All Environment
First LookHawaii volcano spews out lava ... and information for scientistsHawaii’s Kilauea volcano is providing scientists with new insights on how volcanoes work and the patterns they follow. Scientists are now predicting volcanic activity, especially eruptions, more accurately, which will help nearby residences evacuate to safety earlier.
Rethinking disposable straws – for the sake of the oceansA movement to ban single-use plastic straws and bags is gaining momentum around the world.
First LookBoston hosts international mayors to address threats of rising sea levelsThe International Mayors Climate Summit, being held at Boston University, is where officials will meet to discuss how their cities will adapt to climate change. Boston is working to develop new policies and structures that can stand sturdy against a changing environment.
Transforming air pollution into talk-provoking artBy using exhaust to make ink, Graviky Labs hopes to spur conversation about air pollution.
Cover StoryHow a global crusade is working to save the improbable reef of CartagenaA coral reef is thriving mysteriously beneath a busy shipping zone in Colombia. The secrets of its resilience could help protect other vulnerable reefs, scientists say.
First LookIn India, citizens are working together to reduce wasteOn the eve of the United Nations World Environment Day, which is being hosted by India this year, citizens are addressing their country's garbage problem. Many are coming together to cut down on plastic – from simply recycling waste for a profit, to engineering biodegradable bowls from palm leaves.
First LookChina clears Everest of 9.4 tons of wasteIn China a team of 30 people has managed to clear Mount Everest of 9.4 tons of waste since April. The amount of waste has continued to grow with an increasing number of visitors to the world's tallest mountain even as warmer temperatures reveal decades of frozen garbage.
First LookCalifornia to spend $768 million toward cleaning up carbon emissionIn order to reach its goal of 5 million zero-emission cars by 2030 the state of California, along with multiple energy corporations, will spend a combined total of $786 million toward sustainable energy for transportation.
FocusAmid drought in Texas Panhandle, farmers scratch crops from dustExtensive drought has forced farmers in the Texas Panhandle to rely more heavily on water drawn from the Ogallala Aquifer, raising concerns that they may be mortgaging their grandchildren's futures.
Wanted: Innovative farmers to help slow algal bloom on Lake ErieSummer algal blooms have clouded Lake Erie for at least 15 years, hurting the local economy and raising public health concerns. In hopes of saving their beloved lake, some farmers are beginning to embrace some radical ideas.
First LookCosta Rica's coast struggles to survive against rising seasAs rising seas threaten parts of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, many worry that visitors who generate numerous jobs in the area could go elsewhere. Young trees like coconut palms are being planted to create a barrier and halt erosion.
From peak CO2 to record-low sea ice: making sense of climate newsIn recent weeks, Earth has passed a series of “critical” climate milestones. How do readers know which headlines to pay attention to?
Is ditching fossil fuels entirely a reasonable goal?California and New York are leading the nation in a transition to cleaner energy. But even these states are finding it’s a lot easier to get to a 50 percent reduction in emissions than get to complete “decarbonization.”
First LookBritish chefs cook up food waste solutionsIn Britain, chefs have started concept restaurants, soup kitchens, and social enterprises turning waste into meals. With no national food waste program, nonprofits have been taken the lead to redistribute food and change the way people think about kitchen scraps.
FocusWarming waters hurt Zanzibar's seaweed. But women farmers have a plan.Climate change is threatening Zanzibar's seaweed industry, and the gains that it has given farmers, who are mostly women: not just income, but newfound authority. Now they're fighting back, collaborating with researchers to protect their crops.
First LookAlgeria invests in desert fish farming to boost food productionThe nation hopes to feed its growing population and diversify its oil-based economy by tapping the huge aquifers beneath the Sahara to develop fish farms. Its goal: double annual fish production by 2022.
Cover StoryPolar power play: Who will prevail at the rooftop of the world?The world’s superpowers rush to exploit the Arctic as the sea ice melts.
First LookGlobal sailing race spotlights plastic pollution in oceansThe Volvo Ocean Race spans 12 ports and 45,000 miles and for the seven competing crews, it provides direct insight into the state of pollution in the oceans. For both the sailors and spectators, the competition has become a rallying cry for sustainability.
First LookFog catchers turn mist into water in the Moroccan mountainsWith groundwater levels dropping, collecting water is a tedious and dangerous chore for many rural Moroccan women. But the world's largest fog collection project, headed by a mathematician, is seeing success and could offer a roadmap for other drought-stricken regions.
First LookAs climate change worsens, East African beekeepers struggle with harvestBeekeeping has been recognized as an alternative way for farmers to make money as climate change brings harsher weather and unpredictable growing seasons. However, even honey yields are down as parched trees offer little nectar during droughts.
