Tar Sands Oil Development’s Impact on Birds

Each year tens of million of migratory birds “overwinter” in the Canadian Boreal forest, a vast tract of mostly uninhabited coniferous woodlands and wetlands stretching from Newfoundland to the Yukon. The area makes up some 60 percent of Canada’s total land mass, and serves as the winter home for more than half of America’s avian population. But environmentalists are worried about the impact of increasing “tar sands” oil development there and the impact it might have on wildlife populations continent-wide.

Battle of the Bulbs

Rundown of the benefits and drawbacks of compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs now that the U.S. government has banned the manufacture of new incandescent bulbs.

Look Ma, No Hands

Just a decade ago most of us wouldn’t have dreamed we’d live to see driverless cars whisking people around, but things are changing fast and analysts now think they will be common by 2020 and account for the majority of cars on the road by 2040. And with Google’s recent unveiling of its latest prototype—complete with no pedals or steering wheel—the future is indeed closer than we ever imagined.

Solar Roadways. Credit: Роман Magician, FlickrCC

Solar Roadways: Just a Dream?

Solar roadways used to be just a concept, but Scott and Julie Brusaw have built them to withstand the weight and wear of trucks and heavy traffic, while producing electricity. Now the question is whether they can raise enough money to set up mass production…

Dealing with Mounting "E-Waste"

With electronic equipment and gadgets the fastest growing waste stream in many countries, how to deal with so-called “e-waste” may in fact be one of the most pressing environmental problems of the 21st century. While some countries and even some U.S. states have their own laws regulating the disposal of electronics and other technology items, environmentalists would like to see the federal government take a stand against e-waste.

Rooftop Solar Finally Cost Competitive with Grid in U.S.

Deutsche Bank reports that by 2016 residential rooftop solar panels will deliver electricity to homeowners at rates equal to or lower than fossil-fuel-derived grid power in 47 out of 50 U.S. states — but only if Congress extends the generous 30 percent solar investment tax credit currently available.

Ocean Debris

Researchers are worried about the long-term implications of so much plastic and other debris finding its way into our oceans. We can all play a role in reducing this marine litter by recycling more and littering less, while manufacturers need to reduce the wasteful packaging so common for many consumer and industrial items.

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