Latest news with #Alpine
Epoch Times
2 hours ago
- Climate
- Epoch Times
Search Suspended for Missing Man in Swiss Glacier Collapse That Destroyed 90 Percent of an Alpine Village
GENEVA—The search for a missing 64-year-old man was suspended Thursday because of unsafe conditions after a huge mass of rock and ice from a glacier crashed down a Swiss mountainside the day before. The landslide sent plumes of dust skyward and coated with mud nearly all of an Alpine village that authorities had evacuated earlier this month as a precaution. State Councilor Stéphane Ganzer told Radio Télévision Suisse that 90 percent of the village was destroyed.
NZ Autocar
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Will Alpine launch a hydrogen-powered supercar eventually?
Alpine is continuing with development of its hydrogen-powered Alpenglow concept, now evolved into the Hy4 prototype. First revealed in 2022, the Alpenglow's transformation into the Hy4 suggests Alpine is increasingly serious about hydrogen combustion technology. The Hy4, built on a Ligier LMP3 racing chassis, swaps the original single-seat layout for a more conventional two-seat set-up, suggesting a shift towards a road orientation. The Hy4 was set to debut at the World Endurance Championship in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. However, an electrical fault prevented that. Alpine's design chief, Antony Villain, is still optimistic. He said that the Alpenglow was always envisioned for both road and track ends. Villain added that Alpine is considering a small production run of the hydrogen-powered supercar. He stressed that both hydrogen-combustion and battery-electric technologies are being pursued at present. Development was always aimed at eventual production, he said, calling the Alpenglow more of a 'programme' than a concept. Future versions will evolve with improved styling and added everyday utility. A critical part of this update is a new V6 hydrogen engine being developed entirely in-house by Alpine. It is set to replace the existing turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder sourced from motorsport partner Oreca. The new V6 should add both power and efficiency. The Hy4's range currently stands at around 100km at race pace. Le Mans racers generally run 10–20 laps of the 14km circuit before refueling so added efficiency is an imperative. Racing vehicles director François Champod stressed the engine will offer accessible, user-friendly power, unlike a high-revving F1 unit. There are still engineering challenges to overcome. Alpine's hydrogen engineer, Pierre-Jean Tardy, explained that while hydrogen combustion produces similar engine response and sound to petrol, it behaves differently. Running lean for efficiency and low NOx emissions leads to cooler exhaust gases, creating challenges for turbochargers, especially increased lag. In addition, hydrogen's wide flammability range complicates combustion control, increasing the risk of engine knock. Mixing hydrogen gas with air uniformly is another major stumbling block, especially at high engine speeds. Hydrogen is injected at very high velocities, making it harder to mix properly and increasing the risk of abnormal combustion. Temperature management within each combustion chamber must also be uniform to avoid reliability issues. Alpine acknowledges that its hydrogen-combustion technology is in its infancy. The V6 has only recently begun testing on a dynamometer. But the goal is to power the Alpenglow with hydrogen by year's end. While Alpine is eyeing entry into the hydrogen-combustion class at the 2027 Le Mans 24 Hours, it has not made a formal commitment yet. A road-going hydrogen car from Alpine remains a long-term possibility. Champod warned that the broader hydrogen infrastructure will determine its future. The current hydrogen refueling network can only support a limited number of vehicles. However, Renault Group's Hyvia venture, focused on hydrogen-powered vans, could aid infrastructure development. Trucks and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) are expected to lead the rollout of hydrogen stations, indirectly supporting niche vehicles like the Alpenglow. Fuel storage on board remains a significant challenge. Hydrogen tanks require more space than petrol equivalents—over 350 litres versus 50 litres—posing packaging problems. Moreover, Alpine insists hydrogen use must be 'clean' to justify its environmental benefits. That means only decarbonized hydrogen (with carbon capture) or green (via renewable-powered electrolysis).
