Concerns for energy conservation, developing sustainable energy sources and interest towards national energy security benefits combined with growing environmental pollution is necessitating the search for renewable energy sources. Of the renewable energy sources, biomass is highly flexible and the least cost alternative.

Price is just the start of it. We need to kick the petroleum habit or we'll soon be in real trouble, says Ian Sample.

Nitrogen (N) is essential to the survival of all life forms and often limits productivity, decomposition and the long-term accumulation of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil and vegetation are the respective primary and secondary sinks for N in terrestrial ecosystems. Litter production determines the amount and quality of N returned to the forest floor and mineral soil. Decomposition of litter is crucial for N recycling and is influenced by a number of factors, including litter concentrations of N and lignin.

Air quality crisis in cities is attributable mainly to vehicular emissions. Transportation systems are expanding everywhere. This paper examines the pollutant emissions from automobiles and identifies that the capacity of routine monitoring networks and impact assessment in India is usually limited to criteria pollutants.

All-or-nothing targets for global access to basic amenities such as drinking water and sanitation are outdated. The time has come for a more fluid approach. March 20, 2008

Climate change, growing populations and political concerns are prompting governments and investors from California to China to take a fresh look at desalination : a report. March 20, 2008