abandoned

The isolated quarry village of Nant Gwrtheyrn was once a thriving community before it was abandoned. But it was given a new lease of life as a beloved Welsh language centre

Nestled between the Irish Sea and the Eifl mountains at the very edge of civilisation, this tiny village was once frozen in time before its thriving mining heritage was brought back to life.

The quarry at Nant Gwrtheyrn launched operations in 1861, adjacent to Porth y Nant, which now serves as a cherished language centre at the forefront of campaigns to revitalise the Welsh language.

In this remote community, residents’ existence centred around extracting and transporting Nant Gwrtheyrn stone for road surfacing – dispatching materials primarily via the Irish Sea, which resulted in scant interaction with the wider world, according to Nant Gwrtheyrn.

History.

When demand plummeted during the early stages of World War Two, the quarry closed, abandoning the local community to desolation. The worldwide conflict brought production to a standstill, reports Wales Online.

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The villagers left and their homes fell to ruin. Apart from a brief spell in the 1860s when a handful of outsiders attempted to rejuvenate the settlement, the village stood deserted.

Visitors can step back in time to the era when quarry labourers lived in the local cottages by exploring the quarryman’s cottage. This dwelling and all its contents have been recreated to demonstrate how a quarryman and his family would have existed in 1910.

Subsequently, the location received an injection of funding that would construct a new school – which was eventually taken over by a local trust, spearheaded by Dr Carl Clowes, who established it to create a Welsh language centre.

Tre’r Ceiri.

Close by stands Tre’r Ceiri – among Wales’ most impressive ancient sites.

Initially documented by Thomas Pennant, the renowned author of ‘Tours of Wales’, this represents some of the earliest archaeological proof of existence within the Iron Age hillforts scattered across the elevated terrain surrounding Nant Gwrtheyrn.

Both Tre’r Ceiri and Yr Eifl saw habitation from 150 BC through to 400 AD – our knowledge of them remains limited, though we understand they relied substantially on locally sourced iron, which was traded and exported.

Debs wrote on Trip Advisor: “What a fabulously tranquil place. We spent several hours here, walking and enjoying the peace and quiet. Found the history of Nant Gwrtheryn fascinating.

“We sampled the tasty cakes in the cafe. Would highly recommend a visit. We will most certainly return.”

One visitor said: “What a beautiful place. The Welsh Language Centre. The story behind the revival of this village is inspirational. The vision on a local doctor and the surrounding communities is worthy of a Hollywood film.

“The views are breathtaking and the road down is incredibly steep but worth it.

“We had breakfast in the cafe. Highly recommended good quality produce and full flavoured coffee. Another great plus was the indoor seating where we could have food with our dog.

“The lady who greeted us was so welcoming and friendly too. Just a beautiful place great walks too.”

Persistent rain in Colombo forces abandonment of Pakistan’s game with New Zealand, which was to open Super Eights stage.

Pakistan and New Zealand’s Super Eights match to open the second phase of the 2026 T20 World Cup was abandoned because of rain without a ball being bowled.

The rain started at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium as soon as Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first on Saturday.

The post-toss interviews were completed, but with the forecast suggesting the game would be in doubt, there was little surprise when the teams ran for cover.

More than 60 ground staff were on hand to cover the square and the majority of the playing surface.

The persistent rain eventually led to the umpires calling the Group 2 match off at 9:05pm local time (15:35 GMT).

Not even a five-over match was possible by the 10:16 pm (16:46 GMT) cut-off time, giving the two teams one point each.

Tournament co-host India plays South Africa in Ahmedabad in the first Group 1 match on Sunday, when co-host Sri Lanka and England meet in Group 2 in Pallekele.

It’s a blissful (and affordable) sanctuary for those yearning to avoid the swarming hordes and tourist mayhem of other popular European sunshine hotspots.

A breathtaking island boasting a fascinating history and spectacular scenery is being championed as a ‘deserted paradise’ – ideal for UK residents seeking a peaceful retreat in February or March to flee the miserable winter weather (and heaving masses at other popular holiday hotspots).

