Taiwanese mayors are debating the environmental impact of drone manufacturing in Yilan. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen supports the industry and is backing a candidate who she believes understands how to balance industrial development with public health concerns.
Americans are increasingly concerned about AI, with 70% believing it's moving too fast and over half holding negative views. Data centers powering AI face strong local opposition due to environmental and infrastructure concerns, leading 11 US states to propose bans or restrictions.
The Pontifical Academy of Theology (Path) launched an observatory on the environmental contribution of digital technologies today in the Vatican. The initiative aims to address issues like resource exploitation, energy consumption of digital infrastructure, and the impact of tech on youth.
Jairam Ramesh of Congress has written to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opposing the Great Nicobar Island Project, calling it an 'ecological disaster' and a threat to tribal rights. He urged for alternative defense infrastructure proposals with lower environmental costs.
Individuals can reduce datacentre environmental impact by practicing responsible data management. Additionally, repurposing 'waste' heat from datacentres for district heating, greenhouses, or hot water could significantly offset carbon emissions.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, through the Bezos Earth Fund, have committed $34 million to research sustainable fashion materials. This funding will support universities and institutions in developing biodegradable and plastic-free alternatives to polyester and cotton, aiming to reduce the industry's environmental impact and bring these innovations to market.
A bulk carrier was attacked by small craft near Iran's coast in the Strait of Hormuz, with all crew reported safe and no environmental impact. This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions as the US enforces a counter-blockade on Iranian ports and plans to guide ships through the strait, drawing a strong warning from Tehran.
Russian President Putin accused the West of seeking to divide Russia into hostile regions, while the US announced plans to evacuate ships from the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with Iran. OPEC+ agreed to maintain oil production quotas at December 2025 levels through Q1 2026. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported approximately 1,235 troop losses in a single day, and the US reversed plans to deploy Tomahawk missiles to Germany.
Residents in three Australian cities are opposing the rapid expansion of datacentres near residential areas, citing concerns over noise, environmental impact, and inadequate planning processes. The M3 datacentre in West Footscray, Melbourne, is set to double in size by 2027, while similar facilities are proposed in Sydney's Lane Cove and Perth's Hazelmere. Local councils say they have been sidelined in approval processes, while industry argues datacentres are critical for Australia's digital future.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have committed $34 million through the Bezos Earth Fund to accelerate sustainable textile development, funding research at Columbia University, UC Berkeley, Clemson University, and Cotton Foundation-linked organizations. The initiative targets alternatives to petroleum-based polyester and viscose, exploring bacteria, agricultural waste, and bio-based fibres. While the fashion industry accounts for significant global emissions, scaling sustainable textiles remains challenging due to production costs and slow brand adoption. The fund expects innovations to reach the market within 3-5 years.
The owner of a bulk cement carrier has been charged with environmental offences following a 2022 crash that sank two tugboats in north-west Tasmania.
An investigation has found that Microsoft and other US tech companies successfully lobbied the EU to add a secrecy provision to datacentre regulations in 2024, blocking public access to environmental performance data. The provision, written almost word-for-word from industry demands, prevents researchers from accessing individual datacentre pollution metrics, leaving only national-level summaries. Legal scholars warn the confidentiality clause violates EU transparency rules and the Aarhus convention on public access to environmental information.
