All Environment
Behind oil-drilling bans, a debate over competing Arctic visionsOil companies and Arctic communities have long sought prosperity through resource extraction. Plans announced by Barack Obama and Justin Trudeau imply more focus on tourism and sustainability.
First LookChina launches emissions-tracking satellite, as nation eyes climate leadershipThe TanSat satellite will track carbon dioxide emissions, which China has committed to cutting as part of the Paris climate agreement.
First Look'Casper' the octopus threatened by deep sea metal miningManganese, a metal used in cellphones and computers, may be critical to the life cycles of deep sea octopuses.
First LookNorth Pole expected to reach 50 degrees warmer than normalTemperatures are expected to climb to just below the freezing point on Thursday, much higher than is usual during an Arctic winter.
Obama limits offshore oil, as 'Keep it in the Ground' idea risesThe White House puts vast areas off Atlantic and Arctic coasts off limits to drilling. The move may reflect how a 'Keep it in the Ground' movement has gained traction within the Democratic Party.
Nixon went to China. Can Trump do climate change?Plenty of people on the political left want action to address climate change. But many people on the right do to; they just are wary of big government. Perhaps the time is ripe for an art-of-the-deal solution.
Cities enlist nature to tame rising flood risksDetroit, Philadelphia, and Houston are among the places investing in 'green infrastructure' that mimics wetlands. It can be cheaper than the alternative, given the threat posed by climate change.
- First LookFacing smog emergency, China closes factories, limits cars
Some cities in northern China have taken drastic measures to combat smog, including temporarily shutting down factories and restricting the number of cars allowed on roads.
- Toxic work culture at national parks?
In this edition: rising allegations of sexual harassment by National Park Service employees; the nuance on Trump's energy team; Canada's carbon-price move.
First LookMore than three years later, N.D. Tesoro oil spill still not cleaned upOne of the largest onshore oil spills in US history continues to highlight the dangers of oil pipelines, as the battle over the four-state Dakota Access pipeline continues.
How will the Trump White House treat climate change? Why it's so hard to know.Donald Trump and some of his nominated cabinet members have complex relationships with climate change, making it difficult to know how past remarks will translate into future policy.
First LookHairy crabs and other new creatures discovered at underwater 'Dragon's Breath'The ever-plentiful 'mineral-laden water' flowing out of the vent chimneys make the area an ideal habitat for various sea life – and, more recently, an ideal location for seafloor mining of copper and gold.
First LookHow Mexico plans to save the last few vaquita porpoisesThere may be as few as three dozen vaquita porpoises left in the world. Mexico hopes an international effort to catch and enclose the porpoises will protect them, though some are skeptical.
The ExplainerCanada puts a price on carbon: what the move meansCanada isn't the first to do this, but the move is a landmark one for its scale and regional flexibility – and because the country is a major fossil fuel producer.
Fossil fuels, yes. But Trump energy team isn't a one-note band.The team includes an Energy nominee who knows wind power can work, a State Department nominee who has supported the Paris climate deal, and an Interior nominee who's not big on selling off federal lands.
First Look'Predator control': Should Colorado kill its bears to save its deer?Colorado wildlife officials have come under fire for culling predators, a controversial approach to protecting the dwindling mule deer population.
First LookA 62-foot wave was recorded in the North Atlantic. How'd they measure it?Wave monitoring is part of international efforts for the purposes of maritime interests and science.
First LookSeaWorld writes a new chapter with the first killer whale-free parkAfter years of pressure from animal activists, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is seeking to rebrand itself as a company geared toward education and ocean conservancy. The company's new park in Abu Dhabi is a step in that direction.
First LookBald eagle comes off endangered species list in Washington StateThe national icon has seen a resurgence across many states, indicating that conservation efforts are working.
Department of Energy refuses to reveal names of climate scientists to TrumpThe Department of Energy refusal is as unprecedented as the Trump transition team's initial request for the names.