Having established itself as the ‘sister island’ to another well-known destination, this European holiday gem is genuinely distinctive and celebrated for its untouched appeal.

Spanning merely 3.5 square kilometres, this obscure island within the Maltese Archipelago is practically uninhabited, with just two permanent residents living there.

In that sense, it’s genuinely a ‘deserted paradise’ – a perfect escape for those yearning to avoid the bustling crowds and tourist mayhem of other European sunshine destinations.

February and March bring average temperatures between 16C and 18C to this secluded island, making it a perfect spot for those wanting to bask in the winter sunshine without getting burnt, reports the Express.

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Regarded as a sanctuary for swimmers, snorkellers, walkers and photographers – visitors are known to journey from across the globe simply to savour a taste of life in this deserted paradise.

Comino, renowned for its absolutely stunning Blue Lagoon, is a treasure hiding in plain sight just begging to be discovered. With no towns – and therefore no vehicles – experiencing Comino is genuinely an adventure unlike any other.

A dramatic limestone terrain, impossibly blue crystalline waters, secluded bays and breathtaking vistas are merely some of the features that set this tiny European isle apart from the crowd.

Delivering both excitement and serenity, Comino boasts a captivating landscape, ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature – all whilst keeping costs pleasantly manageable.

Getting to Comino from the UK is remarkably simple – visitors can fly into Malta International Airport, which serves as the sole major commercial aviation hub in the Maltese islands.

At the time of writing, a one-way ticket from London Stansted Airport to Malta on February 26 would cost holidaymakers just £35, including one complimentary cabin bag.

From there, travellers on mainland Malta can hop aboard one of the regular ferries departing from Ċirkewwa ferry terminal, which will transport you to Comino in approximately 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, those already on Malta’s sister island of Gozo can complete the brief journey to Comino from Mġarr Harbour in a swift 15 minutes using water taxis or compact ferries.

If the balmy weather and budget-friendly flights weren’t enticing enough – Comino, despite being largely uninhabited, provides reasonably priced drinks.

While the island itself doesn’t offer a huge amount of food and drink options – a small price to pay for absolute tranquillity – the few available spots (food and drink kiosks near popular snorkelling and hiking areas) are known to sell pints ranging from £2.60 to £4.

However, holidaymakers seeking a wider variety of culinary choices need not worry, as Comino’s neighbouring sister islands, Malta and Gozo, have plenty to offer.

An island steeped in history

As of 2026, the island is inhabited by just one family, the globally recognised Vella family, who hold the distinction of being the last people on Comino within the Maltese archipelago.

Despite its diminutive size, Comino has a rich and complex history that belies its physical dimensions. The sun-drenched island was once a favoured hideout for pirates during the medieval period, owing to its numerous sea caves.

In 1618, the Knights of St. John fortified the island by constructing the still-standing Santa Marija Tower, which served as both a guard station and a signalling point between the Maltese islands.

The island’s name, Comino, derives from ‘kemmuna’, meaning cumin, a spice that was once harvested extensively on the island. Historically, the island has also functioned as a quarantine station during the Napoleonic era and was renowned for being a game reserve abundant with wild boar and hares.

Today, Comino is celebrated for its pristine landscapes and historical sites, drawing day-trippers from Malta and Gozo seeking the perfect natural retreat steeped in peace and quiet.

Things to do in Comino

Despite its modest size, Comino boasts an impressively diverse range of activities and attractions, guaranteeing something to captivate every visitor who arrives on its compact coastline.

The island’s crowning glory – and arguably that of the entire Maltese archipelago – is the world-famous Blue Lagoon, which lives up to its reputation as a jewel in Comino’s crown, luring visitors to its strikingly white sands and sparkling turquoise waters throughout the year.

Nestled between Comino and the tiny islet of Cominotto, it’s an idyllic destination for snorkellers and swimmers, offering unparalleled glimpses of the exotic marine life inhabiting this shallow bay.

