France says no fracking, new life-form found and other green stories of the week

(Mikheyev Viktor)

Some of the major green and environmental stories of the past week (May 7-13), including France's historic initial decision to ban fracking, the discovery of new organisms and Lady Gaga's lobster hat raising awareness of overfishing, are rounded up below.

Arctic resources - leaked diplomatic cables show an international scramble for resources in the Arctic, leading to political and military tension in the region. ( AFP)

Bill Gates - the Microsoft chairman and philanthropist Bill Gates gave his opinion on climate change and the future of renewable energy at a fundraising breakfast for US organization Climate Solutions. ( Independent)

Cicadas - after 13 years in hibernation, the harmless Cicada insects have finally emerged across the United States to begin mating season - an event that last occurred in 1998. ( Sky News)

Food wastage - one third of the world's food is wasted, the highest waste per capita levels were found in richer countries according to a new report. ( New York Times Green blog)

France fracking- French lawmakers in the lower houses of parliament voted to ban the gas extraction process known as 'fracking' in a historical decision earlier this week. The ban must now be approved by the senate before becoming law. ( France 24)

Gaga's lobster - the crystal-encrusted lobster hat that was worn by pop star Lady Gaga was one of a number of marine-related vintage and haute couture designs on display at Selfridges in a bid to highlight the impact of overfishing. ( Guardian)

IPCC - renewable energy could power the world within the next 40 years if all sectors of the industry experience rapid growth, according to a landmark new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. ( Scientific American)   

Midwest flooding - the rising waters plaguing much of the American Midwest combined with other recent natural disasters are being perceived by some as a the results of climate change. ( LA Times)

New lifeform found- scientists have discovered what they believe is an entirely new branch of life in a group of organisms related to fungi. ( Popsci)

Scholastic - the children's book publisher has drawn fire from environmental groups around the world after joining forces with the American Coal Foundation to produce a series of books on energy. ( Mother Jones)