Environment

Scientists Seek Super Soybean to Help Global Food Shortage

According to the United Nations, the world’s population will increase by 34 percent by the middle of the century. Global food production needs to meet this increase. A recent study of soybeans, one of the major food crops and sources of protein, may be one step in helping solve the global food crisis though the power of computers.

UN humanitarian chief rallies support for flood-hit Balkan regions

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Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos.

UN launches partnerships, tools to tether economic investment to disaster risk planning

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Professor Shinichi Takemura demonstrates the Tangible Earth interactive digital globe.

Floods Devastate Balkans, Displace Thousands

Floods in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia have killed at least 37 people and left tens of thousands homeless.

Greenpeace investigation reveals toxic scandal with World Cup merchandise

Football merchandise produced by adidas, Nike and Puma ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil has been found to contain hazardous chemicals according to a new investigation by Greenpeace Germany. 33 items including boots, goalkeeper gloves and the official ‘Brazuca’ ball were tested for a range of substances. adidas’ iconic ‘Predator’ football boots were found to contain very high levels of toxic PFC at 14 times the company’s own restriction limits.

Forsmark: how Sweden alerted the world about the danger of the Chernobyl disaster

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Claes-Göran Runermark outside the Forsmark power plant

EPA Requires Global Titanium Manufacturer to Investigate and Clean Up PCB Contamination in Nevada

Titanium Metals Corporation to pay record $13.75 million civil penalty for TSCA violations at single facility

Titanium Metals Corporation (TIMET), one of the world’s largest producers of titanium parts for jet engines, has agreed to pay a record $13.75 million civil penalty and perform an extensive investigation and cleanup of potential contamination stemming primarily from the unauthorized manufacture and disposal of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) at its manufacturing facility in Henderson, Nev., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice announced.

As Planet Warms, Intense Winds Keep Antarctic Cool

Intense winds help Antarctica keep its cool despite climate change, according to a new study.

WWF staff threatened over Virunga

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Lives of WWF staff in DRC threatened because of anti-oil campaign.

US Energy Efficiency Bill Falls to Congressional Dysfunction

A bill with strong bipartisan support to make the United States more energy efficient has been blocked in the Senate. The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act failed to get the three-fifths backing required to proceed to a final vote, becoming the latest victim of partisan warfare on Capitol Hill.