By contrast, Santa Marija Bay sits on Comino’s more peaceful side, presenting a tranquil beach and gentle waters – minus the throngs of tourists found at the Blue Lagoon.

The Santa Marija Caves also rank among Comino’s must-see attractions, showcasing a complex system of sea caves and striking underwater rock formations that delight snorkellers and divers alike.

History enthusiasts and hiking aficionados can make the journey up to the iconic Santa Marija Tower, or St Mary’s Tower, the magnificent 17th-century stone fortress constructed by the Knights of St John. Cinema lovers might recognise this famous tower as the Château d’If from The Count of Monte Cristo.

The whole of Comino can be traversed on foot in roughly three hours, establishing it as a prime destination for walkers as they navigate thyme-bordered wilderness trails, catching glimpses of exotic migratory birds, remarkable lizards and stunning coastal vistas.

A POPULAR lido that opened in the 1930s with its own sunbathing solarium could be demolished to make way for new homes.

The building was used as a bingo hall in recent years but has been vacant since 2023.

Opened to the public on July 10, 1935, Sale Lido also boasted shops and restaurants.

Its main feature was a 130-ft long swimming pool, which could be covered over to form a dancefloor during the winter months.

Now, plans have been submitted jointly by McCarthy Stone and Built Development Ltd which, if approved, would see most of the building in Trafford, Greater Manchester, torn down. 

The developers claimed Mecca, which recently operated a bingo hall on the site, had pulled out due to its “state of disrepair”.

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Developers said this has led to water leaking into the building and has affected its structure, reported the Manchester Evening News.

Just the lido’s facade would remain under the scheme proposed by the two companies, with two new blocks of flats constructed on adjacent land.

In a Facebook post, residents urged Trafford Council to refuse planning permission.

One wrote: “The Lido’s a Sale landmark, knocking it down would be a stupid decision – even if the facade is kept!

“Is there any kind of form to sign that’s against this happening?” 

Another person posted: “More lovely architecture replaced by grey boxes. Why can’t they keep the building?”

A third person said: “Please keep this iconic building. It’s part of Sale.”

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “An application has been submitted at the site of the former Sale Lido for a housing development of 40 retirement apartments and 39 affordable homes.

“The application is under consideration by the Council and will be determined in due course.”

This breathtaking abandoned village in North Cornwall is one of the most magical spots in the county, a real hidden gem with unmatched coastal views and a rich history.

A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fishing village in North Cornwall, now better described as a tiny hamlet, boasts some of the most spectacular vistas Cornwall can offer – and that’s quite the claim given a third of the county holds designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status.

Nestled comfortably between its better-known neighbours – Port Isaac and Polzeath – this diminutive hamlet now falls largely under National Trust ownership. A peaceful ambience, stunning coastal panoramas, and abundant natural splendour – that’s how you’d characterise this small Cornish settlement.

Despite its modest proportions, it possesses a remarkably colourful history encompassing fishing, smuggling, mining, a devastating maritime tragedy, a wealthy man’s architectural whim, and even a stint as a filming location for the television adaptation of Winston Graham’s celebrated Poldark novels.

The now-abandoned hamlet of Port Quin derives its name from the Cornish words ‘porth’ meaning cove, and ‘gwynn’ meaning white – literally White Cove.

Tucked between imposing headlands, this compact hamlet forms a protected inlet with a substantial fishing heritage. Indeed, the scale of the old fish cellars (which remain visible in Port Quin today) suggests it was once a flourishing and prosperous fishing community on the Cornish coastline, reports Cornwall Live.

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Today, Port Quin boasts just a handful of holiday lets, all under the stewardship of the National Trust. The hamlet has seen virtually no modern construction over the centuries, remaining remarkably preserved from the march of time and urban sprawl.

Three local farms – Scarrabine, Trevigo, and Roscarrock – encircle Port Quin’s harbour, each managed by families from the area. The National Trust also maintains the fields surrounding this now-abandoned village.

