A major wildfire burned over 150 square miles across Utah, affecting a ski resort area. The Cottonwood Fire represents increasing wildfire severity linked to climate change impacts.
NASA Earth Observatory · Jul 8, 2026 · relevance 7/10
George Monbiot critiques the UK's carbon capture and storage programme, claiming the full projected cost could reach £264bn by 2050. He argues the funds would be better spent on alternative climate solutions rather than what he views as an ineffective fossil fuel industry-backed initiative.
AGL Energy installed a solar and battery microgrid at a South Australian almond orchard that will provide 85% of its power needs. The system reduces grid electricity reliance and cuts diesel consumption by approximately 90%.
The UK government has removed mandatory pre-application consultations for large-scale solar projects, potentially accelerating planning timelines by up to 12 months. The move also includes measures to dismiss meritless planning appeals, protecting solar projects from lengthy legal challenges.
Thailand's rubber industry is working to comply with new EU deforestation rules by 2027. The world's largest rubber producer relies on 1.7 million smallholder farmers for 90% of supply.
Scientists face significant challenges studying microplastics in human bodies due to pervasive plastic contamination and unreliable research methods. Australian researcher Cassandra Rauert built a plastics-free lab to improve exposure measurement accuracy.
Lectron manufactures EV charging adapters and home chargers at its China factory, supplying major automakers like Ford, GM, and Mercedes-Benz. The company recently launched its NEXUS Level 2 home charger as it expands its role in EV infrastructure.
MG is launching an affordable $22,000 electric coupe in China featuring semi-solid-state battery technology with 610 km range. The vehicle represents progress in EV affordability and battery innovation.
BYD launched its first European pickup truck, the Shark, in the UK at $63,000 with 56 miles of electric range using a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The company claims superior performance compared to traditional diesel pickups.
Arizona's Corporation Commission finalized the repeal of Electric Energy Efficiency Standards, removing requirements for utilities to help customers reduce energy consumption.
The EPA proposes exempting data center diesel generators from public air pollution permit reviews by classifying them as minor pollution sources. The move removes transparency and public participation requirements for backup power systems used by data centers.
A new concept uses fleets of high-tech sailboats with subsurface turbines to produce green hydrogen at sea through wind-powered water electrolysis. Over 50 vessels are planned for deployment in this innovative renewable energy initiative.
Non-native lake trout have dramatically reshaped Yellowstone's ecosystem, comparable to the ecological impact of wolf reintroduction. The fish species has altered food webs and predator-prey dynamics throughout the park's aquatic systems.
UK thinktanks propose government-backed low-cost loan scheme for solar panel installation that could benefit 8 million households and reduce energy bills. The scheme aims to make solar panels with batteries more affordable, as upfront costs currently exceed £6,000 for most households.
Ivory Coast has activated a 52 MW solar facility in its northern region. The project will generate 90 GWh annually for approximately 370,000 households plus schools, health centers and businesses.
An Australian O&M specialist emphasizes proactive maintenance of solar PV systems to prevent premature waste as the country's solar fleet matures. The company argues that stewardship of existing assets will be crucial to Australia's renewable energy future.
The Ute Mountain Ute tribe successfully obtained permits for a 170 MW solar-plus-storage project by leveraging abandoned coal plant infrastructure before federal permitting freezes took effect. The project avoided delays that stalled other renewable energy developments.
Chicago's Deep Tunnel system reached near-maximum capacity for the first time in history following heavy weekend rainfall. The 100+ mile network of underground tunnels and reservoirs was built over 50 years to manage floodwaters.
Lectron manufactures EV charging adapters and has launched its second-gen Level 2 home charger, supplying major automakers like Ford, GM, and Mercedes-Benz. The company operates a factory in China to produce its widely-used NACS and J1772/CCS charging adapters.
ChargePoint is expanding its EV charging network in the Southeast through a partnership with Optimus Energy Solutions, adding over 200 new public charging ports to the region.
The Topolino, a golf cart-sized street-legal EV, is now available in the US for under $14,000 with a 46-mile electric range. The affordable vehicle expands EV accessibility to price-conscious consumers.
Kia's expanded electric vehicle lineup, including affordable SUVs and vans, drove record first-half sales for the automaker. The company's EV strategy demonstrates growing consumer demand for electric vehicle options across price points.
Floating solar PV technology is transitioning from niche to mainstream, with innovative designs being developed for specific climates and geographies, including models designed to withstand extreme wave conditions.
A Norwegian company has developed vertical solar PV systems designed to function effectively in snowy climates. Vancouver is adopting this technology to optimize solar power generation in regions with heavy snowfall.