All Environment
Helping bays become ‘a better spot’ for oysters – and farmersA partnership between conservationists and oyster farmers is expanding after a promising start.
First LookStunned Libya reels from flash flood, with 10,000 reportedly missingMediterranean storm Daniel caused floodwaters to rise and break through dams in Libya’s eastern city of Derna, smashing through the city, and washing away entire neighborhoods. An estimated 700 people have been killed and 10,000 are reported missing.
For community built atop former landfill, a long wait for justiceThe Gordon Plaza community in New Orleans, built on a former landfill, symbolizes how the legal “burden of proof” is often stacked against people harmed by pollution.
Points of ProgressSignaling what matters: Indigenous representation, free school lunchProgress roundup: Brazil’s census finds more Indigenous people with new counting methods. And Africa’s largest school meals program aims to fight hunger.
First LookBiden cancels remaining Alaska fossil fuel leases amid criticismThe remaining seven oil and gas leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge have been canceled. The move comes after the Biden administration drew criticism from environmental groups when it approved the Willow oil project in the petroleum reserve.
In Pictures: Making a living on the world’s largest desert lakeMaking a living has become increasingly difficult around Kenya’s Lake Turkana. Adapting and sharing, these pastoralists hold on.
Sea ice is shrinking. These maps show by how muchHeat waves this summer from the U.S. to Europe and Asia have caught the world’s attention. But it’s also been unseasonably warm in the Antarctic winter – with visible effects.
First LookGlobal thermometer soars: Summer 2023 sets unprecedented recordsAugust 2023 has been by far the hottest month measured by scientists since the invention of modern equipment – it’s the second hottest month after July 2023, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
Points of ProgressHotlines, foreign policy, and monkeys: Where empathy drives progressProgress roundup: Chile makes gender a part of its foreign policy, and scientists in China are using butterfly-inspired nanofilms to cool objects.
Letter from Moab, Utah: Where Colorado River is musical museThe Colorado River is often viewed as a place of crisis. One Utah festival showcases the artistic creativity the river can inspire.
Hurricane Idalia tests resilience of Florida’s Nature CoastThe coastal village of Cedar Key has an “Old Florida” identity. Now it adapts to new risks as hurricane season combines with rising sea levels.
Points of ProgressSolar panels get a reputation boost, and a green container ship sailsProgress roundup: A cargo ship runs on biomethanol, and solar power lowers demand on a grid, allowing the third-largest power plant in New England to be safely retired.
First LookHurricane Idalia reaches Florida's west coast as Cat 3 stormHurricane Idalia came ashore early Wednesday in the lightly populated Big Bend, Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a morning news conference, “This thing’s powerful. If you’re inside, just hunker down until it gets past you.”
First LookGreece wildfire: EU firefighters join forces to battle historic blazeA fleet of water-dropping aircraft and hundreds of firefighters from across the European Union are working to control a massive wildfire in northeastern Greece for the 11th day. Arson is suspected for a number of the 74 blazes being battled on Monday.
A sinking community turns to oyster shells – and a tax – for safetyAs hurricanes, human engineering, and climate change threaten to wash their land away, residents of coastal Louisiana have rallied their own money and labor to build resilience.
First LookIs Florida prepared for Hurricane Idalia? Tropical storm picks up steam.The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Idalia is intensifying and expected to become a major hurricane before it reaches Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday. Idalia would be the first storm to hit Florida this hurricane season.
First LookCan drones stop wildfires? Some Greek residents are banking on yes.Residents in a leafy suburb of the Greek capital have pooled funds this summer to prevent deadly wildfires from reaching their homes. They have hired a company using long-range drones with thermal-imaging cameras to create an early warning system.
Points of ProgressThe power of mending, from African ecosystems to self-repairing metalsIn our roundup of progress worldwide, researchers discover metals that repair themselves, and vultures help scientists protect big cats in Africa.
The ExplainerTropical Storm Hilary: Preparation pays off for CaliforniaCalifornia’s familiarity with disaster preparation helped ease the impact of rare Tropical Storm Hilary.
Points of ProgressKnowledge sharers: Guatemalan farms, tech firms mapping illegal fishingProgress roundup: In Guatemala, farmers go to school to teach each other. And tech firms are cooperating on open-source maps to spot illegal fishing.
