The NSW government’s decision to extend the 40-year-old power station for another two years has some locals breathing a sigh of relief – but others are ready for a post-coal futureFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastFor Scott King, last week’s announcement by...

On first day of predicted intense Atlantic hurricane season, Nature Conservancy urges action and warns against misinformationMisinformation spread by climate deniers such as Florida’s extremist Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, increases the “vulnerability” of communities in the path of severe weather events, scientists are warning.The message comes...

Approach replaces sugar with mashed pulp and husk of cocoa pod and uses less land and waterHealthier and more sustainable chocolate could hit store shelves after Swiss scientists and chocolatiers developed a recipe that swaps sugar for waste plant matter.By mashing up the pulp and husk of a cocoa pod instead of just taking the beans, scientists have...

With hundreds of highly prized species, bird tourism is thriving in the country – and farmers are increasingly turning their land into nature reservesWhen it came to dividing up his late father’s farm between five brothers, Vinicio Bacuilima says he drew the short straw. Maraksacha, on the main road out of Ecuador’s capital Quito, is a tiny patch of...

The 500kg Microlino is part of a new set challenging the ever-increasing domination of huge carsDriving through central London in a tiny Microlino electric car, barely visible between the hulking SUVs, it’s surprising to be the focus of so much attention. “Yes, Lego car!” shouts a scaffolder.Made by Micro, the family-owned Swiss company behind the mini-micro...

There is unease about how to strike a balance between tourist numbers and the need to protect natural resourcesAlong the beachfront on the Thai island of Samui, vendors are busy setting up tables covered with souvenirs and sunglasses. Staff stand outside massage shops and restaurants gesture to passersby, hoping to entice in tourists.Soon, there could...