Environment

Introducing the Most Efficient Solar Power in the World

It's taken 25 years, but a new solar-thermal plant in New Mexico has finally broken the old efficiency record. 10.08.2009

The 9 Industries That Will Be Most Screwed by Global Warming

If climate change reaches scientists' more dire predictions, it could change every facet of our society. But some industries will be especially hammered. 10.02.2009

Humans vs Animals: Our Fiercest Battles With Invasive Species

From Burmese pythons to Galapagos goats, these animals are threatening a hostile takeover—unless we can stop them. 09.24.2009

Big Picture: The Easiest Way to Fight Global Warming?

Simply cleaning up soot could work wonders for the climate. 09.08.2009

20 Things You Didn't Know About... Hurricanes

A typical hurricane releases some 600 trillion watts of heat energy, equivalent to 200 times the world’s total electrical generating capacity. 08.18.2009

9 of Humanity's Greatest Environmental Successes

We're making some headway in restoring the environment—even if we caused the devastation in the first place. 07.10.2009

Conservation Cuisine: Is Vermin the Meat of the Future?

07.07.2009

When Recycling Is Bad for the Environment

Recycling plastic is tricky business, and many plastics are better off as garbage. 07.06.2009

The State of the Climate—and of Climate Science

Four scientists discuss where the climate is and where it's going. 06.30.2009

Volcanoes and Meteoroids Make Materials Harder Than Diamond

06.24.2009

Disaster! The Most Destructive Volcanic Eruptions in History

Pompeii, Santorini, Pinatubo—a journey through the eruptions that shook the world. 06.23.2009

Forget Lightning. How Do We Catch Sunshine in a Bottle?

Renewable power is inspiring clever new ways to store electricity—and to uncork it exactly when and where it is needed. 06.17.2009

Building an Interstate Highway System for Energy

Tomorrow’s smart grid will keep the lights on and factories humming with clean (but fickle) renewable energy. 06.10.2009

New Tech Could Make Nuclear the Best Weapon Against Climate Change

Two new designs aim to make nuclear reactors safer and vastly more efficient. 06.08.2009

When Life Gives You Manure, Make Clean Fuel

The simple step of drying out animal waste can help turn it into a safer, more practical energy source. 06.04.2009

10 Zany (or Genius?) Plans for Green Cities of the Future

Floating cities. A building with a million residents. An oil rig turned into a tourist getaway. Some architects are dreaming of a wild green revolution. 05.26.2009