Story Archives of 'Environment'

Is it time for another green revolution? When the world faced the possibility of famine in the mid-20th century, scientists and farmers averted global disaster by finding new ways to grow staple crops. New techniques, new breeds, and lots of new chemicals were used to bolster dwindling food supplies. The new methods were successful, but also did environmental damage that continues today.

Now the world once again faces international food shortages. The price of rice has nearly tripled this year, causing riots in some countries, as people struggle to keep their families nourished.

With major advances in agricultural science over the past half-century, some believe we are ready for another green revolution – possibly a more sustainable one. Or, as one scientist put it, an "evergreen revolution."

Joining Word of Mouth host Virginia Prescott to talk about advances in agriculture is Subhash Minocha, professor of plant biology and genetics at the University of New Hampshire.

(Photo by Kristupa Saragih)

A new green energy company plans to buy the former Timco sawmill in Barnstead.
Timco closed 5 years ago and the town lost about 100 jobs.
The new company, Sanco Energy, wants to produce energy, raise fish, and grow food year-round in greenhouses.
While it may sound like a huge undertaking, Barnstead residents hope the company will bring the jobs back and provide the tax base the town needs.
New Hampshire Public Radio’s Amy Quinton reports.

State environmental officials say they’ve contained an estimated one-thousand gallon oil spill in Gilmanton.

Gilmanton police say a large tanker truck parked nearby emptied the fuel oil into a brook that feeds into Rocky Pond.

As New Hampshire Public Radio’s Amy Quinton reports, both bodies of water and surrounding wetlands are contaminated and police say the spill might have been intentional.

A former Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant chemist says that he was forced out of his job for reporting an alleged problem with the plant's emergency water pumps.

NHPR Correspondent Roger Wood reports.