All Environment
Is climate change causing extreme weather? The science is complicated.Extreme weather and climate change are often linked, but scientists are still learning about their connections. That impacts decisions in a wide array of fields.
FocusHow a gas company and environmentalists united on a first-of-its-kind geothermal projectThe largest gas utility company in Massachusetts partnered with environmental activists to create the country’s first pilot program in which a major utility delivers geothermal energy.
Points of ProgressIn sports and the arts, making room for mental health and disabilitiesProgress roundup: Fans are recognizing that athletes have mental health needs. And in formal venues, rules soften so more people can enjoy the arts.
Points of ProgressSenior housing that doesn’t isolate, and how community lifts Mexican women farmersProgress roundup: Community benefits for senior living, and the Mexican women farmers reviving the Indigenous practice of working for the group.
Points of ProgressFrom Illinois to Sierra Leone, laws on child labor and child marriageProgress roundup: Social media family vlogs must set aside pay for children in Illinois. And child marriage is outlawed in Sierra Leone.
Cover StoryTo hug or to cut? A new generation of foresters says do both.Cutting timber the right way can actually make forests more dynamic, says a new generation of foresters who focus on ecology and climate change.
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.
