All Environment
- Points of ProgressSafer skies and seas: Fresh support for disabled travelers and climate-changed oceans
Progress roundup: An international tribunal links ocean health to climate change. In the U.S., new laws address the well-being of disabled travelers.
- First LookThe drones may protect swimmers from sharks. But angry bird parents attack the drones.
New York City’s new drone initiative to monitor swimmers and sharks at the beach has faced persistent attacks from birds defending their nests, forcing pilots to ground the patrolling devices.
- Ithaca, New York, set ‘totally crazy’ climate goals. Here’s what happened next.
Ithaca, New York, launched a Green New Deal five years ago. The city’s journey shows the promise and pitfalls of municipal action on climate change.
- Points of ProgressThe pleasure of whale songs, and more playgrounds for all
Progress roundup: More whale sounds in the Southern Ocean may indicate species recovery. Playgrounds designed for all ages spread the pleasure.
- As wildfire season looms, these residents aren’t waiting for government help
After a record 2023 wildfire season, Canadian officials say they are better prepared to protect communities this year. Residents aren’t so sure.
- How bird illustrators help science soar
A popular science illustration fellowship for bird artists aims to highlight the benefits of deep observation in a digital age.
- Hurricanes have been strengthening – like Beryl. Some scientists propose a Category 6.
Hurricane Beryl's path heads near Jamaica after reaching Category 5 earlier than any storm on record. Does the hurricane scale need an overhaul?
- Meet the coast’s living fossils. Horseshoe crab gets an image boost from artists.
The horseshoe crab has been misunderstood by beachgoers for decades. Artists are part of a new preservation effort, helping people to see the prehistoric creature in a new light.
- First LookWhat’s worse for the climate than planes? Last year, it was Canada’s wildfires.
Researchers estimated that last year’s Canadian wildfires put 3.28 billion tons of heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the air, nearly four times the carbon emissions as airplanes.
- First LookWhen the levees breached this week, it was landlocked Midwesterners who got flooded
After days of heavy rains in the Midwest, damage from the floodwater is extensive. Levees breached along the Big Sioux River and the Little Sioux River have triggered evacuations across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
- First LookFlooding forces people from homes in parts of Iowa, while east coast heat wave holds
After weeks of rain, floodwaters forced people out of their homes in parts of Iowa. Meanwhile, roughly 100 million people around the United States are under heat warnings or advisories.
- Hawaii reaches pathbreaking climate settlement with children
Youth-led lawsuits over climate change are rising around the world. A case in Hawaii stands out, as the state agrees to a settlement with plaintiffs.
- First LookExtreme heat threatens 2 million hajj pilgrims. Scientists warn it will only get worse.
Temperatures over 124 degrees Fahrenheit have resulted in a death toll of at least 562 people so far during this year’s hajj pilgrimage. Climate scientists say extreme heat will only increase in severity with each coming year.
- Points of ProgressFrom museums to monasteries, saving art amid climate change
Progress roundup: Museums use less air-conditioning, monasteries are being cared for by local conservators, and the “Yosemite of South America” is sold to conservationists.
- This Namibian park has skyscraper-high dunes and a spectacular view of dawn
A trusty guide in love with the smallest of beings draws attention away from the impossibly high mounds of sand in the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
- Where the wildflowers grow ... in a Ukrainian war zone
When a Ukrainian dam blew up a year ago, floods destroyed homes and farmland across swathes of the south. But nature is reclaiming its rights.
- First LookCopper manufacturers step up recycling game by tapping the ‘urban mine’
Wire manufacturer Nexans is mixing increasing amounts of discarded copper into its products in an effort to meet the rising demand for the metal, which is expected to nearly double by 2035. The company’s copper rods now contain 14% recycled copper.
- The ExplainerHow rising sea temperatures are affecting Earth’s climate
Oceans help keep temperatures on Earth balanced. Yet rising temperatures are affecting their ability to serve as a heat buffer.
- A climate scientist questioned his findings. It didn’t go well.
Despite a wide consensus about climate change, many people remain skeptical. Can climate scientists earn back the public’s trust?
- First LookElectric vehicles are the key to a greener future. So why aren’t Americans buying in?
As the EPA pushes for electric vehicles, a new AP-NORC poll reveals Americans’ hesitancy to ditch gasoline. Many Americans surveyed cite price as a deterrent for purchasing an EV, and others worry about a lack of charging infrastructure in rural areas.