All Environment
Do not disturb: In India, traditions and science protect sacred forestsPatches of virgin forest were long protected by worshippers of deities believed to live there. Scientists are cataloging the ways they’re important.
First LookTo fight CO2 emissions, cities stake out their own solutionsIncreasingly, cities are tackling climate change with their own initiatives. While sometimes constrained by national policies, cities are also responsible for a disproportionate amount of carbon dioxide emissions, says a new report.
Why the Pentagon is serious about reducing its carbon footprintClimate change challenges the U.S. military around the world, but it’s environmental damage at home that’s led the DOD to reduce its carbon footprint.
First LookHow sea-level rise could affect Pacific nations' fishing rightsPacific nations composed of far-flung islands are in a race against rising sea levels to thoroughly map their habitable territory. The hope is to lock in exclusive economic and fishing rights before islands are submerged.
First LookBiden gives Massachusetts Vineyard Wind project new breezeA large wind farm project off the coast of Massachusetts, Vineyard Wind, had been at a standstill for years. It could now be approved as soon as next month as part of President Joe Biden’s plan to double offshore wind production by 2030.
The ExplainerZoom isn’t carbon-free. The climate costs of staying home.We may be stuck at home, but at least we’re living green lifestyles, right? Actually, an hour of video chat can create up to a pound of CO2 emissions.
For this community, trees bring more than shade. They represent justice.In Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, residents banded together to oppose a road project that would cut down cherished trees.
First LookWhy wasn’t Texas’ power grid prepared for cold weather?The power failures in Texas can be seen as a result of a perfect storm of multiple things going awry at once. On the other hand, the state has for years largely resisted regulations and changes that could insulate its power grid from extreme temperature fluctuations.
First LookWhy is it so cold? Also, why is it so warm? Scientists explain.Record subzero temperatures and deep freezes in Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico cut millions of people off the power grid on Tuesday. But places like Greenland and Norway are seeing warm weather. Scientists shine light on what the polar vortex has to do with it all.
First LookFighting climate change in America means changes to AmericaProgress toward a midcentury net-zero carbon goal will require Americans to make some lifestyle changes but won't dramatically alter day-to-day life.
Lenka Novak: Learning to never introduce yourself as a climate modelerMeet Lenka Novak. She’s part of an elite team of scientists hoping to put climate prediction in the palm of your hand.
Gavin Schmidt: The problem with climate models? People.Meet Gavin Schmidt. He's part of an elite team of scientists hoping to put climate prediction in the palm of your hand.
Cover StoryMeet the team shaking up climate modelsAn elite team of scientists is devising a model that may put climate prediction in the palm of your hand.
Tapio Schneider: Climate science meets the ‘physics of everyday life’Meet Tapio Schneider. He's part of an elite team of scientists hoping to put climate prediction in the palm of your hand.
First LookAmid many losses in 2020, a win for electric carsCOVID-19 has pushed some conversations about climate change to the wayside, but progress continues in the field of electric vehicles. In the European Union, new incentives and stricter regulations on carbon emissions have spurred growth in electric car sales.
How 60,000 discarded flip-flops ended up on a remote islandThe Aldabra atoll may be uninhabited, but its beaches are covered with trash. Fishing gear and plastic litter are the biggest problems.
First LookAs mountains give way to border wall, where does wildlife go?As work crews rush to build more of President Donald Trump’s border wall before his term ends next month, conservationists fear the environmental damage could be irreversible as the construction upends wildlife habitats.
First LookElectric cars are on the rise in cities. Can power grids cope?As electric vehicle sales rise across Europe, more charging stations are needed. Power grids are trying to meet increasing energy demands as they keep pace with government carbon reduction targets. How Sweden is preparing for the switch.
Can the world outdo the Paris accord? Climate summit dreams big.At Saturday’s virtual Climate Ambition Summit, nations around the world shared plans to close the climate ambition gap.
First LookEverest got a little taller, but its height is not set in stoneMount Everest officially grew after China and Nepal, navigating science and diplomacy, agreed on a new height. Measuring mountains, however, is a tricky business, given the earth’s constant geological changes.
