Biodiversity Dossier Synthetic Biology describes a set of new genetic techniques for designing and engineering lifeforms for industrial purposes. So far, there is neither a public debate worth mentioning nor any regulation by law. Our dossier looks at the risks Synthetic Biology poses for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Commentary: Transforming class struggle One of the great merits of Jutta Kill's timely discussion paper is that it shows why current debates over the economic valuation of nature matter. By Larry Lohmann
Finance: Big players behind the scenes Digging mines, building power plants and providing infrastructure cost billions. Many countries cannot afford the investments; credit agencies and multilateral and private banks are glad to step in. By Arne Jungjohann
China: Black fuel, in the red Change is under way for the world’s biggest coal consumer; consumption in 2014 was down. Renewables are up. Coal-fired power plants are working at less than full capacity. A chapter from the Coal Atlas. By Arne Jungjohann