All Environment
- First LookWildflower and lithium mine compete for space in Nevada desert
In Nevada, an Australian mining company’s plans to build a large-scale lithium mine in the U.S. may be uprooted by a rare wildflower. While the mining company insists the mine and the flower can co-exist, environmentalists disagree.
- First LookWhy some cities are wary of bitcoin mining's high energy toll
Environmentalists and local governments are increasingly worried about the high-energy consumption that comes with producing some cryptocurrencies. In one case, a bitcoin “mining” facility was responsible for a third of a Montana county’s electricity usage.
- Cover StoryClimate versus jobs? Not in this heartland state.
Climate action – driven by profitable clean energy – is merging with economic progress, pushing the climate debate toward irrelevance.
- First LookIn bid to cut emissions, Bogotá turns to residents for solutions
As part of an effort to cut climate-changing emissions and pollution, residents in Colombia’s capital city have united to reimagine their transportation system and to shift toward greener travel options.
- Capturing carbon emissions: pragmatic solution or costly distraction?
It’s no substitute for wind or solar power. But justified or not, the idea of capturing smokestack emissions seems to be gaining bipartisan support.
- First Look'Victory for our planet': Royal Dutch Shell must cut emissions
The Hague District Court has ruled Royal Dutch Shell must cut its carbon emissions by 45% by 2030. The landmark case will likely set a global precedent for holding polluting multinational organizations accountable for curbing emissions.
- First LookHow researchers are hunting for the origins of marine debris
Ghost nets litter oceans around the world, but the Hawaiian Islands are an epicenter for the refuse. Now, a team of researchers is taking the first step needed to solve the problem – finding out where the nets are coming from.
- Can freight trucks pull their weight in lowering carbon emissions?
The heavy trucks that haul our freight account for a large share of emissions in transportation. They are going electric – but how fast?
- First LookCarbon storage: A win-win situation for farmers and climate?
Agriculture generates about 10% of United States greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers are using cover crops and other techniques to store some of these emissions while still improving their yields. Proponents hope paying farmers to do so will expand the practice.
- FocusWhy Indonesia’s rice paddy expansion is raising climate concerns
Indonesia’s plan to convert peatland for food crops has raised doubts about sustainability, since past rice conversion projects sparked catastrophic forest fires.
- First LookWhy African rainforests are world's best carbon sponges
Rainforests in Africa absorb greenhouse gases more efficiently than in other parts of the world during long dry periods, a new report says. The study highlights the importance the African rainforests play in mitigating the effects of climate change.
- An oysterman’s new worry: Will state’s coastal plan wash out his business?
Louisiana has lost coastal land equal to the size of Delaware in the past 90 years. Now a wetlands restoration plan is raising its own local concerns.
- FocusRenewable energy in a rare ape’s habitat raises ethical dilemma
A hydropower dam in Indonesia that would help cut carbon emissions threatens a fragile ecosystem. An environmentalist explains why it’s worth it.
- ‘This is a great story’: Whooping cranes make a comeback
Helping people and animals coexist is key to bringing endangered whooping cranes back to healthy numbers. The Gulf Coast is trying to get it right.
- First LookAlberta produces lots of emissions. Can it capture them instead?
Capturing and storing CO2 in the ground – before it’s released into the atmosphere – could be the key to reigning in emissions from Canada’s oil industry. But the processes to do so are complicated, expensive, and not a cure-all.
- Bug-eyed about invading cicadas? They might teach you some life lessons.
Billions of 17-year cicadas are starting to emerge in 15 U.S. states. Humans can approach the experience with annoyance – or perhaps with wonder.
- First LookGOP, Dems, business interests get behind EPA coolant rule
The EPA has proposed to phase out the production of hydrofluorocarbons, the greenhouse gases often used in refrigerators and air conditioners. The move will help not only the environment, but also provides standardized regulations for businesses.
- World’s bankers take climate pledge. Will they follow through?
The world needs an extra $1.6 trillion to $3.8 trillion per year to adapt and respond to climate change – making private sector money vital.
- No new gas stations? One California town’s fight against climate change.
A California town hopes to reduce damage from fossil fuels with a ban on new gas stations. The ban may signal a much larger shift in public thinking.
- First LookHawaiian beach cleanup turns up more than 47 tons of debris
In northern Hawaii, over 47 tons of plastic and fishing nets were gathered in a cleanup of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, the largest protected marine reserve in the U.S. The debris is set to be incinerated and turned into electricity for Oahu.