The global building boom of power-hungry data centers is straining electrical grids, causing greater reliance on energy from polluting fossil fuels. Christina Delimitrou, a newly tenured associate professor at MIT, is fighting this environmental threat by rethinking how the computer servers and networking equipment inside those data centers operate. SheContinue Reading
In the last decade, scientists have shown that fusion energy can work, as a physical process. Next question: Can it work economically? A study co-authored by MIT professors Dennis Whyte and Andrew W. Lo proposes a framework for understanding what’s needed to make fusion energy commercially viable in the marketplace.Continue Reading
Joe Romm was a prolific writer who never hesitated to take on climate change deniers and the fossil-fuel industry — or even ostensible allies.Continue Reading
Switzerland has lost almost 20 percent of its ice within just five years. One surprising consequence of this melting is that ancient artifacts once frozen in the glaciers are now revealing themselves. Our climate reporter Raymond Zhong takes us on a search for ancient objects.Continue Reading
Extreme heat, drought and ozone from fire emissions are devastating the Amazon and other rainforests, new research shows. By Bob Berwyn Ozone pollution from fires, along with extreme heat and drought, is further weakening the Amazon rainforest’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, new research shows. Continue Reading
Until recently, when a Massachusetts shellfish warden needed to know how much rain had fallen overnight before deciding whether to close a shellfishing area, the process might look something like this: call a local resident who happened to own a rain gauge, ask for the measurement, write it down, andContinue Reading
How will global access to food, water, and energy evolve in coming decades? A new study co-authored by MIT researchers suggests the answers could be very different depending on region, resource, and income. Based on extensive modeling of many different resource scenarios, the study finds that in some regions, lower-incomeContinue Reading
After a 71-day protest, the last of the 100-plus-year-old trees was cut down southeast of Tucson. The post The ‘grandmother’ cottonwood trees bulldozed for the border wall appeared first on High Country News.Continue Reading
Giving zoo lions whole carcasses on a feast-and-fast schedule appears to bring out more natural behavior. The lions spent nearly three times longer feeding, engaged in more tearing and manipulating of food, and rested more heavily after meals. Their activity then increased gradually during the fasting period, closely resembling theContinue Reading
All three candidates agree on the need for lower energy costs. Only two see a need to lower greenhouse gas emissions. By Delger Erdenesanaa, The Maine Monitor As Mainers prepare to choose a new governor in November, climate and energy issues may not be top of mind for every voter—butContinue Reading
This week, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., one of the world’s biggest makers of coffee pods, launched a new way of brewing coffee it says will slash waste. Continue Reading
Tackling air pollution and climate change together can save millions of lives, reduce global warming and generate roughly $15 in economic benefits for every $1 spent, a new UN-backed report has revealed.Continue Reading
Scientists discovered that disrupting the chemical messages bacteria use to communicate can push dental plaque toward a healthier microbial balance. The approach could lead to new treatments for gum disease that control harmful bacteria without destroying beneficial species., Read MoreContinue Reading