china

A number of influential scientists and experts in Asian studies now say that control and management of an even more vital resource – the Tibetan Plateau’s vast supply of freshwater – is also emerging at the center of the increasingly tense political and cultural strife between China and Tibet.

The invasive fire ant wreaks havoc on humans and animals around the world – and can even kill. Find out what scientists are doing to stop this deadly invasive species. Includes stunning video.

Head of an energy-industry executive recruitment and human resources firm, Chris Swan is interviewed about a coming workforce crisis in the energy industry.

Ten stories about the varying states of recycling, from promising and valuable to dangerous exploitation.  E-waste, plastics, cell phones, "free electronics recycling", how to recycle plastic (from the EPA), and more.

Choi Seung-kuk, the Secretary General of Green Korea, one of South Korea’s largest environmental organizations, has officially bowed out as an Olympic torch bearer. In a press interview this morning, Mr. Choi cited China’s aggression in Tibet as his main reason for refusing to carry the Olympic torch when it arrives in Seoul, the capital city, on April 27.

After covering 22 of the most popular myths about biodiesel, I realized I’d only given lip service to a major issue: increasing food prices. If I use biodiesel made from soybeans right now, am I contributing to the larger problem of increasing commodity prices and starving poor people?

The Chinese plan to use cloud seeding to prevent rain during the Beijing Summer Olympics opening ceremonies. The chances of rain on Aug. 8 are close to 50%.

China's thriving economy has opened up new routes for invasive species.

A review of advances in solar panel technology and traditional polycrystalline silicon technology, with comments about advantages and disadvantages of these approaches. Problems with the Chinese silicon production industry are mentioned, as are successes in Germany and Spain. Links and references are provided.

Jacques Rogge, President, International Olympic Committee (IOC), discusses the decision to postpone events at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing due topollution and air quality and how those decisions will be arrived at.

Is Coke updating its soda cans before westerners see them during the olympics?

How to Boil a Frog's FrogBlog takes us back to the 1940's for a comedic lesson in how we can change our lives now and actually enjoy it.

The National Academies Summit on America's Energy Future, which will inform the upcoming study "America's Energy Future: Technology, Opportunities, Risks,and Tradeoffs." China's demand for fuel and energy technologies will likely continue to rise and the nation also faces energy challenges, including difficulty in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

A slightly different version of my article that appeared on blogcritics magazine. This discusses pollution revealed by a Washington Post article, caused by cheap manufaturing of polycrystalline silicon for solar panels. This pollution that is affecting rural Chinese in serious ways. The background to this story is discussed with references to technical details, though the article itself it written for nonscientists. I also add information from my recent interview of Chinese author Qiu Xiaolong.