Situated approximately two miles west of the busier Port Isaac, Port Quin is an enchanting, uninhabited cove blessed with untamed natural splendour and a dramatic, craggy coastline.

The village’s tragic legend

Port Quin has earned its reputation as the ‘village that died’, hiding a heartbreaking history.

Local folklore tells of a catastrophic Sunday night during the 19th century when, according to legend, all the village’s menfolk defied the Sabbath to go fishing, only to be caught in a ferocious storm that claimed every one of their lives.

Left without breadwinners, the village women found themselves unable to feed their families, compelling them to desert their homes and seek refuge with their children in nearby communities where they might find better opportunities.

This poignant story lives on in Frank Bramley’s 1888 painting ‘The Hopeless Dawn’, which is displayed at Tate Britain in London. A compact National Trust car park sits at Port Quin, typically visited by a mobile vintage café throughout the summer season.

Things to do in Port Quin

Port Quin’s protected inlet is celebrated as one of Cornwall’s finest locations for rock pooling, kayaking or angling, or simply taking a refreshing plunge in the Atlantic.

The cove is beloved by families, ideal for youngsters to safely paddle without the hassle of tourist hordes. Winter brings ferocious storms, however, making swimming at Port Quin inadvisable during those months.

Port Quin enjoys the advantage of being close to Port Isaac, Cornwall’s renowned fishing village, which brims with restaurants, welcoming pubs, and remarkably two Michelin-starred establishments within its compact confines – Outlaw’s New Road and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen.

Run by chef Nathan Outlaw, the Outlaw venues are cherished by locals and tourists alike, all of whom rave about the delectable cuisine.

Nathan’s acclaimed flagship venue, Outlaw’s New Road, is nevertheless scheduled to close its doors on March 28 this year.

The shuttering will be swiftly followed by the launch of a fresh venture from the Michelin-starred chef – Outlaw’s Bistro, operating from the well-loved Outlaw’s Guest House located directly opposite.

The South West Coast Path runs straight through Port Quin and provides walkers with an enchanting stretch of pristine coastline, exceptional even by Cornwall’s remarkably elevated standards. A stunning three-and-a-half-mile coastal ramble stretches from Port Quin to Port Isaac, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Rollercoaster’ due to its challenging landscape.

With sections that are extremely steep, walkers are urged to take care and ensure they’re properly kitted out and ready for the trek.

Yet the vistas along this route are utterly spectacular, and those who venture along it will catch a splendid glimpse of Doyden Castle, a 19th-century folly that’s been transformed into a National Trust holiday let.

Doyden Castle is a compact but impressive fortress standing at the cliff’s edge on the isolated Port Quin headland, backed by sweeping ocean panoramas.

Built in 1830 by a local entrepreneur as a private getaway (essentially: a venue for gambling and revelry), today Doyden Castle operates as a delightful one-bedroom holiday cottage brimming with historical treasures.

Gothic arched windows, a welcoming open fireplace, and the original wine storage in the cellar all contribute to its irresistible appeal.

Famous connections

Port Quin and several neighbouring spots have featured in well-known films and television programmes.

During the 1970s, Quin House in the village served as a filming location for the inaugural series of the BBC’s Poldark, whilst Doyden Castle was employed to depict a gatehouse. Roscarrock and its magnificent surroundings also made appearances on the beloved series.

During the 1980s, Doyden Castle served as a filming location for an adaptation of the celebrated classic novel Jamaica Inn. The castle and Port Quin also appeared in the 1997 film Swept from the Sea.

In 2011, the iconic Doyden Castle was featured as Pentire Castle in ITV’s popular series Doc Martin.

One of Britain’s most renowned deserted medieval villages, with a church and manor house, attracts walkers and history enthusiasts despite its challenging terrain with a steep walk

Today, it’s considered the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village, attracting visitors from far and wide who want to marvel at its history. Yet it remained deserted for hundreds of years after its residents vacated the settlement.

