All Environment
To protect legacy and livelihoods, ranchers battle droughtRanchers drill for water and downsize while waiting for rain. Droughts across the West and Midwest prompt more well-drilling and cattle sales.
First LookDuty or dirty deal? States put cost of package waste on companies.New initiatives requiring producers to pay for the recycling of their packaging are gaining traction across the United States. Proponents say the bills will discourage excessive packaging and improve recycling, but critics worry about the rising costs of doing business.
First LookUS firefighters turn to AI to battle the blazesAs wildfires continue to burn across the Western United States, firefighters are using data analytics to aid in fighting the flames. Statistical models predict how fires spread, which helps make sure firefighters are deployed to where they are most needed.
Sewage equity? In Alabama, trust is as important as pipes.Some in low-income, rural areas have sewage flowing into their yards – evidence of infrastructure inequities. An Alabama program may have a solution.
First LookHazy skies blanket East Coast as wildfire smoke blows from WestWith wildfires continuing to rage in the American West, strong winds have blown smoke and ash all across the United States, obscuring the skies more than 2,500 miles away in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Cover StoryFlorida brought back its panthers. Can people live with them?The big cats’ revival in Florida is a conservation success story. But can they coexist with Florida’s booming population?
First Flint, then Jackson. Is America ready to fix its water supply?A water system failure in Jackson, Mississippi, is a sign of wider challenges – with what you could call the basic plumbing of society.
First LookPlanned fires reduced damage of Oregon wildfire, analysis showsYears of forest management have made Oregon’s massive Bootleg wildfire more manageable, an evaluation suggests. The findings point to the benefits of planned fires – allowing some naturally occurring fires to clear out plants that fuel wildfires, instead of putting them out.
First LookSeas are rising. Will California's 'managed retreat' ease fears?As rising seas encroach upon coastal communities in California, cities are preparing to buy up vulnerable property and encourage residents to move inland in a “managed retreat.” It’s one of the state’s many initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change.
First Look'Unprecedented' Europe floods fuel urgent calls to cut emissionsExtreme weather events, such as the deadly floods in Europe, are likely to be more common, scientists say, stressing the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions and make cities and infrastructure more resilient to climate change.
First LookA summer like fall: Major US wildfires torch Western forestsThe destructive Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon grew on Sunday to more than 476 square miles, an area about the size of Los Angeles.
First LookGOP group aims to educate fellow Republicans on climate changeNot all conservatives deny global warming is a serious threat. Through an ad campaign that targets Republican voters and a Conservative Climate Caucus, some lawmakers are using carefully crafted messages to change minds about the environment.
First LookMexico lifts boat ban. Will endangered porpoises survive?The Mexican government has lifted a boat ban in an area where endangered porpoises swim, switching to a 60-boat tolerance policy. Conservationists say the move leaves the marine mammals, of which about 10 remain, vulnerable to fishing nets.
FocusHow a river town relocated, with climate lessons for todayNow perched 400 feet higher than in 1993, the Illinois town of Valmeyer is a model of perseverance – but with cautionary lessons for our times.
First LookHow Audubon societies are grappling with a racist pastAudubon societies across the United States are reckoning with the racist views of their society’s name sake, John James Audubon. Many environmental groups are working to become more inclusive and improve diversity among their staffs.
First LookSecond bout of high temperatures triggers Western wildfiresAlthough scientists say wildfires brought by a climate change-fueled megadrought continue to rage across the U.S. West, there is hope that the worst is already over as fire agencies report new progress in controlling the flames.
First LookTrash talk: Are waste-to-energy plants a sustainable solution?An increase in residential garbage production over the past year is sparking debate about the merits of waste-to-energy plants. Some say burning trash carries environmental and health risks, while others consider it a viable alternative to landfill disposal.
First LookThe Great Salt Lake is drying. Here's why that matters.One of the largest natural lakes in the U.S. is set to hit a 170-year low this year, and drought will only make matters worse. As the Great Salt Lake shrivels, it's taking a toll on local wildlife, businesses, and air quality.
‘Creation care’: How churches aim to save a warming planetIn Canada, a “wild church” movement symbolizes growing urgency around climate change. In the U.S., too, many faith communities embrace the issue.
Letter from a heat-parched West: How times and temps have changedBefore summer even officially started, new temperature records were baked into the books in places like Salt Lake City and Sacramento, California.