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Tourists, Residents Could Face Fines Under New French Smoking Ban
If you're heading to France this summer, strolling through sun-dappled Parisian gardens, lounging on the Côte d'Azur, or hiking the Alpine trails, there's a new policy you should be aware applying to both travelers and locals alike. Starting July 1, France is laying down one of its most expansive public smoking bans yet, and it will change the way travelers experience many of the country's iconic outdoor spaces. French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin announced on Thursday, May 29th during an interview with the newspaper Ouest-France that smoking will be banned in public parks, beaches, around schools, at bus shelters, and even at outdoor sports facilities, effectively outlawing cigarettes in most open-air communal spots. The public health regulation is part of the government's aggressive push to protect youth and create what they call a 'tobacco-free generation' by 2032. Cigarettes "must disappear where there are children,' Vautrin told Ouest-France, just ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31. And although the ban doesn't apply to vaping, Vautrin emphasized that 'The freedom to smoke ends where children's right to breathe clean air begins.' For American and international travelers used to more liberal smoking laws, particularly in outdoor settings, the ban may come as a surprise. While it won't affect smoking in private spaces like hotel balconies or designated smoking areas at restaurants and bars, public places once synonymous with leisure (think: the sands of Nice, or the green lawns of Jardin du Luxembourg) will now become smoke-free zones. This includes areas outside middle and high schools, a frequent gathering spot for teenagers. 'We want to stop students from lighting up in front of their schools,' Vautrin emphasized, a nod to growing concerns over youth smoking rates. The penalty for breaking the new rule could grant you a €135 fine, which is about $145 USD. The move is part of the country's 2023–2027 National Tobacco Control Program, initially launched by former Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau. France is aiming to drastically reduce smoking rates, which despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns, remain among the highest in Western Europe. As of now nearly 7,000 smoke-free zones have been voluntarily implemented by over 1,600 cities and towns across the country, from beach resorts to ski stations. The upcoming decree will make many of these local efforts official, unifying the policy under national law. Expect prominent signage at beaches, bus stops, and parks informing you of the smoking ban. While enforcement may vary regionally (particularly in rural areas or smaller towns), Vautrin noted that local mayors were involved in the rollout, and most urban centers are likely to enforce the law rigorously. For smokers, this may mean adjusting your habits or planning for fewer smoke breaks while sightseeing. For non-smokers, especially families with young children it could make for a more pleasant, and a cleaner travel experience. Enbref, or in short, as the French would say. This summer, France is redefining what it means to "breathe easy in public." Whether you're a pack-a-day traveler or just someone looking for fresh mountain air in Chamonix, know that the landscape might be the same, but the quality of air will be better. Pro tip: If you still plan to indulge in a post-lunch smoke, simply scope out designated smoking areas ahead of time or check with your hotel concierge. It'll save you from an unexpected €135 fine. Money, that can be better spent on a proper Bordeaux or an unforgettable rendezvous at Hotel du Palais. Tourists, Residents Could Face Fines Under New French Smoking Ban first appeared on Men's Journal on May 30, 2025
The 42
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
Prodhomme wins Giro stage 19 as Del Toro holds lead
FRENCHMAN NICOLAS PRODHOMME won a sizzling stage 19 of the Giro d'Italia on Friday run over five Alpine peaks where an expcted title showdown failed to ignite. Overall leader Isaac del Toro of Mexico remains 43 seconds ahead of Richard Carapaz of Ecuador while Briton Simon Yates is third at 1min 21s after losing 20sec on the day. Former Giro champion Carapaz was satisfied with his day's work. Advertisement 'I think we were all very tired, and in the end I just had to give it a try. But I think it was a good stage. I think we can make it with Del Toro so I've got to be happy with my performance.' Prodhomme's face was twisted with the effort as he broke away from a large escape group. 'I've waited a long time for a win. I won my first race a week ago and now I win here in the Giro d'Italia.' On a scenic route with the temperature tipping 30C (86f) the peloton set a medium pace, keeping their powder dry for a title showdown at Sestrieres ski resort Saturday. Stage 20 ends with a gruelling 20km climb up the Colle delle Finestre — the moment when the winner is likely to emerge. For now Del Toro, who took the lead on stage nine in Siena, looks to have the legs to complete the job. – © AFP 2025
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Aerial footage shows the aftermath of the Blatten glacier collapse in Switzerland
Aerial footage showed flooded homes and debris scattered around a Swiss village after a huge mass of rock and ice from a glacier crashed down a mountainside in the southern Lötschental valley. The landslide on Wednesday sent plumes of dust skyward and coated with mud nearly all of an Alpine village that authorities had evacuated earlier this month as a precaution.
