Google tracks disappearing forests

At the International Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, search giant Google demonstrated a technology prototype that enables online, global-scale observation and measurement of changes in the earth's forests, reports eWeek.

The technology will be provided as a not-for-profit service, the company stated. Google noted that while it's not yet available to the general public, the company expects to make it more broadly available over the next year.

The technology uses the help of satellite imagery to track deforestation over a period of time and measure the level of loss. While it is possible to view levels of deforestation at different times, Google's engineering managers, Rebecca Moore and Dr Amy Luers, say there hasn't been a way to calculate how quickly the world's forests are disappearing.

Panasonic has secured a 50.2% majority ownership of Sanyo, as it moves to turn Sanyo into a subsidiary and create one of the world's largest electronics makers, states CNET News.

The deal gives Panasonic control of such Sanyo products as rechargeable batteries and solar panels, potentially lucrative businesses in light of the world's desire for greener technology.

Both firms already enjoy a huge market share selling fuel-efficient batteries to automakers, a segment that's likely to skyrocket with the growing popularity of hybrid cars.

Despite the difficult economic climate putting a general damper on consumer spending, according to a major new report the market for green products and services grew by a recession-busting 5% last year, valuing the sector at £6.4 billion (R78 billion), says Computing.co.uk.

According to a draft of the Co-operative Bank's annual Ethical Consumerism study, the average UK household now spends an average of £251 (R3 000) a year on environmentally-friendly offerings.

The report, which is due to be published in full later this month, found that spending rose on a wide range of green products and services ranging from energy efficient appliances, light bulbs and boilers to small-scale renewable energy projects and green energy tariffs sources.