After thirty years of failed peace talks, intensive discussions began again yesterday (3rd September ’08), between the Greek and Turkish, Cyprian leaders over the reunification of Cyprus to make it once again a united state Both parties agree on the notion of two-party federation; however it is the details of the governing body which still need to be worked upon

‘The Sahara Forest’ project is an ambitious proposal to turn areas of the dry arid desert into real-life oases A team of architects and engineers are aiming to combine huge seawater greenhouses with solar power plants in the desert to provide food, fresh water and clean energy

Solar energy has really taken off in recent years, as global governments have become more aware of the need to protect the environment by minimizing the use of dwindling fossil fuels The use of renewable energy, such as solar power, has previously been encouraged by government subsidies

There are worrying reports that the Arctic sea ice is melting at a faster rate than last year, despite the colder weather Information from the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) shows that the year began with ice covering a larger area than at the beginning of 2007

After the increase in global awareness about the dwindling Brazilian rainforest in recent years, it seems worrying that there is once again concern over its destruction after official government data emerged recently stating that deforestation has risen by 64 percent in the last twelve months This sudden increase in deforestation can be attributed to loggers and soy farmers pushing ever further into the Amazon jungle and the recent high commodity prices

In addition to the reunification talks set for the 3rd September this year, between the Greek Cyprian president Demetris Christofias and his Turkish counterpart Mehmet Ali Talat, the two leaders wish to rehabilitate areas within the UN buffer zone (a 300km stretch of deserted land, running along the border and through towns such as Nicosia and Famagusta) and prevent illegal dumping