Wharram Percy in North Yorkshire is one of Britain’s largest deserted medieval villages and certainly its most famous. Visitors can wander through the atmospheric site, exploring the ruins of ancient dwellings, a church, and a manor house that once formed a community.

Throughout an extensive 60-year period, archaeologists have steadily uncovered fascinating insights into Wharram Percy’s past. Their discoveries have revealed why the settlement was deserted initially and how people lived there centuries ago.

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Nestled on the edge of a Yorkshire valley, this remarkable village was inhabited for as long as six centuries before being abandoned sometime after the 1500s. Experts believe that even now, the footprints of former houses remain visible in the earth, complementing the more prominent ruins that draw inquisitive tourists.

The history is complex, but experts believe the earliest settlement dates back to around 50 BC. This land was later converted into farmland, fell into disuse in the 5th century, and eventually evolved into a Middle Saxon settlement.

Steeped in history, the medieval village has become a popular attraction, whether that’s dog walkers in the local area or those passing by. Perfectly positioned between the tourist hotspots of Scarborough Castle and Clifford’s Tower in York, it’s an ideal midway stop when travelling between these two landmarks.

While admission to the village itself is free, visitors pay a modest £2 parking fee. It’s worth noting that getting to the settlement involves a roughly 3/4-mile trek from the car park to the main site, often steep and muddy. The site’s rugged terrain can pose a challenge for some visitors and is generally not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

One visitor described the parking on TripAdvisor as a “sharp gravelled decline” and a “daunting” journey unsuitable for those with limited mobility, as the path traverses fields. Another also warned: “Parking on the Heritage car park off the B1248 prepare for a trek to the village.”

Yet, it hasn’t put people off from making the journey, as one joyfully shared: “This lovely deserted mediaeval village is truly fascinating! The history is incredible, and it was wonderful to wander around and explore. We really lucked out and had beautiful weather, so we got to sit on the grass by the pond and soak it all in.”

Another lauded their experience and said: “Lovely walk from the car park to the site, but people with mobility issues may struggle. It’s a fascinating historical site that has been really well managed. Only a few visitors when we visited, which added to the peace and tranquillity of the place. Loved it!”

“Great walk with the dog. Parked in the free car park and walked downhill on the path to a cow field. Crossed over into the fields of Wharram Percy. Lovely walk around and interesting to imagine how it once was all those years ago. The walk back was uphill and quite a trek. We really enjoyed it. It’s a small historical site, sometimes people expect too much. We loved it. Nice walk out and then to the Stone Trough Inn for lunch,” another commented.

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They witnessed something inexplicable…

As a child, I relocated to a secluded hamlet near Wimborne in Dorset. This hamlet was situated less than a mile from the now-deserted and dilapidated Knowlton Church, a medieval building that’s reputedly haunted. When I was younger, I seldom visited Knowlton Church, but my fascination with its history and purported ghostly inhabitants grew after we moved away.

The church itself is reputed to be among Dorset’s most haunted locations – and with good reason. This Norman place of worship, erected in the 12th century, stands at the heart of a Neolithic ritual henge, a site of pagan worship.

According to the English Heritage website, the church symbolises the region’s shift from pagan to Christian worship.

It’s thought that parts of the church were built using some of the ancient standing stones found on the site, reports the Express.

However, it’s not just the church that gives Knowlton its distinctive character. The parish church also stands in the centre of earthworks.

According to the English Heritage website, the Neolithic earthwork “is one of the great Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial complexes in southern England”.

The main earthwork, known as ‘Church Henge’, encircles the church and has been protected from plough damage, while the others are only discernible in aerial photographs.

The church and village’s history fascinates me, but during my teenage years, one aspect drew me back to Knowlton: the ghosts.

One evening, my mates and I decided to venture back to the church in hopes of catching a glimpse of the alleged ghosts.

