All Environment
- First LookCaribbean islands rev up for electric car revolution
Given the high costs of imported fuel for energy, several Caribbean islands are considering increasing the number of electric vehicles on their roads. But they face several barriers, including high initial costs and stiff import tariffs on vehicles.
- ESA shakeups: Does protecting species have to be a zero-sum game?
Proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act rocked the conservation world last week. At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental issue: how to balance the needs of people and nature.
- First LookAmerican West rounds up wild horses threatened by drought
Harsh drought conditions have left vegetation and water scarce in the American West. Federal land managers have begun emergency roundups, while volunteers haul water and food to remote grazing grounds.
- First LookSan Francisco considers outlawing small, one-use plastic items
The environmentally focused California city is proposing a ban on plastic items such as straws, stirrers, and fluorinated takeout containers by 2020. But opponents claim the ban would be discriminatory toward people with disabilities.
- First LookAmid Bali trash crisis, local heroes fight to keep island clean
As tourism rapidly increases in Bali, garbage collection services and infrastructure have failed to keep up. But citizens are making efforts with initiatives like self-funded apps, green camps for children, and volunteer cleanups, to counter the growing trash problem.
- First LookMalawi turns to solar irrigation to counter harsh droughts
With frequent droughts threatening the future of Malawi's farming industry, local farmers in the country's Zomba district have created sustainable solutions: solar-powered pumps and water storage dams.
- US West learns to live with heightened threat of wildfire
An early wildfire season in the American West comes at a time when more people are building near fire-prone wildlands. These new realities have forced communities to rethink the way they prepare for wildfire.
- From tree spotters to beach brigades: a golden age of citizen science
The push to find productive outlets for political dissatisfaction has spread to the environmentally inclined. Frustrated by the politicization of environmental policy, citizen scientists are taking action.
- First LookIn global warming fight, new tactics to make cows burp less
Scientists around the world are making strides in reducing methane emissions from belching livestock by developing probiotic supplements, breeding animals that emit less, and planting trees in pastures to absorb greenhouse gasses.
- From new leadership to Clean Power Plan, subtle shifts ripple through EPA
Tumult in the administrator's seat of the EPA has dominated recent headlines. But under the surface, modest shifts in tone and tactics could eventually pave the way for more constructive conversation about climate policy.
- First LookPollution regulations decrease acid rain, spur red spruce rebound
Since the 1960s Clean Air Act, and its reinforcement in the 1990s, air toxins that trigger acid rain have been reduced, resulting in positive ecological effects. Now, Northeast forests once scarred by acid rain are mostly green, with red spruce trees thriving.
- First LookScientists brave dangers studying active Hawaii volcano
Scientists have been in the field measuring Kilauea volcano's eruptions 24 hours a day, seven days a week since it first exploded two months ago, trying to discover warning signs for future eruptions.
- Group effort rules the roost in Wyoming, then Washington intervenes
The tale of Wyoming’s greater sage-grouse is a rare one of collaboration between conservation and energy interests. A recent push from the US Interior Department threatens to upset that delicate balance.
- 'E-waste': Getting grip on a growing global problem
The consumer push to own the latest electronic device has left an ever-growing wake of electronic waste. Country after country is passing legislation to regulate “e-waste” in order to protect their environments.
- First LookKenyan farmers swap coffee for avocados to tap into global boom
While a harsh drought has hindered progress for coffee farmers in Kenya and their thirsty crops, many farmers have switched to the avocado business – a crop that's proving to provide better earnings with less maintenance and resources.
- First LookAndrew Wheeler to head EPA after Pruitt resignation
President Trump's approval of Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, as the Environmental Protection Agency's new chief to replace Scott Pruitt has renewed partisan debate about climate change and the environment.
- Closing the loop on plastic recycling?
Conventional plastics recycling is really just “downcycling” that is, reusing the material in ever-lower-quality products before ultimately sending it to the landfill. But scientists inspired by nature are developing ways to remake plastic from the ground up, with almost no waste.
- First LookCarbon fee measure poised for Washington State ballot
A November ballot initiative is being proposed in Washington State that would require fossil fuel companies to pay carbon fees for their emissions. Supporters say it increases accountability for the companies, opposers say it will increase gas and oil prices.
- First LookIn sustainability search, Kenya studies the unknown depths of its aquifers
For the past two years, researchers have been studying Kenya's underground water resource system with the ultimate aim of determining sustainable water practices in a country struggling to meet water demand.
- First LookArizona commits to producing drought plan for Colorado River
The Colorado River is predicted to suffer water shortages in the coming years that could affect 40 million people. That's why Arizona is working to develop a conservation plan for the river network by the end of the year.