Predicting the future is never easy, but discussions among economists, scientists, technologists and ordinary citizens reveal a growing list of developments many believe are approaching far faster than society is prepared for. From climate disruption and artificial intelligence to economic instability and shifting political power, several trends are increasingly viewed as … [Read more...] about What Major Changes Could the World Face in the Next Five Years? Experts and Observers Weigh In
renewable energy
A mysterious ‘cold blob’ in the ocean has puzzled scientists. A new study says it’s an ominous sign
A vast patch of unusually cold water in the North Atlantic Ocean is drawing increasing concern from climate scientists, as new research suggests it could signal the weakening of one of Earth’s most important ocean circulation systems. Located south of Greenland and Iceland, the so-called “cold blob” has puzzled researchers for decades. While global ocean temperatures … [Read more...] about A mysterious ‘cold blob’ in the ocean has puzzled scientists. A new study says it’s an ominous sign
The chances of El Niño hitting the planet stand at 80%. Here’s how it could wreak havoc on the weather.
Climate experts are warning that El Niño conditions are increasingly likely to develop in the coming months, potentially bringing higher global temperatures and a greater risk of extreme weather events across several regions of the world. According to forecasts from international weather agencies, the climate pattern has a strong chance of forming and persisting through the … [Read more...] about The chances of El Niño hitting the planet stand at 80%. Here’s how it could wreak havoc on the weather.
Sweden Turned Waste Into Energy — and Then Ran Out of Trash
Sweden has achieved something most countries are still struggling to reach: a waste system so efficient that it barely produces landfill at all. In fact, less than 1% of household waste in Sweden ends up in landfills, making it one of the most advanced waste management models in the world. Instead of burying rubbish, Sweden has built a nationwide system that sorts, recycles, … [Read more...] about Sweden Turned Waste Into Energy — and Then Ran Out of Trash
11 years after a celebrated opening, massive solar plant faces a bleak future in the Mojave Desert
The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, once hailed as a groundbreaking achievement in renewable energy, faces an uncertain future just 11 years after its grand opening in the harsh landscape of the Mojave Desert. This massive solar thermal plant, sprawling across five square miles of federal land near the California-Nevada border, is struggling to compete with the … [Read more...] about 11 years after a celebrated opening, massive solar plant faces a bleak future in the Mojave Desert