All Environment
- First LookLeak stopped, but major oil spill closes Southern California beaches
One of the largest oil spills in recent Southern California history fouled Huntington Beach and other popular beaches. The leak came from an offshore pipeline.
- First LookClimate summit can yield ‘enormous progress’ says US envoy
In run-up to U.N. climate change talks, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry offers hope, while underscoring urgent need for nations to lower carbon emissions.
- First LookWhy climate change makes fall foliage harder to spot
A warmer climate can also brings invasive pests, the spread of new tree species, and diseases – all factors that could make for less vibrant fall colors in the U.S., scientists say. Fewer colorful leaves could also affect the economy of states that depend on fall tourism.
- With South’s ecosystems at risk, a rally around the longleaf pine
An effort to save once-ubiquitous longleaf pines shows a shift toward valuing forest biodiversity in Louisiana and beyond.
- First LookIvory-billed woodpecker falls silent, as 23 species go extinct
The U.S. government declared 23 species extinct Wednesday, including the ivory-billed woodpecker, ending searches for their existence. The factors behind the disappearances vary, but in each case, humans were the ultimate cause of their decline.
- FocusRural New Mexicans meet drought with culture of water sharing
Irrigation ditches called acequias have long supported communities in New Mexico where water is a scarce communal resource. Drought poses new challenges.
- In Pictures: Inside the quest to save the northern white rhino
Scientists in Kenya hope to bring the northern white rhinos back from the brink of extinction through in vitro fertilization and surrogate rhino mothers.
- Carbon offsets are growing fast, but climate benefits remain murky
Whether for a company or a person, a zero-emission lifestyle is hard to achieve. That’s why a market for “offsets” is surging – and controversial.
- First LookFridges and air conditioners must get greener, EPA rules
To combat climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency is limiting production and use of hydrofluorocarbons by 85% over the next 15 years. Often used in refrigerators and air conditioners, HFCs are thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide.
- First LookChina, US present big climate goals to UN. Will it be enough?
On Tuesday, China and the U.S. addressed the United Nations with news of each country’s climate goals. Xi Jinping committed to stop funding coal plants internationally, and Joe Biden plans to double climate aid for poorer nations to $11.4 billion by 2024.
- In Pictures: Where elephants help make paper
In Sri Lanka, a papermaker who incorporates elephant dung into his products shows that even wild ideas can pay off.
- First LookFight fire with fire? How it could save California's sequoias.
Controlled burning to prevent the spread of wildfires is being put to the test in California. A signature grove of trees in California’s Sequoia National Park are under threat. Here’s how firefighters are trying to save them.
- First LookGas fermentation turns carbon into 'upcycled' perfume, clothes
Through a process called “gas fermentation,” recycled carbon is being used to make everyday household products. The captured carbon replaces pollutant-heavy fossil fuels, creating “green chemicals,” which are turned into plastics, fabrics, and more.
- A lesson from Hurricane Ida that is changing the world
Hurricane Ida was a monster storm. But New Orleans learned lessons from Hurricane Katrina and made itself more resilient. The world should take note.
- Beyond sand castles: Sculptors create dunes to save America’s shoreline
Can a sand sculpture save a beach? As coastal communities confront shoreline erosion, building new dunes is one option in a dawning era of constant adaptation.
- First LookSevere climate could displace 200 million by 2050, report finds
Urgent action to reduce global emissions and bridge development gaps is needed to avert a mass population displacement, says a new World Bank climate change report. Water scarcity, poor crop production, and rising sea levels could lead to 200 million “climate migrants.”
- First LookEco-conscious Glasgow looks to rivers and air to heat cold homes
Glasgow, Scotland residents are attempting to embrace clean energy at home – primarily by using air-source and water-source heat. This is one of many initiatives designed to help Glasgow reach its pledge of net-zero emissions by 2030.
- Amid permafrost and tundra, Russians forge their own environmentalism
Promoting ecological practices is not easy in the Russian Arctic. But locals are finding ways to change how the public interacts with the environment.
- Lead-tainted water: What Newark can teach US about investing in safety
Newark, New Jersey, is rapidly replacing lead water pipes. So is Bennington, Vermont. They symbolize hope on a long-standing public health concern.
- On Menorca, locals push sustainable tourism to save a critical species
The island of Menorca, in Spain, is a rare success in sustainable tourism. But the threat to Posidonia seagrass shows there is still work to be done.