All Environment
Tropical Storm Debby tests severe-weather readinessTropical Storm Debby is an example of how, as storms and extreme weather events become more frequent, towns and residents are trying to adapt.
Points of ProgressWhere texts and lots of photos are critical data for farmers and residentsProgress roundup: Southern California addresses industrial boilers as source of pollution; chocolate gets a makeover using more of the cacao pod.
Staying alive: Why Californians are escaping nation’s biggest wildfireNorthern California’s Park Fire, like others burning across the country, is forcing thousands to evacuate, testing survival and management skills.
The ExplainerYou put stuff out for recycling. What happens next might surprise you.Differing standards and industry practices for curbside recycling programs can confuse consumers. We sort out some questions about recycling in the U.S.
Giant California fire fits a pattern: Rising risks, human causesAs California’s Park Fire continues to burn and prompt evacuations, the state is wrestling to control it, with rising costs and growing humility.
Can that gas be remoooved? The quest for climate-friendly cows.Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases. Researchers are trying to lower methane emissions from cows by studying the effects of what they eat.
First LookPaw-sitive safety measures to protect family pets during summer heatAs summer temperatures rise, it’s not just humans who need to be careful. Furry family members must also be protected. Here are tips to keep pets safe and cool.
First LookWildfires blaze across Western US and Canada. How big are they?Wildfire season is underway across Canada and the Western U.S. states with nearly 80 fires burning. Jasper National Park in Canada evacuated its 5,000 residents and 20,000 park visitors.
First LookPaul Watson goes to extreme lengths to protect whales. Japan says he belongs in jail.Paul Watson, known for his aggressive anti-whaling activism, has been arrested on a warrant from Japan. He could face 15 years in prison.
First LookNew Jersey got the brunt of Superstorm Sandy. A superfund could prepare for the next one.To protect from future big storms on par with Superstorm Sandy, a new initiative in New Jersey recommends implementing a 2% surcharge on property insurance policies and mandatory fees on the oil and gas industries.
Points of ProgressSafer skies and seas: Fresh support for disabled travelers and climate-changed oceansProgress 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 allProgress 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 helpAfter 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 soarA 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 floodedAfter 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.
