Reuters: Environment

Past warming shows gaps in climate knowledge: study

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:40:12 -0400

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A dramatic warming of the planet 55 million years ago cannot be solely explained by a surge in carbon dioxide levels, a study shows, highlighting gaps in scientists' understanding of impacts from rapid climate change.

EU biodiesel output up 35 percent, capacity growing

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:22:07 -0400

PARIS (Reuters) - Production of biodiesel in the European Union rose by more than 35 percent in 2008 and capacity will grow again this year although half the plants are idle due to poor demand, the EU producers group said on Wednesday.

Britain pins climate goals on clean energy

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:36:18 -0400

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will double the share of its energy from low carbon sources by 2020 as part of plans to counter global warming, the government said on Wednesday.

Polish motorboat owners make waves to save fish

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:49:16 -0400

WARSAW (Reuters) - Owners of motorboats are using their propellers to make waves and help to re-oxygenize a lake outside Warsaw where large numbers of fish have been dying.

New Zealand quake tsunami warnings cancelled

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:36:58 -0400

WELLINGTON/SYDNEY (Reuters) - New Zealand and Australia canceled tsunami warnings on Wednesday after an earthquake struck the south of New Zealand, causing minor damage but no injuries.

Hong Kong air pollution worsens but China blamed less: report

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:13:19 -0400

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Urban pollution in Hong Kong has jumped sixfold in the past four years, but experts say local vehicles are more to blame than smog blown in from southern China's manufacturing belts, a newspaper reported on Wednesday.

U.S. to press China on tariffs on clean energy trade

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:54:47 -0400

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The United States will press China this week to lower its tariffs on clean energy technology as one of many steps the two countries can take to fight global warming, U.S. officials said on Monday.

Exxon to try to develop biofuel from algae

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:59:00 -0400

LONDON/HOUSTON (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp will invest $600 million over the next five to six years on trying to developing biofuel from algae, even though the oil major has said renewables will be only a small part of global energy supply.

Australia government approves new uranium mine

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:05:36 -0400

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia's government approved on Tuesday the development of a new uranium mine in South Australia state with strict environmental conditions.

India monsoon picks up; government says no need to panic

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:58:31 -0400

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India has a contingency plan if annual monsoon rains remain below normal and there is no need panic, India's finance minister said on Wednesday.