For the first time, a giant Liebherr R 996 excavator has been converted from diesel to electric power. In India, the 650-ton machine now runs entirely on electricity following an upgrade by Lloyds Metals and Energy, a project that could change how the mining industry approaches heavy machinery.
Why Plastic Canisters Are No Longer Thrown Away: An Unexpected Trend in Spanish Homes. Plastic canisters are increasingly spared from the trash and given a second life. Spaniards have found new uses for them—from simple flowerpots to original plant containers. We explore why this trend is gaining momentum and how to properly choose and prepare the containers.
City Implements Innovative Material to Reduce CO₂ Emissions. Barcelona authorities are launching trials of a new type of asphalt infused with biochar made from olive pits and wood waste. This approach could reduce CO₂ emissions from road surfacing production by up to 75% and pave the way for more sustainable urban construction.
Spanish Solar Parks Now Host More Birds Than Neighboring Fields. Recent data from Spain shows that solar power plants now support a greater variety of bird species than surrounding farmlands. The reason: a shift away from chemicals and a new approach to land management.
Camping Among Lagoons and Greenery: How Los Batanes Operates in the Heart of La Mancha. Camping Los Batanes offers the chance to stay right in the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, surrounded by water and trees. Spacious plots, bungalows, and facilities cater to families and active holidaymakers. In spring, the site is especially popular with those seeking peace and nature.
Lynx Returns: New Specimens Released into the Wild in Aragon. Iberian lynxes have reappeared in the outskirts of Zaragoza. The Aragon authorities have released two new animals as part of a long-term project to restore this extinct species. The program includes technical monitoring, support for municipalities, and significant investment.
EU Introduces New Packaging Rules: What Will Change for Businesses and Customers. Starting August 12, cafés, bars, and restaurants in Spain are required to stop using plastic packaging for sugar, cream, sauces, and other products. The new European regulations will impact familiar service practices and force establishments to adjust their operations.
Three Specimens of Bactrocera dorsalis Detected in Cantabria — What This Means for Spain. Cantabria has recorded the first appearance of the oriental fruit fly, one of the most destructive pests for fruit crops. Experts are concerned about potential threats to harvests and farmers' incomes, but at this stage, there is no sign of widespread infestation.
Four Plants That Effectively Repel Cockroaches at Home. Cockroaches in the house aren't just unpleasant—they're a health risk. As it turns out, some common plants can serve as a real barrier for these pests. We explain how to use them properly and why you shouldn’t expect miracles.
Spanish Coast Records Historic Sea Warming in May. At the end of May, water temperatures off the Spanish coast reached all-time highs. Eighteen out of twenty-nine oceanographic buoys recorded new records, and near Menorca, the water warmed to 26.58 °C. Experts warn of risks to marine ecosystems.
Five Stars in the Mountains: How Puebloastur Became the Most Luxurious Hotel in Northern Spain. In the village of Cofio, home to fewer than a hundred residents, stands the only 'five-star grand luxe' hotel in northern Spain. Puebloastur attracts guests from dozens of countries while preserving an atmosphere of seclusion and exclusivity.
American Student Creates Device That Turns Plastic Waste into Fuel. A young inventor from the US has developed a prototype capable of converting used plastic into liquid fuel using microwave pyrolysis. The technology appears promising but requires independent testing and further refinement before it can be widely adopted.
Spain Tightens Control Over Household Waste Disposal and Timing. In Spain, disposing of waste outside designated hours can result in fines ranging from €60 to €750. Municipalities are increasing oversight, with repeat offenses leading to even more serious consequences. Here’s what you need to know about the new rules and how to avoid penalties.
US Researchers Propose Cement Without Limestone: Opportunity to Cut CO₂ Emissions in Construction. American researchers have developed a method to produce Portland cement without limestone, using basalt as a substitute. This could reduce CO₂ emissions and lower energy consumption in construction. The key question is how feasible it is to introduce this technology in an industry where change comes slowly.
Sol de la Cuadra-Salcedo: Mother of Álvaro from ‘Supervivientes’ and Heiress of the Adventure Dynasty. Sol de la Cuadra-Salcedo is the mother of Álvaro from ‘Supervivientes’ and the daughter of a legendary explorer. Her life blends scientific rigor, a love of nature, and family traditions that continue to captivate the public.
Urban Birds Use Cigarette Butts to Protect Nests: An Unexpected Effect of Litter. Sparrows and finches in cities have learned to use cigarette butts to fight parasites. Studies show that cigarette filters reduce the number of pests, though they may also pose risks to birds. How litter is changing urban wildlife—read more in our report.
Barbecue Ban: Where and When Is Grilling on an Open Fire Prohibited in Spain. With the arrival of hot weather, Spain enforces strict restrictions on lighting fires and preparing barbecues. Violating these rules can lead to hefty fines, and in some regions, the ban even applies to private terraces. We explain where and when you cannot grill meat this summer.
