All Environment
First LookTowns prepare for major economic loss as nuclear plants shutdownFaced with high refurbishing costs and low natural gas prices, nuclear plants around the country are poised to shut down over the next few years. This spells thousands of lost jobs and budget cuts for towns that financially rely on the plants.
Can offshore wind and commercial fishing coexist?New industries have a way of edging out old ones. As a fledgling offshore wind industry surges to life off New England's coast, fishermen and developers are searching for ways to share the sea.
First LookGrizzly hunting season on hold as judge considers federal protectionsThe US Fish and Wildlife Service recently lifted its protections for grizzly bears, allowing a hunting season to be scheduled for Sept. 1, 2018. But a federal judge has temporarily blocked the hunting season while he considers lawsuits from environmental activism groups.
At Asia's heart, Lake Baikal stirs Russians to protect natureEnvironmental protections are often reactive, coming only after pristine areas have succumbed to pollution and degradation. But on Siberia's Lake Baikal, care for nature has always been a way of life. Fifth in a five-part series.
First LookPipe dream or reality? Mexico looks to harness waves for green energyAn Israeli-Mexican joint venture could soon be running Mexico's first wave energy plant. Using the ocean as a renewable energy source has long lagged behind other renewable rivals like solar and wind.
From pier to the Capitol, red tide divides – and unites – FloridiansThe environment and the economy are often pitted against each other in a zero-sum game. But, as Floridians dealing with an epic red tide are experiencing, environmental problems can exact an economic toll.
First LookFrance's environment minister abruptly resignsNicolas Hulot surprised the nation Tuesday by announcing he is stepping down, saying France is not doing enough to address environmental issues. He hopes his resignation will galvanize politicians and the public toward action on green issues.
Close encounters: Are these gators lost – or just learning to get along?Surprise alligator sightings on South Carolina’s saltwater beaches are challenging residents’ and researchers’ notions of where these fearsome predators belong.
First LookKroger sacks single-use plastic bagsThe nation's largest grocery chain hopes to end the use of plastic bags in its stores by 2025. Americans generate more than 4 million tons of plastic bags, sacks, and wraps waste each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
First LookThis Swedish city may be a model for cutting emissions while maintaining growthThe Swedish city of Vaxjo has done what some say is impossible: cut emissions and continue to grow economically. The city plans to eliminate carbon emissions from fossil fuels by 2030, far ahead of the timetable set by almost 200 nations in the Paris climate agreement.
In Washington, fighting fire with fire preventionCalifornia communities seeking to limit wildfire destruction could look north to Washington, where one county is applying lessons from blazes in 2015 to reshape its land use policies.
First LookTrump plan rolls back Obama-era coal regulationsThe plan gives state authority to determine how to regulate coal power plants, with the Environmental Protection Agency calling the previous administration's regulations "overly prescriptive and burdensome." Opponents say the move will increase the nation's climate-changing emissions.
Can dogfish save Cape Cod fisheries?Overfishing and climate change are robbing Cape Cod of its namesake fish. Ever adaptable, fishermen are shifting sights to the dogfish. But Americans aren’t quite ready to bite just yet.
First LookTrump admin pledges to work with local officials on wildfire preventionAs wildfires continue to rage on through the summer, the Forest Service and other agencies will ramp up prevention projects. California and other states are dealing with longer wildfire seasons due to drought, warmer weather due to climate change, and homes built deeper into the forest.
Can tourist meccas beat the heat?A heat wave in Europe this summer has given vacationers pause for thought about whether they want to broil while traveling. How can the world's tourist destinations stay attractive in the face of global warming?
Amid fires and hurricanes, price of climate change begins to hit homeClimate change, which many skeptics argue is more bark than bite, is starting to demonstrate an impact on economies – and perceptions.
First LookIn with the old, out with the new: 'deconstruction' trend growsInstead of building entirely new structures or completely demolishing old ones, companies are turning to deconstruction – taking apart blighted buildings and reusing or recycling salvegeable materials.
First LookMiami street's radical sea level rise plan could be blueprint for cityA small group of neighbors who own some of the city's most valuable waterfront homes have put together a proposal for how to prevent flooding, ranging from mini sewage treatment plants to building an artificial island to clean pumped water.
Monsters no more? Cape Cod sharks get a makeoverStereotypes can be difficult to live down – even when it comes to marine life. In Chatham, Mass., educators are working to help residents and vacationers shed their misconceptions about sharks.
First LookVolunteers increasingly essential in US disaster responseThe federal Community Emergency Response Teams program enlists thousands of civilians to ease the pressure on professionals during the chaos of an earthquake, a wildfire, a flood, or a blizzard.
