The illegal rosewood trade, worth millions of dollars, is in the hands of Senegalese rebel groups, Gambian government officials and Chinese buyers.
The world’s boldest and most efficient solar power plants
The use of renewable energy sources is increasing globally. 2014 recorded the highest number of wind and solar power plant installations.
Without the sun we just couldn’t exist and the planet would be an icy, sterile land. Alongside having allowed the development of life, the sun represents a perfect renewable energy source. All over the world, always more sophisticated technologies are being developed in order to exploit sunlight to produce clean energy. Here are some of the most audacious and successful solar projects.
Solar plant in Gobi desert, China
China is building the country’s largest solar park. The plant will be in Gobi desert, in Golmud, with an area of some 2,550 hectares. The plant will be able to fulfil the energy needs of 1 million households. According to a recent survey of Greenpeace East Asia, thanks to the increasing use of renewable energies, China’s air pollution levels have improved despite they still remain insufficient according to global standards.
PS20 solar power plant, Spain
In 2009, in Andalusia, southern Spain, the PS20 solar power plant became operational. The plant, 165 metres high, is second for its dimensions only to the Californian plant Ivanpah Solar Power Facility. The tower boasts 1,255 panels and can generate 20 Megawatts of clean electricity.
Solar systems on hospital in Bihar, India
In India, over 300 million people lack access to the electricity grid and fossil fuels dependence is deeply rooted. Yet there are realities trying to reverse this trend by investing in renewable energies. The Tripolia Hospital, for example, has installed systems to exploit the concentrated solar energy. Such systems produce vapour used to sterilise medical tools. Moreover, photovoltaic panels have been installed on the roof to produce electricity.
Solar panel and straw in Aeroe island, Denmark
The island of Aeroe, southern Denmark, boasts one of the world’s largest solar energy plants. The island’s objective is to reach energy self-sufficiency. For heating, citizens exploit also straw, which powers district heating systems combined with photovoltaic panels.
Solar photovoltaic power plant in Tangtse, India
The Indian city of Tangste, near Himalaya, where light dispersion in the atmosphere is lower, has installed a photovoltaic plant that provides electricity to a clinic, a school and over 300 households for 5 hours per day.
Disabled travellers need not fear Japan. Accessible Japan founder Josh Grisdale tells us about his commitment to opening the country’s doors to everyone.
The dog meat festival in Yulin – where ten thousand cats and dogs are butchered – is taking place this year, notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic.
The patenting and piracy of biodiversity and nature is a violation of spiritual, ecological, biodiversity and human rights laws.
The 31st of May was the 100th day since Italy’s first coronavirus case. Some of the most important moments that have left their mark on the country.
Cyclone Amphan leaves a trail of destruction in the Sundarbans in West Bengal, India, as shown in these photos by reporter Gurvinder Singh.
Cyclone Amphan caused massive destruction in the Indian state of West Bengal, devouring lives, livelihoods and ecosystems that won’t easily be recovered.
Poachers in Africa are encroaching on wildlife land and killing rhinos in travel hot spots now devoid of visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio has contributed two million dollars to a fund to protect Virunga National Park in Congo from threats such as terrorism, the coronavirus and poaching.