Latest News
There are a lot more tentacles in the sea these days -
A new study finds that over the last 60 years, the number of octopuses, cuttlefish, squids, and their relatives has increased in marine habitats around the world. Scientists say the animals have likely adapted well to rising ocean temperatures and overfishing so far, but no one knows what the population spike will mean for ocean health in the future. New Scientist
Electric vehicle sales are set to soar -
According to ABI Research, global electric vehicle revenue is likely to increase fivefold over the next five years, hitting $58 billion by 2021. The upswing will come from heightened demand and more choice in models. Autoblog
Google's Project Sunroof is now available in 42 states -
The website allows users to type in their home address and find out whether solar panels would be a good bet for their rooftop. With high-resolution aerial imagery and by analyzing factors such as shade, roof orientation, and local weather, the program estimates how much money homeowners could potentially save on electricity by installing solar. Greentech Media
Want to buy an invasive species? Just go online... -
Australia lists 32 species as "Weeds of National Significance"—deemed the worst invasive plants for the country's environment and economy. Amazon and eBay recently put nine of those plants up for sale, and nothing seems to be stopping them from being imported into the very country where they would do so much harm. Crikey. The Guardian
Nile crocodiles found in Florida (!) -
Scientists say it's "unlikely" that the three reptiles found near Miami between 2009 and 2014 are the only ones of their kind in Florida. The crocs' source is unknown, but researchers suspect that the exotic pet trade (which has also been blamed for the state's invasive Burmese pythons) is behind the introduction. CNN
Cities and coastal areas are woefully unprepared for the kind of climate and disaster risk now facing our world.
—John Roome, senior director for climate change at the World Bank Group, comments on a new report that found that 1.3 billion people and $158 trillion in assets could be at risk from river and coastal floods by 2050.