Scientists find huge trove of rare metals needed for clean energy hidden inside toxic coal waste
10 Dec 2024
 |
| Photo by Gorrin Bel on Unsplash |
Millions of tons of coal ash left over from burning the planet’s dirtiest fossil fuel are sitting in ponds and landfills, able to leach into waterways and pollute soil. But this toxic waste may also be a treasure trove for the rare earth elements needed to propel the world toward clean energy.
World leaders’ failure to act is pushing Earth past 1.5°C
Today 10:45am
Based on mounting evidence, some scientists now fear we’ve entered a new era of the climate emergency, characterized by accelerated warming and amplified disasters.
Global oil prices soar after Israel attacks Iran
Today 10:45am
Global oil prices jumped after Israel said it had struck Iran in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
Why the EU is about to cripple its next climate target
Today 10:45am
The European Commission is about to release a controversial new climate milestone, setting the bloc’s economic course for the next 15 years. Most EU governments, however, would prefer Brussels drop the issue.
Why the global area for regrowing trees is 71% smaller than thought
Today 10:45am
Over the past decade, research has emerged suggesting that ramping up reforestation around the world could make a substantial contribution to tackling climate change.
Australian opposition poised for protracted brawl over climate targets
Today 10:45am
The financial cost to reach net zero by 2050 may shape the Coalition’s decision on whether to retain or abandon the target, the new shadow minister, Dan Tehan, says, as he prepares to lead a heavily contested internal review of the policy.
Countries increasingly embracing carbon pricing to drive emission reduction, raise revenue: World Bank
Today 10:45am
The number of operational carbon pricing instruments has grown significantly, from 5 in 2005 to 80 today, with India, Brazil, and Türkiye actively developing them.
Ocean current ‘collapse’ could trigger ‘profound cooling’ in northern Europe – even with global warming
Fri 13 Jun 2025
A “collapse” of key Atlantic ocean currents would cause winter temperatures to plunge across northern Europe, overriding the warming driven by human activity.
UN University report warns against carbon credits from REDD, tree planting, and improved forest management
Fri 13 Jun 2025
But the report stops short of recommending banning the trade in carbon temporarily stored in trees.
World Bank nuclear ban, RIP
Fri 13 Jun 2025
COMMENT: The decision from the World Bank board - which almost didn’t happen - could have profound implications for developing countries’ ability to industrialise without burning planet-warming fossil fuels.
Pará’s Amazon forest carbon deal in doubt as prosecutors move to block it
Fri 13 Jun 2025
The Brazilian state’s contract with foreign governments and companies has run into trouble over concerns it was premature and agreed without consulting Indigenous communities.