The church is reportedly haunted by several spirits, including a phantom horse and rider who are seen galloping across the grounds at night, even passing through the church itself; a ghostly face that materialises in the top window of the tower; and, some claim, a sobbing woman kneeling outside the building.

I’ve always been a believer in ghosts and the supernatural, but I’d never had a personal encounter with the paranormal.

We parked the car near the church, its headlights illuminating the building, and waited for something eerie to occur. At first, nothing happened.

We nervously chatted and giggled, our eyes glued to the medieval structure.

Then, out of nowhere, the church vanished from sight, as if shrouded by a dark veil. We all screamed and jumped in our seats as the building disappeared, only to reappear moments later as if nothing had transpired.

My initial reaction was one of fear; what on earth had I just witnessed? Was this some sort of prank? Was someone watching us, trying to frighten us off?

My gut told me to bolt. Some of my friends felt the same way and wanted to leave, but one was keen to investigate further. We quickly agreed it was safer to head home.

While my encounter was certainly out of the ordinary, I’m not alone in experiencing supernatural phenomena at Knowlton Church. Cheryl, a local from Salisbury, told Bournemouth Echo in 2022 that she’s convinced she spotted a ghost there.

Upon reviewing her photographs of the church, she noticed something peculiar: a shadowy figure lurking in an archway.

Other adventurers and self-proclaimed ghost hunters also claim they’ve had similar eerie experiences.

Today, Knowlton is a quaint hamlet nestled in a secluded location, but centuries ago, it was a thriving village teeming with life. It’s thought that the bubonic plague, infamously known as the ‘Black Death’, decimated the population in the late 15th century.

The survivors abandoned their homes and relocated, leaving the dwellings to decay. Over time, the structures were ploughed into the ground, though their foundations are still visible in certain areas today.

Despite the village being deserted, it’s believed the church continued to serve its purpose until the 18th century, when the roof caved in. However, local lore suggests the church fell into disrepair after its bell was stolen and tossed into the river.

Depending on who you ask, the bell was either taken by the Devil himself or a band of thieves attempted to snatch it but were thwarted by a witch.

As for what I witnessed that night, I can’t say for certain. It could have been mere mist or a play of light, but the feeling it evoked will forever be etched in my memory.

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These days, almost every cultural or news event seems fleeting. But there’s one thing that feels nearly as momentous as it did 20 years ago: the Super Bowl.

From a personal point of view, I can say that despite basically divesting myself from football (I haven’t watched a non-Super Bowl NFL game in well over a decade, and haven’t played fantasy football for just as long), I still participate in what has become, essentially, a national holiday. Maybe that’s just it: In the ideologically fractured world of 2026, there’s something to be said for having at least one relatively universal experience.

In any case, such a uniquely shared media event inevitably reflects the cultural milieu of the moment. That’s why, for a while now, I’ve been tracking how many of the commercials that air during each year’s Super Bowl have some relation to the environmental issues that I’ve been covering for most of my career as a journalist. I started this project when I was an editor at Time magazine, and thought it merited revisiting this year. Here’s what I found.

During Super Bowl LX on Sunday, there were just two commercials that focused in a meaningful way on products that would advance a transition to a fossil-fuel-free economy. One was for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid. The other was for a Chinese supercar made by a vacuum-cleaner company.

It wasn’t long ago that domestic manufacturers were marketing a future based on electric vehicles of all shapes and sizes. During the 2022 Super Bowl, the second year of Joe Biden’s presidency, seven different ads focused specifically on existing and new EV models. Those were in some ways the halcyon days of American EV manufacturing, following the passage of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, which, in part, offered a $7,500 tax credit to anyone who bought a new electric car.

The second Trump administration quickly put an end to that; the credit was nixed as of Sept. 30 last year. That was just one of many moves Trump has made since retaking office to anesthetize the United States’ nascent green economy. Over the last year, the Trump administration has tried to shut down offshore wind energy projects while demanding the growth of the coal industry; reversed key policies that previously established legal precedent for the public health impact of greenhouse gases; and generally tried to undermine efforts by many states, California especially, to establish and regulate policies meant to make their infrastructure less dependent on fossil fuels.

