Text 2. Human noise pollution a danger to sea life

Human-made noise pollution in the Earth’s oceans and seas is becoming a serious threat to marine wildlife. Scientists report that there is hardly an underwater place left where marine mammals can live in peace and quiet. Dozens of species of whale, dolphin, turtle and other creatures rely on sound to communicate, find mates and hunt for food. Their increasingly noisy environment is making it more and more difficult to lead a normal life. This is according to a report from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), called "Ocean Noise: Turn it Down”. The environmental group says noise from shipping, military sonar, oil and gas surveys, offshore construction and marine sports has reached dangerous levels for sea life.

The IFAW says the distance over which blue whales can communicate is down by 90 per cent. It also reports that in the past decade, many whales have become beached after being disorientated because of loud noise. The group also warns that noise pollution is only going to get worse. It highlighted the use of seismic surveys as one example of the extent of the problem. These generate incredibly loud sounds every ten seconds that can travel 3,000 km. There are 90 survey ships active in the oceans today. In addition, the number of ships sailing the seas will double by 2025. Mark Simmonds, a conservation spokesman, said, "man-made noise is already triggering a kind of acoustic fog,” and called for a “response to noise pollution in the underwater world”.

Text 3. Cardboard Box Solar Cooker Wins Prize

A solar-powered cooker made from a cardboard box has won an international environment award. The Kyoto Box, the brainchild of designer John Bohmer, beat 300 other inventions. Mr. Bohmer won the top prize of $75,000 in the Financial Times Climate Change Challlenge. The simple Kyoto Box costs just $5 to make. People can cook rice in it, bake bread and boil water. It is an extremely simple design. It is made from two boxes, one inside the other. The boxes are covered with black paint and silver foil, which trap the sun’s heat. The Kyoto Box beat another cool idea to protect the environment – a food additive that stops cows passing wind. Scientists estimate that gas from animals makes up 20% of all greenhouse gasses.

Mr. Bohmer was delighted with his prize. He told reporters: “This is the simplest idea I could find.” He added that his “straightforward solution” was actually “discovered 240 years ago.” Bohmer hopes his invention will help three billion of the world’s poorest people. He said: “We're saving lives and saving trees. I doubt if there is any other technology that can make so much impact for so little money.” His invention really should make a big impact in poor countries. Millions of children die every year from drinking dirty water. The Kyoto Box will mean they can now drink boiled water and so get fewer diseases. It should also halve the amount of firewood people need for cooking. This will save two tones of carbon per family per year.

Text 4. World’s first spaceport

The age of space tourism came a step closer yesterday with the announcement of plans to build the world’s first spaceport. The company Space Adventures Ltd. announced in a press release its plans to develop a commercial spaceport in the United Arab Emirates. This will be the first of many locations. Other possible sites for spaceports include Singapore and various secret locations in North America. The initial point of departure for a holiday in the heavens looks like being the city of Ras-Al-Khaimah, an hour by car from Dubai. The Sheikh there has put his full financial and political backing behind the ambitious project.

The press report states that the “total estimated cost of the global spaceport development project is at least US$265 million”. Space Adventures Ltd. and a team of UAE financiers will provide the funds. The UAE’s civil aviation authorities have already given their green light for spaceflights to operate in their airspace. Crown Prince Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al-Khaimah expressed pride in his city hosting “the site where suborbital commercial space travel will begin and flourish”. He added: “We are most excited about spearheading this multi-billion dollar industry.”