China has reinstated a 2% tax on lithium-ion batteries starting September 2026, increasing to 4% in 2027, ending an 11-year exemption. Emerging battery technologies like sodium-ion and solid-state batteries remain temporarily exempt from the tax.
A new Jane Goodall Earth Medal has been created by the Starmus Festival board to honor the late conservation icon. Christiana Figueres, former UN climate official, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of this award.
A study in Bangladesh reveals that burning biomass fuels for cooking produces air pollution and causes toxic heavy metal accumulation in rural kitchens. Researchers have identified a gap in understanding the health risks associated with this common cooking practice.
Indigenous communities in Raja Ampat, Indonesia face divisions over nickel mining despite shared customary governance systems. Some tribes view mining as economic opportunity while others oppose it due to environmental and territorial concerns.
Drones assisted in rescue operations following devastating floods in Nepal, but searching trapped hydropower workers in tunnels remains challenging. The story highlights both technological rescue successes and the limitations when disasters intersect with energy infrastructure.
Scientists developed a malaria alert system for the Amazon using mining activity data after finding a 1% increase in illegal mining correlated with a 24% spike in malaria cases among the Yanomami. The data-driven approach aims to provide early warning to vulnerable indigenous communities.
A major flash flood swept through Arizona's Grand Canyon on Saturday, killing one person and leaving approximately 15 others missing. Park officials evacuated over 60 people from the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area.
Bhutan hosts the world's first 'conscious food summit' with delegates from 60+ countries to address food system threats from climate change. Organizers argue fixing agriculture requires spiritual and mindfulness approaches alongside economic and technological solutions.
Hydrogen receives disproportionate media coverage relative to its current real-world deployment in the energy transition. The technology's visibility through corporate and government announcements exceeds its actual physical implementation.
JA Solar will launch its Journey Ahead roadshow in 2026 across Europe to showcase integrated photovoltaic and energy storage solutions. The initiative aims to demonstrate how these technologies can enhance grid resilience and address evolving energy demands.
Europe experienced 5% above-average solar irradiance in August 2026, with most regions benefiting from clear skies and high pressure. Cloud cover and cooler weather in late August reduced gains in western Europe, though central and eastern regions maintained surplus levels.
Brazil's solar industry is shifting focus toward energy storage as a growth area, with manufacturers expanding battery portfolios for domestic content requirements. However, slowing solar generation growth is pressuring distributors and suppliers.
Intertek CEA researchers report increasing junction box failures in solar installations, ranging from solder defects to fires. Detection of these defects becomes impossible after potting compound cures, limiting the window for quality control.
A deadly flash flood at Phantom Ranch, a historic lodge at the Grand Canyon's base, killed two people and prompted nearly 80 rescues. The incident highlights extreme weather risks in remote canyon environments.
Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, launches a high-roof cargo variant of its compact truck to compete in the EV market. The story also notes Tim Cook's departure as Apple CEO.
BYD's Denza Z electric supercar features three motors producing over 1,500 horsepower, accelerating 0-62 mph in under 2 seconds while costing less than a Porsche 911 Turbo S.
Volkswagen is launching a next-generation electric SUV called the Tiguan to replace the ID.4 and ID.5 models. The vehicle will offer updated features and design for the EV market.
A Tesla Model 3 driver died when his vehicle stopped in a live highway lane and was rear-ended by a semi. Tesla's sealed autonomous driving data may explain the crash, raising safety concerns about the company's driver-assist system.
BYD unveiled its new Denza N8 luxury electric SUV with a claimed pure electric range of 1,003 km. The vehicle features advanced interior technology and represents continued EV market development.
Toyota will manufacture a new electric vehicle in China before Japan, marking a shift in the automaker's production strategy. The move reflects changing market dynamics in the global EV industry.
Rivian's CFO Claire McDonough is stepping down after nearly six years to join GE Vernova. Her departure occurs during the critical ramp-up of the company's affordable R2 electric vehicle model.
Kia is launching the PV7, its second fully electric van, following the success of the PV5 model. The larger vehicle will make its debut within the month.
EV drivers are reporting that real-world range often falls short of EPA estimates, with experiences shared on Reddit highlighting discrepancies between marketed and actual performance.
Trump plans to meet with oil industry executives as gas prices remain elevated and major oil companies report record quarterly profits. The meeting occurs amid high fuel costs affecting consumers.
The article explores the connection between scientific knowledge and accountability in climate change, discussing attribution studies that identify responsibility for emissions. It examines how science can help determine who bears responsibility for climate impacts.