How deep-sea mining could threaten a vital ocean food source
How deep-sea mining could threaten a vital ocean food source Nodules containing nickel, cobalt, and manganese rest atop these core samples taken from the deep ocean floor. | Photo: Getty Images The race to mine battery minerals from the ocean floor would create a new stream of waste that could rob sea life of a […]
Google has a ‘moonshot’ plan for AI data centers in space
Google has a 'moonshot' plan for AI data centers in space Google has dreamed up a potential new way to get around resource constraints for energy-hungry AI data centers on Earth — launching its AI chips into space on solar-powered satellites. It’s a ‘moonshot’ research project Google announced today called Project Suncatcher. If it can […]
Another shuttered nuclear power plant is getting new life, thanks to Big Tech
Another shuttered nuclear power plant is getting new life, thanks to Big Tech The Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa. Google announced plans to revive a nuclear power plant that shut down in 2020, as it looks to secure enough electricity for its AI data centers. The company announced a 25-year agreement with NextEra Energy […]
Amazon shares a ‘first look’ at new nuclear facility
Amazon shares a 'first look' at new nuclear facility A rendering of the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility. | Image: X-energy via Amazon Amazon shared some new details about its plans to help deploy more nuclear energy across Washington State, where the company is headquartered. About a year ago, Amazon announced an agreement with Energy Northwest, a consortium of […]
Apple’s using more recycled materials in its iPhones and watches
Apple's using more recycled materials in its iPhones and watches Apple’s new iPhone Air contains more recycled titanium than any of its predecessors, the company announced at the Tuesday Keynote. It’s using 80 percent recycled titanium. The phone as a whole is made with 35 percent recycled material by weight, compared to 30 percent recycled […]
Computer chips, with a side of forever chemicals
Computer chips, with a side of forever chemicals This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on all things at the intersection of environment and technology, follow Justine Calma. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. […]
They’re trying to make deep-sea mining happen
They're trying to make deep-sea mining happen They’re trying to make deep-sea mining happen A protest in Netherlands. This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on deep-sea mining and critical minerals, follow Justine Calma. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. […]
Google says a typical AI text prompt only uses 5 drops of water — experts say that’s misleading
Google says a typical AI text prompt only uses 5 drops of water — experts say that's misleading Google says a typical AI text prompt only uses 5 drops of water — experts say that’s misleading Amid a fierce debate about the environmental toll of artificial intelligence, Google released a new study that says its […]
Google announced the next step in its nuclear energy plans
Google announced the next step in its nuclear energy plans Google is one step closer to reaching its nuclear ambitions now that it’s working with public power utility Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to purchase electricity from a next-generation reactor. It’s the first power purchase agreement for technology this advanced that a US utility has made, […]
UK government suggests deleting files to save water
UK government suggests deleting files to save water An aerial photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025 shows a view of the nearly exhausted Baitings Reservoir in Yorkshire, Britain. Reservoir levels recently have continued to fall as increased water use met lack of rain in Britain. | Photo: Getty Images Can deleting old emails and photos […]