Cleantech and Environmental News – Latest Headlines

Air pollution in cities: Bright facades and trees against heat and smog

New simulations reveal that temperature and air quality in cities are closely related and require integrated solutions.

May 26, 2015 Read more

What would it take to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees C?

A new study analyzes the required climate policy actions and targets in order to limit future global temperature rise to less than 1.5 degrees C by 2100. This level is supported by more than 100 countries worldwide, including those most vulnerable to climate change, as a safer goal than the currently agreed international aim of 2 degrees C - an aim which would already imply substantial greenhouse-gas reductions. Hence the interest for scrutinizing the very low end of greenhouse-gas stabilization scenarios.

May 22, 2015 Read more

Enhancing knowledge crucial to improving energy-saving behaviors, study shows

Increasing public knowledge and understanding about energy issues is vital if improved energy-saving behaviours are to be encouraged among individuals and organisations, a study suggests.

May 22, 2015 Read more

New class of swelling magnets have the potential to energize the world

A new class of magnets that expand their volume when placed in a magnetic field and generate negligible amounts of wasteful heat during energy harvesting, has been discovered by researchers.

May 21, 2015 Read more

Six times more expensive for society to travel by car than by bicycle (w/video)

It is six times more expensive for society - and for you individually - if you travel by car instead of cycling. This has been shown in a Lund University study of Copenhagen, a city of cyclists. It is the first time a price has been put on car use as compared to cycling.

May 12, 2015 Read more

Bacteria the newest tool in detecting environmental damage

A team of researchers have developed a method of using bacteria to help test for the presence of a wide array of pollutants.

May 12, 2015 Read more

Hybrid solar plants

The project HYSOL is entering into the demonstration stage in order to see the technical, economical and environmental advantages of using a hybridization of solar power with fossil and renewable fuels.

May 11, 2015 Read more

Separating rare earth metals with UV light

Researchers have discovered a method to separate two rare earth elements - europium and yttrium - with UV light instead of with traditional solvents. Their findings offer new opportunities for the recycling of fluorescent lamps and low-energy light bulbs.

May 11, 2015 Read more

Solar power storage units reduce costs of the Energiewende

Modern battery technology and smart power control make solar power capable of meeting base load requirements.

May 8, 2015 Read more

Generating eco-friendly power with metal rotor blades

Wind turbines deliver environmentally friendly electricity. Yet the fiber-reinforced plastics often used in very large rotor blades are almost impossible to recycle. Not so with steel blades: since these are composed of steel, their recyclability exceeds 90 percent. Plus they cost significantly less than comparable plastic blades.

May 7, 2015 Read more

Many plastics labeled 'biodegradable' don't break down as expected

Plastic products advertised as biodegradable have recently emerged, but they sound almost too good to be true. Scientists have now found out that, at least for now, consumers have good reason to doubt these claims. In a new study, plastics designed to degrade didn't break down any faster than their more conventional counterparts.

May 6, 2015 Read more

Researchers produce jet fuel compounds from fungus

Researchers have found a way to make jet fuel from a common black fungus found in decaying leaves, soil and rotting fruit. The researchers hope the process leads to economically viable production of aviation biofuels in the next five years.

May 6, 2015 Read more

Energy storage is crucial, but it's not the only piece in the puzzle

A few years ago, it was rooftop solar. Now battery storage is the new silver bullet to solve our energy problems. Storage is a great step forward, and it will play an important role in our sustainable energy future. But it is just one piece of the jigsaw puzzle that is our energy future.

May 6, 2015 Read more

A model approach for sustainable phosphorus recovery from wastewater

A new approach to wastewater treatment may be key in efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Moreover, it can be profitable.

May 5, 2015 Read more

MIT Energy Initiative releases report on the future of solar energy

Comprehensive report highlights enormous potential, technology and policy challenges for solar.

May 5, 2015 Read more

IEA: Public spending needs to triple to meet climate goals

With 2-degree target adrift, new IEA report calls for tripling public spending on low-carbon technology research and development.

May 5, 2015 Read more

Recycling aluminium, one can at a time

Producing pure aluminium from ore accounts for as much as 1 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Recycling is the best way to reduce that carbon footprint - but manufacturers and recycling companies will have to plan carefully to avoid problems with impurities that accumulate in recycled aluminium over time.

April 30, 2015 Read more

How unwanted CDs and DVDs could help cut carbon emissions

Scientists report a way to turn the discs into a material that can capture carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas, and other compounds.

April 29, 2015 Read more