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Trees would have been home to primitive insects about 150m years before dinosaurs evolved

The world’s oldest known fossil forest has been discovered in a sandstone quarry in New York state, offering new insights into how trees transformed the planet.

The forest, found in the town of Cairo, would have spanned from New York to Pennsylvania and beyond, and has been dated to about 386m years old. It is one of only three known fossil forests dating to this period and about 2-3m years older than the previously oldest known fossil forest at Gilboa, also in New York state.

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The original series sets out to explain and demystify artificial intelligence technology.

Proposed changes would allow owners to be prosecuted or fined for harming other species

Grouse moor owners in Scotland face heavy fines or prosecution for failing to protect birds of prey and other species under proposals to licence shooting estates.

An expert report for the Scottish government has recommended ministers introduce mandatory licensing of grouse moors within five years because of their associations with the systematic persecution of eagles and other protected birds.

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Solar and wind farms produce more electricity than any other source for first time

Fossil fuels fell to a record low in the UK’s electricity mix in recent months after wind and solar farms generated more energy than any other source for the first time.

The government’s official figures showed the UK relied on renewables for 38.9% of its electricity in the third quarter of this year, up from a third in the same period last year.

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South Korean CO2 allowances hit record levels again on Thursday, as they have almost every day recently albeit on small volumes, leading concerned industry to pile pressure on the government to intervene.

Nodal Exchange will launch two California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) contracts in the New Year that would be physically delivered rather than a financially-settled contract.

As part of a new series, we’d like you to tell us about your favourite tree and why it’s special to you

As deforestation continues to threaten green space around the world, and the Guardian’s Christmas appeal launches to tackle it, we’d like to celebrate our trees.

Outside of their ecological value, many of us have sentimental attachment to trees. Perhaps an established tree reminds you of home, travel, or your childhood, or is simply beautiful.

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A 70kW solar 54kWh battery system installed on Melbourne apartment block uses Allume Energy technology to share cheap clean power between 52 low-income tenants.

The post Melbourne apartment block shares rooftop PV, battery storage – smashes solar ceiling appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Rob Greenfield gardened, fished and foraged to eat more sustainably and encourage others to do the same. But to succeed, he needed the community

For the last year I grew and foraged 100% of my food. No grocery stores, no restaurants, not even a drink at a bar. Nature was my garden, my pantry and my pharmacy.

Most people would imagine I live in the countryside on a farm, but actually I live in a city; Orlando, Florida, a few miles from the centre. When I arrived here, I didn’t own any land, so in order to grow my food I met people in the neighbourhood and turned their lawns into gardens and shared the bounty of food with them. I’m a big believer in the philosophy “grow food, not lawns”.

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New Zealand on Thursday released a draft provisional carbon budget for 2021-2025 for public consultation, with specific proposals for its emissions trading scheme that would see the Fixed Price Option rise from next year and keep international units out of the market until at least 2026.

Temperatures are expected to be more than 1.1C above pre-industrial average

Next year is likely to be another of the hottest on record, with global temperatures forecast to be more than 1.1C above the pre-industrial average, according to estimates from the Met Office.

The forecast for 2020 is based on observations of trends over recent years that have seen a series of years more than 1C above pre-industrial levels, and bearing what meteorologists said was the “clear fingerprint” of human-induced global heating.

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New partnership promises to "dramatically reduce" home battery ROI, while also creating one of the world's biggest virtual power plants.

The post Evergen teams with Solar Services Group to boost battery uptake appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Researchers show disturbance to lawns increases likelihood of pest and weed invasion

Rewilding gardens may be growing in popularity but even a modest reduction in lawn mowing can boost wildlife, increase pollinators and save money, according to a study.

Researchers from the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières found that reducing the intensity of trimming lawns in urban areas can also reduce pests and weeds that cause allergies.

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In 2019 construction commitments to large wind and solar farms in Queensland completely dried-up, killing more than 1,000 jobs along the way.

The post Collapse in Queensland renewables investment – the canary in the coal mine appeared first on RenewEconomy.

After fifteen years as the AER’s Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Groves has announced her departure from the agency in May 2020.

The post AER will farewell CEO Michelle Groves in May 2020 appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Tasmania's Musselroe Wind Farm to trial bird detection radar its operator hopes will minimise the impact on wedge-tailed eagle populations.

The post Musselroe Wind Farm to deploy bird protecting radar in Australian first trial appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Queensland's Wide Bay region set to host one of the Southern Hemisphere's biggest wind farms, after QLD government helps faciliate investment deal.

The post Massive 1,200MW Wide Bay wind farm gets kick start from state government appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Consumers have put a lower value on reliability than they did five years ago, a key input into how much should be invested in networks, emergency reserves, and in the new market design.

The post Consumers don’t value grid reliability quite as much as they used to appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Scientists develop new technique to produce see-through silicon wafers, that could see solar integrated into your office, car and even your mobile phone.

The post Scientists use microscopic “windows” to create see-through silicon solar cell appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Next year is expected to be another warm year, extending the series of the hottest on record.