Wednesday, 23 May, 2012

Stray light interferes with the work of astronomers — and it’s a waste of energy. How to stop light pollution.

What causes avalanches? Why are they so dangerous, and how can you avoid them without cowering at home?

How do we find and produce oil and natural gas? Give credit to the ancient plants that make oil and natural gas. Why do oil companies whack the Earth? What is a horizontal drill good for?

World population has reached 6 billion. What does this mean for the environment, resources, humanity? Six billion people on Earth — is that a good thing?

Diseases in the oceans are making people sick: Sewage, cholera, toxic algae, pollution on the reef. We’re afraid to say it’s enough to make a swimming pool sound good!

New push for renewable energy: Solar hydrogen, wind farms and fuel cells all have potential — and problems.

Shrinking resources on Earth: Want to try living without fish or chocolate?

Recycling paper and industrial waste (!) as fertilizer. Just because they call it recycling does not prove it’s a good idea…

Agricultural genetic engineering could change the equation between weeds, insects, toxic agricultural chemicals and yields. Is GM food a good idea?

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District announced that it would buy enough solar panels to make 10 million watts of electricity. That’s enough to power about 3,000 customers during the day, when the sun is shining, and when the utility faces its peak demand.