Air pollution costs Europe $1.6tn a year in early deaths and disease, say WHO 29/4/2015

The financial cost of air pollution in Europe stands at more than $1.6tn (£1.5tn) a year, a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found, equating to about a tenth of the GDP of the continent. ...more

Hundreds of millions of acres of world's forest could be lost by 2030, say WWF 29/4/2015

Hundreds of millions of acres of forest could be lost in the next two decades in less than a dozen global hotspots for deforestation, conservationists have warned. ...more

Lone gray wolf found in Oregon as state weighs lifting protections 29/4/2015

A rare male gray wolf has been detected roaming an Oregon Indian reservation, state fish and game officials said on Monday, days after wildlife managers ordered a review that could lessen state protections for once-decimated populations of the species. ...more

240 Sea Soldiers are born on World Earth Day 28/4/2015

Some 240 professional divers have banded together to call themselves “Sea Soldiers,” launching their community on the occasion of the “World Earth Day.” ...more

New York state to turn lights out for migrating birds 28/4/2015

On their arduous flights North to their breeding grounds, birds migrating up the U.S. East Coast will have one less peril to worry about - bright lights from state-owned and -managed buildings in New York. ...more

Air conditioning use poised to spike worldwide 28/4/2015

The use of air conditioning may rise dramatically by the end of the century, requiring far more electricity and sending pollutants into the atmosphere at unprecedented rates, researchers warned Monday. ...more

Climate deniers to Pope Francis: 'There is no global warming crisis' 28/4/2015

As Pope Francis prepares a historic document to make environmental issues a priority for Catholics, a group of climate-change deniers is trying to convince the pontiff this week that global warming is nothing to worry about. ...more

Aluminum-ion battery technology advances 28/4/2015

A new high-performance 'aluminum-ion' battery could be the technical breakthrough needed to boost the renewable energy takeover. It's safe, uses abundant low-cost materials, recharges in one minute and withstands many thousands of recharge cycles. ...more

Morocco receives World Bank support for healthcare and green energy 27/4/2015

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved Friday two projects totaling US$248.95 million to support Morocco’s national health strategy and to promote clean energy and energy efficiency. ...more

Thai customs make new three-tonne ivory seizure 27/4/2015

More than three tonnes of elephant ivory have been found at a Thai port stashed in a container shipped from Kenya, customs said Monday, the second huge haul of tusks from Africa in less than a week. ...more