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New material could replace plastic or glass in construction of energy-efficient homes

In an era of glass and steel construction, wood may seem old-school. But now researchers say they have given timber a makeover to produce a material that is not only sturdy, but also transparent and able to store and release heat.

The researchers say the material could be used in the construction of energy-efficient homes, and that they hope to develop a biodegradable version to increase its eco-friendly credentials as an alternative to plastic, glass or even cement.

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Around three times as many carbon allowances will be available in next week’s South Korean auction as in the previous sales, after the government announced Tuesday it has borrowed nearly half a million KAUs from the June volume to boost market supply.

The Galápagos Islands are supposedly one of the most pristine locations on the planet, but plastic pollution arriving by sea is threatening this unique habitat and wildlife. Leah Green travels to the islands to see how our reliance on plastic is affecting even the most remote of locations, and to see how the archipelago is hoping to lead the worldwide fight against plastic

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In world first, Sydney researchers observe lizard’s egg laying and live birth three weeks later from a single litter

Skinks may be much stranger than previously thought after researchers discovered a lizard that laid eggs and gave birth to live young in the one pregnancy.

Researchers at the University of Sydney observed a three-toed skink lay three eggs and weeks later give birth to a live baby.

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The extremely rare Chinese giant salamander was rescued after an attempt to smuggle it into the UK.

Restoration of forests and coasts can tackle ‘existential crises’ but is being overlooked

• Read the letter from campaigners

The restoration of natural forests and coasts can simultaneously tackle climate change and the annihilation of wildlife but is being worryingly overlooked, an international group of campaigners have said.

Animal populations have fallen by 60% since 1970, suggesting a sixth mass extinction of life on Earth is under way, and it is very likely that carbon dioxide will have to be removed from the atmosphere to avoid the worst impacts of global warming. Trees and plants suck carbon dioxide from the air as they grow and also provide vital habitat for animals.

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Climate and ecological crises can be tackled by restoring forests and other valuable ecosystems, say scientists and activists

The world faces two existential crises, developing with terrifying speed: climate breakdown and ecological breakdown. Neither is being addressed with the urgency needed to prevent our life-support systems from spiralling into collapse. We are writing to champion a thrilling but neglected approach to averting climate chaos while defending the living world: natural climate solutions. This means drawing carbon dioxide out of the air by protecting and restoring ecosystems.

Related: The natural world can help save us from climate catastrophe

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‘We owe it to our kids’: parents from 16 countries demand urgent climate action

Parents and grandparents around the world are mobilising in support of the youth strikes for climate movement that has swept the globe.

Under the banner Parents for the Future, 34 groups from 16 countries on four continents have issued an open letter. It demands urgent action to fight climate change and prevent temperatures rising by more than 1.5C, beyond which scientists say droughts, floods and heatwaves will get significantly worse.

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Gateshead, Tyne and Wear: This ancient, tenacious plant has already weathered three mass extinctions

Every April, rocket-shaped, yellow, nine-inch reproductive shoots of field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), tipped with small cones, erupt through this patch of waste ground beside Mill Road car park on the bank of the river Tyne. They’ll soon wither, after they’ve released their payload of spores. Then forests of green, corrugated stems and whorls of thread-like leaves, shaped like miniature Christmas trees, will rise from their creeping underground stems.

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Partnership on microgrid solutions that integrates digital technology and efficient hybrid power systems

The post ABB and Rolls-Royce announce global microgrids cooperation appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Victoria’s Moyne Shire is being sized up for what could be a massive 700MW wind farm, in a proposal from locally-based renewable energy developer Wind Prospect.

The post Massive 700MW wind farm proposed for Victoria’s south west appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Smart Energy Council backs Independent candidate for Warringah, Zali Steggall, in her bid to oust "the most destructive politician in a generation” on climate and renewables.

The post Solar industry backs Steggall, as symbolic end to Abbott-era energy policies appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Global air pollution crisis is taking its greatest toll on children in south Asia

The life expectancy of children born today will be shortened by 20 months on average by breathing the toxic air that is widespread across the globe, with the greatest toll in south Asia, according to a major study.

Air pollution contributed to nearly one in every 10 deaths in 2017, making it a bigger killer than malaria and road accidents and comparable to smoking, according to the State of Global Air (SOGA) 2019 study published on Wednesday.

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A government department had been using cats to research parasites that can cause kill humans.

The CDM’s executive board held its first meeting of 2019 last week, where it weighed a number issues including whether online ride-hailing applications should receive carbon offsets and how to expand the struggling scheme's use into urban sectors.

A daily summary of our news plus bite-sized updates from around the world.

IRENA says 171 GW of new renewable energy capacity in 2018 means a third of global power capacity is now provided by renewables.

The post Renewable energy now accounts for a third of global power capacity appeared first on RenewEconomy.

42 Tesla Powerpack battery storage units have been installed to provide emergency backup power for a Kintetsu train line in Osaka, Japan.

The post Big Tesla battery to provide back-up for trains in Japan appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Wildlife experts want more controls on nets over hedges and trees, amid growing public concern.

The Budget's overall package gives the most dollars to people who already have the most, and offers people on the lowest incomes nothing.

The post Government turns its back on people who have the least, and guarantees more cuts to essential services appeared first on RenewEconomy.