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Top Headlines from this week:

1. Will China "Lose" the 2008 Olympics?

When the International Olympic Committee awarded Beijing the 2008 Summer Games in July 2001, the announcement ignited wild celebrations across the country. The Chinese Communist Party hoped to use the Games to showcase the country's emergence as a dynamic, modern nation. But as China's leaders begin final preparations for the Games next August, they may be wondering if hosting the event was such a good idea after all. They have significant reasons for doubt.

2.France, Italy keen to sign energy deal at summit

NICE, France (Reuters) - France and Italy aim to sign an energy cooperation deal at a summit meeting on Friday that should ease some of the bitterness caused by wrangling over French utility Suez last year.

3. MagLev Wind Turbine

MagLev wind turbines, the next generation of wind turbines is capable of generating power from wind speeds as low as 1.5 m/s and reported to operate in winds reaching 40 m/s. This large wind turbine from maglev industries will also increase generation capacity by 20% at the same time decreasing operational costs by 50% over the traditional wind turbine. Maglev also claims that this particular turbine will be operational for 500 years, a staggering claim.

4. Limited biofuel feedstock supply?

The United States has embarked on an ambitious program to develop technology and infrastructure to economically and sustainably produce ethanol from biomass. Corn stover, the above-ground material left in fields after corn grain harvest, has been identified as a primary feedstock. Stover and other crop biomass or residue is frequently referred to as "trash" or a waste, implying it has minimal value. However, when returned to the land, this carbon-rich material helps control erosion, replenishes soil organic matter, and improves soil quality.

5.EU cod fishermen face 25 percent quota cut

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Most of Europe's cod fishermen should face a 25 percent cut in their catches next year according to European Commission recommendations aimed at preserving the species after years of heavy exploitation.

6.U.S. greenhouse emissions fell 1.5 percent in 2006

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. emissions of the gases blamed for global warming fell 1.5 percent in 2006 on mild weather and increased use of natural gas to generate power and alternative energy, the government estimated on Wednesday.

7.Energy efficiency fails to cut consumption: study

TORONTO (Reuters) - American consumers are driving bigger gas-guzzling cars and buying more air conditioners and refrigerators as the overall energy efficiency of such products improves, a report released on Tuesday found.

 

8.Google plans renewable energy push

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Google Inc. said on Tuesday the Web services and online advertising group plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in coming years to promote a new push to encourage cheap renewable electricity.

 

9.World must fix climate in less than 10 years: U.N.

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Unless the international community agrees to cut carbon emissions by half over the next generation, climate change is likely to cause large-scale human and economic setbacks and irreversible ecological catastrophes, a U.N. report said on Tuesday.

10. Scotts to pay $500,000 fine over biotech bentgrass

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Scotts Miracle-Gro Co will pay a $500,000 fine over allegations it failed to comply with U.S. rules while testing a genetically engineered grass variety that could one day be used on lawns and athletic fields, the Agriculture Department said on Monday.