Climate
How AI is speeding the mining of valuable metals needed to power the clean economy
As the clean energy economy expands, finding the minerals and metals that power it becomes increasingly critical. The answer might lie with artificial intelligence. Electric cars, solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells all have one thing in common: the need for precious metals. Historically, that’s required going through the arduous process of finding the metals […]
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Who is Friedrich Merz, the favorite to become Germany’s new chancellor?
Friedrich Merz, Union candidate for chancellor and CDU federal chairman, joins the “Quadrell” TV round in the Bundestag election campaign. Michael Kappeler | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Friedrich Merz, migration hardliner and longtime rival of Angela Merkel, is expected to become Germany’s next chancellor. His party the Christian Democratic Union is leading polls alongside […]
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Wind energy just had a record year in Germany — but the federal election could shake things up
Cars and trucks drive along a country road in stormy weather. Jan Woitas | Picture Alliance | Getty Images 2024 was a strong year for aeolian energy in Germany, with permit awards for onshore wind turbines accelerating, according to industry data — but the upcoming Feb. 23 election means the sector now faces uncertainty, amid […]
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Coca-Cola says it will sell more soda in plastic bottles if aluminum tariffs take effect
Coca-Cola bottles are seen at a shop in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Jan. 28, 2025. Firdous Nazir | Nurphoto | Getty Images Coca-Cola will shift more of its packaging from aluminum to plastic bottles if President Donald Trump implements his latest wave of tariffs, CEO James Quincey said Tuesday. “As it relates to our […]
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The world isn’t close to breaking free from coal — in some countries, demand for it is surging
Piles of coal waiting to be transported at Guoyuan Port container terminal in Chongqing, China. Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images The world won’t be able to release its grip on coal anytime soon. “Nothing can destroy coal,” U.S. President Donald Trump said at the recent World Economic Forum. “Not the weather, not a […]
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L.A. wildfire victims face financial anxiety amid recovery: ‘The uncertainty is very unsettling’
Key Points The Los Angeles wildfires that started on Jan. 7 are likely to be the costliest in U.S. history. Residents impacted by the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire now face ample financial questions and worries, tied to issues like homeowners insurance and relocation. It will take time to sort out many of their […]
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From jewelry to food waste, firms are ‘shaking’ things up with circular-economy shift
Rapeepong Puttakumwong | Moment | Getty Images From jewelry and clothes to food waste, a growing number of sectors are focusing on operating as part of a “circular economy,” aiming to waste less — and reap the financial benefits in the process. The rising cost of raw materials and a move to reduce carbon emissions […]
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Tesla set to report fourth-quarter earnings after the bell
André Thierig, plant manager of the Tesla Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, stands at the final inspection of the production of Tesla Model Y electric vehicles. Patrick Pleul | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Tesla plans to release fourth-quarter results after the bell on Wednesday. Here’s what analysts are expecting, based on an average of estimates compiled by LSEG: […]
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UK finance minister backs expansion of London’s Heathrow Airport to boost struggling economy
British Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft spotted flying on final approach over the roofs of the houses of Myrtle avenue for landing at London Heathrow Airport LHR in the UK. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images U.K. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves on Wednesday unveiled plans to deliver a shot in the arm for the country’s […]
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Here’s why Trump’s pursuit of Greenland is really about the control over the Arctic
President Donald Trump has reiterated his desire to buy Greenland, and refused to rule out using military or economic coercion to achieve his goal of controlling the autonomous territory of Denmark. . However, the United States isn’t the only country with an eye on the region. In 2018, a Chinese state-owned company bid roughly $550 […]
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