And other factors driving global change, like radiation, soil erosion, changing soil conditions and demographic pressures, are also very noticeable in mountain regions.

UNESCO: 83e

"If it is true that the mechanism is all about rays enhancing diffuse radiation, it would mean that 'global dimming' and 'global brightening' would have a big effect on tree growth and therefore on the absorption of carbon dioxide, " warns Ms Dengel.

BBC: Earth News - Cosmic pattern to UK tree growth

Turning to Beijing's recent pollution woes, Chinese specialist Geng Xin of the Tokyo-based Japan-China Communication Institute tells Global Times that Japan should sort out its own nuclear radiation problems before criticizing pollution in Beijing.

BBC: China media: Territorial tensions

Opponents warn that fracking is an environmental disaster waiting to happen, citing, among other risks, air and water pollution, the release of radiation and cancer-causing substances, and the acceleration of global climate change as methane and other greenhouse gases escape during fracking.

FORBES: Fracking: A Role for Universities

The fear of lack of control and dreadful consequences overwhelm any sense of the abstract economic benefits of nuclear power, and images of workers in protection suits and news of elevated radiation levels in food and water further fuel antinuclear sentiment on a global scale.

FORBES: Magazine Article