Science
From mathematics and AI to medicine and psychology, The Optimist Daily features the latest news on discoveries, technological advances, and breakthroughs in the world of science. Our Science section is here to engage and enlighten you.
Nordic countries are bringing about an energy transition worth copying
What can we learn from the Nordic low-carbon energy transition given the new US leadership vacuum on climate change? A new study by Professor Benjamin Sovacool at the University of Sussex offers some important lessons. The Trump administration's "First energy plan" criticises the "burdensome" Read More...
Shell to install chargers for electric cars on European forecourts
Royal Dutch Shell is preparing to introduce battery charging points at some European petrol stations and Total is working on a similar move as the region’s biggest oil groups react to rising sales of electric vehicles. A selection of Shell’s filling stations in Britain and the Netherlands — Read More...
No more excuses: Google Maps now flags parking problems in cities
It’s a familiar excuse: I was on time but I couldn’t find a parking spot. Soon, you may not so easily get away with that anymore. Google Maps has added a feature to indicate parking difficulties. So far, it only works for Android and only in 25 major U.S. Read More...
This Harvard breakthrough with hydrogen can change everything electricity
Hydrogen can play a major role in a clean, renewable energy economy. It can be used to store electricity generated by solar panels and windmills. The problem is that hydrogen is a gas and that makes it a challenge to store it. That’s why for nearly 100 years, scientists have dreamed of turning Read More...
New York approves country’s next largest offshore wind project
The Long Island Power Authority has approved the development of New York’s first, and the country’s second, offshore wind farm, the 90 megawatt South Fork Wind Farm. The United States’ offshore wind industry is, currently, not the world’s most impressive. The only project Read More...
China’s answer to Tesla is hopeful entrant to global car market
Across China, government officials, corporate executives, private investors and newcomers like Mr. Lu are in a headlong rush to develop a domestic electric car industry. The country’s goal, like Mr. Lu’s, is to capitalize on the transition to electric to turbocharge the country’s Read More...
BP sees demand for oil slowing with electric car revolution
The electric car revolution that California’s utilities are preparing for will transform the oil industry. History is full of examples that industry leaders are ill-prepared to deal with such shocks and present-day oil companies are no exception. Downplaying the impact of the electric car is Read More...
California utilities plan $1 billion expansion of electric car charging stations
Three of California’s largest utilities plan to add thousands of new charging stations for electric cars in the state. The utilities are ready to invest $1 billion in the project. The costs will be passed on to ratepayers and still need to be approved by the California Public Utilities Read More...
Scotland sets 50 percent renewable energy target
Half of Scotland's heat, transport and electricity energy needs will be met by renewables by 2030 under plans published by the Scottish government. The draft Scottish Energy Strategy sets out a vision for the transition away from oil and gas dependency and towards a low-carbon economy by 2050. Only Read More...
No, new coal is not feasible: on price, reliability or emissions
Are we going to renew Australia’s coal-fired electricity generators? It doesn’t seem likely. Here’s why. Australians want three things from their electricity system: costs they can afford, supply they can rely on, and environmental sustainability. It’s easy to trade off one Read More...