China Goes Green, The EU Debates Biofuels, Swearing Eases Pain

This week: As the U.S. works with China to cut emissions, we look at the green efforts of the world’s biggest greenhouse emitter. Europe debates the wisdom of biofuels. Plus, how a jockey can improve a horse’s speed, and six men survive being squeezed into a simulated space capsule for three months.

Dirty China: U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu visited China this week and talked about climate change. Many critics say the country must rely much less on dirty coal.
Report: By The World’s Mary Kay Magistad in Beijing.

Green China: China is embracing renewable energy and has plans to vastly expand solar and wind energy production. But can the country change fast enough to really make a difference for the planet?
Guest: Julian L. Wong, policy analyst, Center for American Progress.

Wong is also our guest in The World’s interactive science forum. Join us for a conversation on China and global warming — ask questions, share your fears, your hopes, your ideas.

Biofuels Debate: Scientists agree that the world must reduce its use of oil and other fossil fuels. A few years ago, biofuels seemed like a potential answer, and the U.S. and the European Union are trying to ramp up production. But many in Europe now say biofuels may make things worse.

Report: By Kathleen Schalch in Brussels.

Elsa (back from Bulgaria!) picks her favorite science stories of the week:

• How a jockey can help a horse go faster.

• Swearing eases pain.

• Simulated Mars mission accomplished. (Don’t miss the 17 entries in the volunteers’ Mars Diary!)

Music:
Shining Star, by Earth, Wind and Fire
Chill Out, by Black Uhuru

Tags: Add new tag, archaeology, biofuels, carbon, China, climate change, coal, fish, horses, physics, renewable energy, seafood, solar, Steven Chu, wind