To Save Power, Venezuela Gives Public Employees Fridays Off
As a drought pushes water levels to extreme lows, President Nicolas Maduro has declared every Friday a holiday for the next two months to save water and electricity.
Environment
Understanding Human-Driven Climate Change
Scientists at Duke University have conducted a study adding new evidence and confirming what we already understand about the natural drivers of climate change.
Unable To Compete On Price, Nuclear Power On The Decline In The U.S.
Nuclear power is carbon-free and remains the source of about 20 percent of U.S. electricity. But natural gas, wind and solar are often cheaper, and unprofitable reactors are being shut down.
Cambodia Launches Plan To Reintroduce 'Functionally Extinct' Tigers
A successful revival would mean not only a healthier and more balanced ecosystem, but it could also boost Cambodia's ecotourism, bringing more revenue to the national economy.
Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death: The Disease That's Killing Native Hawaiian Trees
In Hawaii, more than 34,000 acres of forest have died from a mysterious disease. The blight is affecting a tree critical to Hawaii's natural water supply and cultural heritage.
Is Samoa's Obesity Epidemic A Harbinger For Other Developing Nations?
Obesity and Type 2 diabetes are becoming more common all over the world. But the tiny Samoan islands now have the highest rates. An epidemiologist blames changes in diet brought on by globalization.
Tiny Forage Fish At Bottom Of Marine Food Web Get New Protections
Demand for sardines and other small species has exploded, with many being used as feed for livestock and fish farming. New rules aim to protect these species from overfishing off the U.S. West Coast.
Before It Was Dangerous, Lead Was The Miracle Metal That We Loved
Lead, the "useful metal," was the pride of the Romans. For the last 5,000 years, it was used in products ranging from water pipes and makeup to wine — until we discovered how poisonous it is.
In A Corner Of Southern California, Cauldrons Of Muddy Water Bubble
"The World According to Sound" podcast brings us to Southern California near the Salton Sea where unique geothermal conditions allow for "mud pots" — caldrons of thick, muddy water bubbling with the release of hot water and gas from deep underground.
How Colorado Is Turning Food Waste Into Electricity
At the Heartland Biogas Project, spoiled milk, old pet food and vats of grease combine with helpful bacteria in massive tanks to generate gas. It's all thanks to anaerobic digestion.