All Environment
First LookAs drought becomes the norm, where can US turn for lessons in adaptation?A new study found that the southwestern American region will be drier going forward. Regardless of the reasons why, there is plenty of innovation out there to help the region adapt to this new reality.
Why drought might be the new normal for the American SouthwestA new study suggests the storms that bring water to the Southwest are coming less frequently, prompting concerns that California's drought regime will be the new normal for the Southwest.
First LookWhy planting some trees could make global warming worseThe observed effect of trees on climate in Europe is challenging widespread beliefs about how to mitigate climate change.
Study points to developing world feeling more impact from climate changeHowever, critics of the Australian research team's efforts say industrialized nations have and will be affected, too.
Japanese volcano erupts in rare display of roiling lightningMount Sakurajima in southwestern Japan gave the world a breathtaking display when it spewed forth a writhing mass of smoke and fire Friday night.
Feds seeking settlement in coal mining lawsuitsFederal officials want to join settlement talks over an environmental group’s lawsuits on coal mining’s possible climate change effects in Western states.
Why cheap oil won't stop clean energyLow oil prices are supposed to deter the growth of renewable energy. New data suggest that's not the case.
First LookHow indigenous land rights factor into climate goalsA panel of forest policy groups pressed for more action Wednesday, saying the public and the private sector could help raise awareness about the toll efforts to designate forests as 'protected' or increase agricultural production can have on indigenous people.
Gale winds in Scotland forced waterfall to flow upWinds up to 105 miles per hour, caused by Storm Henry, caused this unusual phenomenon.
- First LookEl Jefe: Is this the United States' last jaguar?
El Jefe has eluded biologists for years but the male jaguar has finally been caught on video, leading experts to push even harder for habitat protection.
With all this rain, why is California extending its drought emergency?Even after experiencing strong El Niño storms this winter, California's water regulators voted to maintain emergency conservation controls through October after the state's water-saving efforts fell short last month.
First LookShip noise linked to orca whale decline: Are some boats safer than others?A team of scientists measured underwater noise pollution off the coast of Washington, and found surprising impacts on nearby endangered orcas.
First LookCould mechanical trees be the next big green technology?Scientists find that small vibrations already happening in the hustle-bustle of the modern world could trigger electricity generation in tree-like structures.
How Canada's 'spirit bear' forest deal could be a modelCompeting forest interests in western Canada reached a landmark deal after negotiating for years. The parties say their agreement could provide a model for other communities.
Can energy unite a divided Europe?Brussels is working to ensure that Europe's energy market is more unified than ever.
First LookDid the climate spin out of control on its own?Scientists dig into the data to see if the world's climate could change dramatically without external drivers and how the system stays stable.
Why the federal government stopped fracking off California's coastIn what environmental groups are calling a huge win for the world's oceans, a settlement Friday requires all offshore fracking operations in California to stop, pending further environmental analysis.
Why compact fluorescent lightbulbs will be off the market soonGeneral Electric announced Monday that it will phase out the manufacturing of CFL lightbulbs in favor of the more energy-efficient LED ones.
First LookBed bugs show resistance to pesticides: What now?Why chemicals used to fight bed bugs aren't working any longer was revealed in a new study that compared today's bed bugs with those that have been isolated in a lab for 30 years.
First LookFederal coal moratorium brings even tougher times for US mine townsThe Obama administration announced a moratorium on coal-leasing on federal lands last week, adding further strain to an industry that is undergoing a possibly irreversible downturn.
