Not it!: Our European friends are usually more gung-ho about swapping polluting energy sources for renewables, but the continent's continued financial woes are making it more and more difficult for Europe to follow through on these values. Currently, a $1 trillion bill to improve the electric supply network (which would allow for more wind and solar power) is being thrown around like a hot potato, with no one wanting to pay up. Everyone is hoping the music will stop when the potato lands on Germany, but even that renewable-loving land is being sheepish about spending as it heads into an election year. Reuters
Sunny side up: The promise of 3-D printing has got everybody excited these these days, but what's makes us the most giddy about the modern manufacturing process is the possibility of cheaper solar power. In addition to 3-D solar panels being 20 percent more efficient than flat panels, printing them could lower production costs and help them become smaller and lighter -- so much so they could be printed right onto clothing. And to think, you once thought your Bedazzler was cool. The Guardian
The 8th continent?: Researchers have found evidence that a significant landmass, named Mauritia, may have been tucked between India and Madagascar, before the micro-continent vanished below the ocean -- perhaps as recently as 2,000 years ago. BBC
Steamy siestas: Another consequence of global warming could be more breaks on the job to avoid heat stress. According to conservative estimates, the average global temperature will rise by 1 degree Celsius by 2050. For workers toiling without air conditioning, this could mean having to double their rest time, from 10 percent of their workday to 20 percent, just to stay cool. Other, even hotter, estimates suggest that people working without AC in New York or DC would need to spend a good 75 percent of their day resting. Bloomberg Businessweek
A pesticide blend: First the bad news: a recent study found that 90 percent of all French wine contains traces of at least one pesticide. The good news? The amounts of individual pesticides were below the French government's allowable limits. More bad news: Some wines contained multiple pesticides that can become more toxic when combined. More good news? You might not care about this when you're drunk. Mother Jones
"Before My Time": Chasing Ice -- nominated for best original song -- didn't take home an Oscar last night, but the climate change documentary is still a winner in our books and watching ice fall into the sea is just as exhilarating/terrifying as any old Bond movie... Grist
Tips: @OnEarthMag (tag it #greenreads)
Image: Emily Watson
