All Environment
- First LookGraphs and numbers make way for human stories on climate change
United Nations experts are urging scientists to use human stories to help the public identify with climate change. If people are unaware of the benefits of switching to a greener lifestyle, experts fear scientists' warnings will fall on deaf ears.
- The ExplainerNatural disasters: 2017 costliest year
Some communities are taking key steps to mitigate the effects of future events.
- In Golden State's solar boom, a tale of 'two Californias'
California has been a leader in embracing solar power, but the benefits are going disproportionately to wealthy homeowners, say critics.
- How a Costa Rica coffee collective went carbon neutral
The world's first carbon-neutral coffee producer spills the beans on creating a zero-emissions cup of joe.
- The Oklahoma leak busters
America’s drinking water systems got a D+ on a recent report card, in part because of massive water loss to leaks. Grady County, Okla., offers a model for turning that around.
- First LookFormer protected land in Utah opens to industrial development, but no one is showing up to drill
Land that President Trump cut from Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments are now open for oil, gas, uranium, and coal development. However, unfavorable market trends in the energy industry have resulted in a tepid response.
- A new push to deregulate America's oceans and backcountry
Recent decisions at the Interior and Commerce departments are opening the doors for more commercial exploitation of US fisheries and land resources. Advocates say the changes finally allow local voices to be heard. Critics say science is being ignored in favor of industry.
- First LookStates team up to fortify Great Lakes against invasive carp
A coalition of several states and one Canadian province have introduced an initiative designed to block the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. Funding from this partnership would bolster the defenses in Chicago waterways, which border the lakes.
- First LookDrought-stricken Cape Town joins urban water project
Five cities this year will work with an engineering firm to map and understand the resilience of their water systems, developing tools for all urban areas to use to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from water crises.
- First LookRobots could help retain toxic spills inside old mines
Robots may one day navigate Colorado's inactive mines in an Environmental Protection Agency attempt to prevent toxic wastewater disasters.
- Oklahoma, America’s No. 2 wind producer, sours on the industry
A massive state budget crisis, along with powerful oil and gas interests, has led the state to phase out key tax incentives for wind.
- First LookAs clean energy prices fall, rural communities in Asia, Africa benefit
As renewable energy becomes cheaper and more commercially used, unplugged communities in Asia, Africa, and other corners of the world will soon have to access to modern energy. Places in Mauritius and Rwanda are already outfitting homes with solar systems.
- Prairie dogs test Coloradans' patience, and ability to compromise
Colorado, like many Mountain States, is struggling with a surge in prairie dogs. The debate is trying county officials' ingenuity as they work to placate both farmers and animal rights advocates.
- Yes, new tariff backfires on US jobs. But it’s not end of world for solar power.
The Trump-imposed tariff on imported solar panels isn't as harsh as the industry had feared. The bigger challenge, some say, is possible cuts in government-funded energy research.
- In a threatened Cambodian forest, hand-in-hand push to protect land and people
Cambodia's deforestation rate is one of the fastest in the world. That puts endangered animals at risk, as well as cultures that have long drawn on the forests for their livelihoods and traditions. But conservation initiatives may help protect these communities.
- First LookFrance looks to speed up wind power projects
France will announce steps this week to accelerate the installation of wind turbines. To date, only half of the authorized French onshore wind projects have been installed due to legal opposition from activists.
- First LookCongress raises concerns over Florida drilling exemption
Secretary Zinke's decision to remove Florida from a list of states being considered for offshore drilling has led some lawmakers to question whether the administration has violated federal law. Florida has not opposed the drilling measure, unlike several other states.
- First LookNYC looks to divest pension funds of fossil fuels
New York City officials will announce Wednesday plans to divest the city's five pension funds of approximately $5 billion in fossil fuel investments, citing climate change as their motivation.
- First LookUS breaks record for disaster cost: $306 billion
The United States had 16 disasters in 2017, with damage costs far exceeding the $215 billion record set in 2005. The increase in weather disasters is likely a result of climate change along with urban development decisions.
- First LookPeruvian herders use ancient technology to manage water for the future
Dams, canals, and reservoirs dating back 3,000 years ago are being revived by alpine herders in partnership with The Mountain Institute in order to more efficiently manage water for pastures and animals.