Deep in the deserts of Gansu province, in an area declared off-limits by Chinese state security, is a clean, hi-tech vision of the country’s energy future.
Set among the pale yellow dunes are seven banks of dark blue photovoltaic panels that stretch the length of a running track.
Together they comprise the biggest desert solar power plant in China and the largest test case of a technology that is about to get a massive boost from the central government.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/26/china-invests-solar-energy
BBC special report 
Microsoft has defended itself against criticism over aggressive marketing techniques in Africa to win people over to its software.
The risk of disaster worldwide is increasing, says a new UN report. Climate change, environmental degradation and badly planned urban development more likely to affect populations around the world.The report warns that millions of lives are in jeopardy because proper risk assessment is rarely carried out, particularly in developing countries
You’ve heard of “green” fuel. Now get ready for yellow as scientists have found a way to turn banana waste into a sustainable fuel source that could be relevant to many countries across Africa.
Plans to build the world’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of south-east England were approved by ministers yesterday in a move that could eventually bring 341 turbines to the Thames estuary. The £1.5bn scheme, called London Array, could generate 1,000 megawatts of power, enough to meet about 1% of the UK’s electricity needs.
Scientists in the Democratic Republic of Congo have recorded significant increased volcanic activity around Goma in the east of the country. Half of the city was destroyed in 2002 after the nearest of two volcanoes, Mount Nyiragongo, erupted. Now Mount Nyamulagira, which lies 25km (16 miles) from Goma, may soon erupt. Scientist Dieudonne Wafula told the BBC if it did erupt, there would not be an immediate threat to Goma, but some key rural roads could be cut off.