In Aragon, Asian wasps are caught with plastic bottles: saving bees and crops. In Alcañiz, on the banks of the Guadalupe, 62 Asian wasp queens were captured in a month using homemade plastic bottle traps. This approach helps protect local bees and restrain the spread of a dangerous species without harming the ecosystem.
Croatian Family Turns Abandoned Land into Olive Grove — and Wins Global Competition. In Dalmatia, the Nikolic family restored an old farm, planted a thousand olive trees, and harvests them by hand. Their oil received a prestigious award in New York, and their approach has become an example for the region.
Africa Builds an 8,000 km 'Green Wall' to Halt Sahara's Advance. Eleven African countries are working to stop desertification by planting a massive belt of trees. The Great Green Wall project aims to restore soil fertility, create jobs, and protect families whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.
101 Years Without Medicine: How Former Forester Amador Lopez Lives in Galicia. Amador Lopez celebrated his 101st birthday surrounded by family and his poultry. He does not take any medication, remains active, and stays true to habits connected with nature and a simple life. This is a story about how it is possible to live for a century without losing touch with oneself and the world around.
Illiterate Brazilian Creates Technology That Saved Thousands of Families from Drought. Manoel Apolônio de Carvalho, unable to read or write, invented a simple device for collecting rainwater. His creation transformed the lives of thousands of families in Brazil's arid regions and became part of a national program to combat water scarcity.
Almost meter-long lamprey spotted again in the Guadalquivir: a rare find and an alarming sign. An adult lamprey nearly a meter long has been discovered in the Andalusian Rivera de Huelva—a species once thought extinct in the Guadalquivir basin. This finding highlights just how vulnerable Spain's rivers and their inhabitants are due to old dams and the invasion of non-native species.
From November 2026, a deposit will be charged in Spain for each bottle and can. Spain is changing its beverage purchasing rules: starting November 2026, the price of every bottle or can will include a refundable deposit. The new system will affect shops, bars, and restaurants, aiming to increase packaging recycling rates.
Iberian Lynx: 31 Cubs and Record-Breaking Success of the Rescue Program. In 2026, 31 Iberian lynx cubs were born at Spain’s El Acebuche and Zarza de Granadilla centers— the best result in recent years. The species recovery program is showing record effectiveness and offers hope for the predator’s return to the wild.
Spain names the country’s best olive monument — a tree over 800 years old. The best olive monument of Spain for 2026 has been officially named in the province of Teruel. The winner is Olivera del Suavo — a tree remarkable for its unique size and a history spanning over eight centuries. Experts highlighted its natural harmony and cultural significance.
Spain launches first-ever gas production without fossil fuels. The first facility in Europe to produce synthetic methane from hydrogen and biogenic CO2 has started operating in Miajadas, a small town in Extremadura. Supported by the European Commission, the project could change the region's approach to energy independence.
American Family Turns Down €22 Million for Land to Keep Farming. In the United States, a mother and daughter rejected an offer to sell part of their farm for €22 million. For them, the land is more than just an asset—it holds family history and provides food. Their decision has sparked interest in the conflict between agribusiness and tech development projects.
The Largest Roundabout in Europe: How a Road in Extremadura Became a Phenomenon. In Extremadura, far from major cities, the ring road around Cerro Masatrigo has become the largest 'roundabout' in Europe. This is not just a feat of engineering but a rare blend of nature, history, and infrastructure.
Spanish Scientists Discover Method to Extract Gold and Platinum from E-Waste. The first successful experiment to recover valuable metals from electronic waste has been completed in Madrid. Spain is strengthening its position in Europe’s ‘urban mining’ sector while reducing its dependence on raw material imports.
Australian Farmers Save the Land with Sheep Wool. Australia has found a way to use sheep wool to protect farmland from drought. This method reduces moisture evaporation, restores soil biological activity, and turns a waste product into a valuable resource for farmers.
Vilena Authorities Launch Major Citywide Mosquito Control Operation. An intensive mosquito control campaign has been launched in Vilena, targeting rural areas, parks, and storm drains. Authorities are ramping up efforts following a spike in temperatures and rainfall to prevent a surge in insect populations.
Spanish Beaches Lose Prestige: Prominent Names Dropped from Blue Flag List. In 2026, 12 well-known Spanish beaches lost their Blue Flag status, including La Barceloneta and Puerto Banús. Reasons range from overcrowding to safety concerns.
3D Printing and New Materials: How Spain's Cooling Future Is Changing. Spain is developing an eco-friendly cooling system based on 3D printing and innovative alloys. This technology promises to reduce energy consumption and eliminate the use of harmful refrigerants. The European Commission has already called it the most promising alternative to traditional air conditioning.
Valencia toughens fines for littering. New waste disposal rules have come into force in Valencia: anyone caught discarding paper, cigarette butts, or chewing gum in the street now faces a fine of up to €1,500. City authorities have increased cleanliness controls and imposed stricter penalties for violations.
