All Environment
First LookGreat Pacific Garbage Patch is denser than previously thoughtCurrents in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California contain much of the ocean's plastic pollution, whose density was measured by the first-ever aerial survey, led by The Ocean Cleanup.
First LookSmall Texas company announces massive oil discovery in AlaskaAmidst the gradually declining Alaskan oil industry, a small Texas-based company made a huge discovery in the waters north of the Arctic Circle.
First LookHurricane Matthew: Florida preps for first big cyclone in 11 yearsHurricane Matthew is forecast to hit Florida by Thursday. What has the state learned about emergency preparedness in the wake of hurricanes Wilma and Katrina in 2005?
Can Americans find common ground on climate change?Americans’ views on climate change diverge sharply depending on their political affiliations, says a new Pew Research poll. But two areas of consensus are emerging.
Are celebrities helping or hurting the climate change conversation?Actor Leonardo DiCaprio participated in a White House discussion on climate change Wednesday. Experts say celebrities can draw valuable attention to environmental issues – but there are drawbacks.
First LookCanada's new carbon tax: Too much government meddling, or not enough?Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unexpectedly announced a carbon tax Monday. The tax, which goes into force in 2018, will apply to all provinces that have not implemented their own carbon pricing scheme by that time.
First LookWith European Union's ratification, Paris climate deal to enter into forceOnce the EU submits the paperwork on Wednesday, the historic global climate accords will enter into force in 30 days.
- First LookBotswana's change of heart scuttles bid to revive ivory trade
Botswana, which has the world's largest elephant population and had previously supported limited trade in ivory, now seeks to provide elephants with the highest levels of protection.
How the Endangered Species Act sets species on paths to recoveryPlans set in motion decades ago to save US species are seeing results, with more delistings from the 1973 Endangered Species Act under the Obama administration than under all previous administrations since the act's inauguration.
First LookExtremely rare tree frog died in Atlanta, likely marking species' extinctionThe last known living Rabbs' fringe-limbed tree frog was found dead in its enclosure at the Atlanta Botanical Garden last week, probably marking the end of the species.
First LookWith India's seal of approval, climate change deal on the brink of becoming bindingIndia ratified the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at the United Nations on Sunday, the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birth. India accounts for about 4.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Hawaii's bees join endangered species list, but hope remainsSeveral types of yellow-faced bees native to Hawaii were classified as 'endangered,' a move many hope will protect the pollinators who play a crucial role in the local ecosystem.
First US bees put on Endangered Species listThe US Fish and Wildlife Service added seven yellow-faced bee species, native to Hawaii, on the Endangered Species List.
First LookUS wildlife officials have failed the world's last red wolves, judge rulesA shrinking population of red wolves in North Carolina warrant USFWS protection, argue environmentalists, with the number of individuals declining from 100 to just 45 in the past two years.
First LookEU Paris ratification: world leaders' response to the US elections?The European Union agreed to a fast-track deal for the Paris climate accord on Friday. The deal, which pushes the agreement above the ratification threshold, means the commitments will enter into law before the next US president is elected.
Is Saudi Arabia serious about bringing back high oil prices?Saudi Arabia appears to be backing off its policy of letting low oil prices burn off a global glut. But its real motives still aren't clear.
Dam reservoirs linked to methane emissions: How dirty is 'clean' hydropower?Artificial reservoirs created by dams may emit 1.3 percent of global emissions in the form of methane, says a new study. How will that affect hydropower-dependent nations?
First LookTrade ban: Shy and elusive pangolin finally gets protectionUN wildlife officials have voted to ban trade in all eight species of Asian pangolins. The creature is prized for its meat and scales, which are used for medicinal purposes.
First LookWhy do endangered whales keep getting entangled off New England?The right whale's numbers have been particularly affected by fishing gear, according to an August study.
First LookAre baby lobsters cooked? Rising temperatures threaten Maine's iconRising ocean temperatures prove difficult for baby lobsters to reach maturity, scientists say. How soon could New England's lobster industry be effected?
