Electric cars slow to gain traction in Germany
Germany plans to have one million electric vehicles on its roads by 2020, but so far that goal seems remote as the nation's motorists have shown little love for the quietly humming vehicles.
Environmental news and related issues
Energy and Transports
Solar plane sets distance record on US tour
The first manned aircraft that can fly day and night powered only by solar energy set a new distance record Thursday when it landed after the second leg of a cross-country US tour.
Solar plane set for new leg of US trip
The first-ever manned airplane that can fly by day or night on solar power alone was set to soar early Wednesday on the second leg of its journey across the United States.
Space tourism won’t hurt environment: Branson
British billionaire Richard Branson said Monday that rocket-powered space tourism flights by his firm Virgin Galactic would have only a minor impact on climate change.
Solar plane lands at night on cross-country US trip
The first-ever manned airplane that can fly by day or night on solar power alone landed in the dark at a major southwestern US airport, a live feed from the organizer's website showed early Saturday.
Solar-powered plane to make first cross-US flight
An innovative solar-powered aircraft is set to launch Friday from California on a flight across the United States, the first of its kind aiming to showcase what is possible without fossil fuels.
‘Aeroplane flaps’ on lorries to save lives in Europe
Rolling out round-nosed lorries with aeroplane-style flaps at the back on Europe's roads would cut fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions and save lives, while giving a boost to the struggling auto sector, the European Commission said Monday.
Motorboats go silent on Venice’s Grand Canal
Venice on Sunday enjoyed the sounds of silence as authorities imposed a five-hour ban on motorboats plying the Renaissance city's main waterway in a bid to raise awareness about noise pollution and architectural damage caused by waves.
Electric cars back into the shadows at Geneva car show
After being the starring act for several years, the electric car backed into the shadows at this year's International Geneva Motor Show as carmakers grow weary of waiting for sales to take off.
China plans stricter fuel standards after smog
China has announced stricter motor fuel standards in a bid to reduce harmful emissions after smog blanketed much of the country last month -- but the measures will not come fully into force for almost five years.
Beijing hospital visits rise due to pollution: media
Doctors in Beijing said Thursday that hospital admissions for respiratory complaints rose in recent days during the latest bout of pollution, as air quality in the city began to improve.
Free ticket to ride in Estonia capital
Tallinn is the first EU capital to offer its residents free public transport, and though the move aimed at driving down car pollution is proving popular, visitors feel let down and others are accusing City Hall of a campaign gimmick.
Tehran air pollution ‘leaves 4,460 dead’ in a year
Air pollution in Tehran has left 4,460 people dead in a year, an Iranian health official said in reports Sunday, with another sounding the alarm over high dose of carcinogens in domestically-made petrol.
Philippines gives green-light to electric tricycles
The Philippines is to roll out 100,000 electric tricycles in an effort to replace the petrol-powered ones that currently ply its cities, one of the project's financiers said Tuesday.
Eco campaigners bash Germany’s gas-guzzling cars
Environmental campaigners have taken aim at famous German car brands like Porsche, Audi and BMW, criticising their high CO2 emissions as well as Germany's tax system they say promotes gas guzzlers.
EU freezes controversial aviation carbon tax
The European Union executive caved in to critics of its contested carbon tax on air travel Monday, offering to "stop the clock" and freeze the measure for a year on flights to and from non-European nations.
Car-packed Sofia sets EU example with solar car charger
Bulgaria's car-packed capital Sofia has set an EU example in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions by installing its first state-of-the-art solar-powered charger for electric cars, the project's managers said Wednesday.
Sailboat navigates once-frozen Arctic waterway
A three-man sailing expedition for the first time has navigated the once-frozen Northwest Passage, a perilous Arctic route made accessible only because of melting caused by global warming.
EU to trim biofuel targets on greenhouse gas fears
The European Union plans to trim targets on biofuel use, once seen as a potential source of cheap alternative energy but now widely blamed for soaring food prices, according to a draft proposal.