state of "disaster" after a series of "dreadful" decisions from the Conservative Government, according to Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett and former Energy Secretary Sir Ed Davey.
  
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• A summer of rain, roses and nightingales

  22-06-2016 06:30 via theguardian.com
  
  Wenlock Edge There is something about the wildness of the dog rose, the way it stands outside cultivation with a beauty that inspires so much imitationDays of rain and wild roses, a very British June. After the breathless spell of hot weather and sunshine, the showers were inevitable. Although some have been gently summery – good growing weather, as gardeners say – many have been epic downpours, looming like fantastical cities of cloud, bursting into tempests, thunder and lightning,
  
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• Diesels more polluting below 18C, research suggests

  22-06-2016 06:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Pollution from many popular diesel cars is much worse when it is colder than 18C outside, new research suggests.
  
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• A 'black and smelly' job: the search for China's most polluted rivers

  22-06-2016 05:06 via theguardian.com
  
  A Chinese government campaign asks the public to hunt down polluted waterways which can then be mapped and cleaned upOne sunny spring morning, Shi Dianshou sets off for China’s River of Happiness.
  “It’s not very happy right now,” the 24-year-old environmentalist admits as he drives north from Beijing to inspect the poetically named waterway. Continue reading...
  
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• Shark attacks: Perth survey shows people prefer education to culls

  22-06-2016 03:03 via theguardian.com
  
  University of Sydney study, conducted after two shark-related deaths, reveals overwhelming preference for non-lethal responses to attacksPerth residents overwhelmingly prefer non-lethal responses to shark attacks, a new survey shows. Seventy-five per cent of those polled said they wanted money be spent on education and research rather than catching the shark, according to a survey published by the University of Sydney on Wednesday.The survey was conducted between June 8 and 15, two days after un
  
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• Oil prices above $50, buoyed by U.S. stock draw

  22-06-2016 02:59
  Oil prices rose in early Asian trading on Wednesday, with U.S. crude joining Brent above $50 a barrel after data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) showed a larger than expected draw on stocks. U.S. crude futures' August contract , the new front month from Wednesday, had climbed 35 cents to $50.20 a barrel by 0039 GMT. Brent crude futures were up 25 cents at $50.87 a barrel, after settling down 3 cents at $50.62 on Tuesday.
  
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• Business and academic leaders urge new conversation about coal-free future

  22-06-2016 02:30 via theguardian.com
  
  Leadership forum hears of ‘huge gap’ between experts’ advice on phasing carbon out of the economy and public willingness to go along with that adviceA group of business and academic leaders have bemoaned the “huge gap” between what experts say ought to be done to decarbonise Australia’s economy and the public’s willingness to accept such a policy.They want Australia’s leaders to restart a conversation after the federal election about the need to tr
  
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• Last California plant to close as nuclear power struggles

  22-06-2016 02:19
  
  Rooftop solar panels and churning wind turbines are hastening the demise of U.S. nuclear power plants and the safety fears and high operating costs they bring.
  
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• EU referendum: How will sustainability professionals be voting?

  22-06-2016 02:01
  
  As Britain's European Union (EU) referendum draws ever nearer, edie has collated the figures of a range of in/out surveys, with a clean sweep of poll results indicating that the majority of sustainability professionals are in favour of voting to remain in the EU.
  
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• 'Last breath'

  22-06-2016 01:59 via bbc.co.uk
  
  In June 1997, astronauts on the Russian space station Mir faced disaster after the worst collision in the history of manned space flight.
  
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• Warmer winters play important role in EU emissions drop

  22-06-2016 01:58 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Milder winters have contributed to a significant drop in greenhouse gas emissions across the EU over the past quarter of a century.
  
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• Using Only Renewable Energy, Portugal Powered Its Entire Country for Four Days

  22-06-2016 00:50 via feedproxy.google.com
  Portugal just did something pretty amazing. In fact, it’s historic — something no other nation has ever done. Portugal just powered its entire country’s electricity needs for four consecutive days using nothing but renewable energy.Using a combination of solar panels, wind turbines, biofuels, geothermal heat and hydroelectric power, Portugal powered everything requiring electricity for 107 hours between Saturday morning, May 7, 2016, and Wednesday evening, May 11
  
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• Chemists find new way to recycle plastic waste into fuel

  22-06-2016 00:00 via feedproxy.google.com
  A new way of recycling millions of tons of plastic garbage into liquid fuel has been devised by researchers from the University of California, Irvine and the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC) in China."Synthetic plastics are a fundamental part of modern life, but our use of them in large volume has created serious environmental problems," said UCI chemist Zhibin Guan. "Our goal through this research was to address the issue of plastic pollution as well as achieving a beneficial outc
  
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