So it’s no surprise that in 2026, the second year of Trump’s second presidency, there was just one Super Bowl ad for a domestically produced green product — and it wasn’t even entirely green. Indeed, it reflects a recent trend across the U.S.: Since the federal clean-vehicle tax credits expired in September, sales of purely electric vehicles have plummeted, while those of hybrids have continued to grow, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Tellingly, four different companies — Cadillac, Toyota, Volkswagen and Chevrolet — had ads that showed an EV but didn’t mention it. It’s become more something to hide than to promote.

Then there’s the one other green-energy ad this year, which, honestly, you could quibble with categorizing it as “green.” It’s a reportedly $10-million spot for an electric sports car, theoretically to be made by the Chinese company Dreame, which to date has primarily produced robotic vacuum cleaners. I say theoretical because it seems somewhat unlikely that an outfit that made its nut building knockoff Roombas will be selling an electric super car anytime soon. (As of writing, Dreame has not responded to emailed questions.)

Nevertheless, it is indicative of another trend: Tesla is down; BYD is up. U.S. car companies like Ford can’t seem to figure out how to transition to a gas-less (or, at least, less gas-forward) future, while many Chinese firms, some without any automotive heritage, such as the consumer-tech company Xiomai, are already driving laps around U.S. and European competitors in what is clearly the race for the future of global car-manufacturing dominance.

In 2025, more than half the cars made in China were EVs. And China is working to power those electric cars with renewable energy, while the U.S. is largely swimming against the tide. In 2025, China installed an estimated 315 gigawatts of solar and 119 gigawatts of wind capacity; the U.S. added an estimated 60 gigawatts of solar and 7 gigawatts of wind capacity in the same time.

Green tech doesn’t seem to have much cultural currency right now in the U.S., at least based on the Super Bowl ad lineup. What does, though, is artificial intelligence. There were at least eight different Super Bowl commercials for AI products, and many more that obviously used AI in their production.

Even setting aside the many intellectual-property and ethical issues they raise, there’s the reality that these AI tools rely on data centers that, in turn, require a huge amount of energy to operate — energy that should, ideally, be coming more and more from renewable sources.

Maybe it’s not all that sexy to advertise solar panels or wind turbines — but it also wasn’t that long ago that a pitch about talking to your hand-held computer to help with your scheduling would have seemed pretty lame.

More in climate and culture

One more thing about the Super Bowl: In this pretty cool video, Pearl Marvell, an editor at Yale Climate Connections, broke down the climate change references in Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.

In other sports+climate news, my colleague Kevin Baxter, reporting from Italy, wrote about the impact climate change is having on this — and future — Winter Olympics. The bottom line: Athletes are going to have to expect less fresh powder, and deal with more dangerous, icy conditions.

Last sports-related story of the week: My former colleague Sammy Roth recently wrote a nice profile of Jacquie Pierri, who plays for the Italian women’s hockey team and moonlights as a sustainable-energy engineer and climate activist. Italy plays the U.S. in the quarterfinals on Friday.

On a different note, on the podcast Zero, Akshat Rathi this week interviewed composer Julia Wolfe about how she uses classical music to work through, and communicate, her feelings about the climate crisis.

A couple of last things in climate news this week

California created a program meant to encourage the development of electric semi-trucks. But, as my colleague Tony Briscoe reported a few days ago, Tesla took advantage of it, claiming most of the money while failing to deliver and essentially bullying smaller manufacturers out of the space.

The Trump administration has indicated that it plans this week to rescind the so-called endangerment finding, a policy establishing the fact that greenhouse gases endanger public health, and that essentially acts as the legal underpinning for many climate regulations passed in recent years. Stay tuned — our reporters will have more on this as the story develops.

This is the latest edition of Boiling Point, a newsletter about climate change and the environment in the American West. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. And listen to our Boiling Point podcast here.