Environment
A new rule could speed up unused oil well decommissioning. Gulf States are suing to stop it
The rule, finalized last year, would also protect taxpayers from shouldering the cost. The states suing, however,, say it will crush independent oil companies.
Trump funding freeze includes payments to keep the Colorado River flowing
President Biden promised billions in funds to farmers and others to not take water from the Colorado River. President Trump is halting some of those funds, leaving questions about the river's future.
The Panama Canal needs more water. The solution is a dam that could displace thousands
More than 2,000 people could be displaced by the construction of the Río Indio dam. The Panama Canal Authority says the dam solves a long-term water shortage problem.
More than 150 false killer whales stranded on a beach in Australia’s Tasmania state
The reasons for the beachings are unclear. Reasons could include disorientation caused by loud noises, illness, old age, injury, fleeing predators and severe weather.
‘Moss Appreciation Week’: a lot of celebration for a very little plant
Moss Appreciation Week is packed with events both scientific... and also silly. Moss walks, moss talks, moss movies, crafting moss-themed Valentines, and a "gastropod derby" with snails and slugs (for whom moss is a nice moist microclimate).
As coal plants close, Colorado towns consider nuclear waste storage
The federal government hopes former coal towns will help the nuclear industry grow, by taking on the decades-long challenge of storing radioactive waste
Trump funding freeze could leave communities on their own as climate threats grow
Without federal support, American communities will struggle to deal with a challenge as pervasive as climate change, market analysts and environmental advocates say.
Bryan Adams concert in Australia is canceled after a ‘fatberg’ causes sewage overflow
The blockage was detected near a Perth arena mere hours before Canadian musician Bryan Adams' sold-out show was set to take place. Water authorities warned of wastewater overflow at the venue.
Amid sewage issues, a nonprofit is helping Alabama Black Belt residents find solutions
As the region grapples with poor sanitation, groups like the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program are taking it upon themselves to address the issue.
Here’s how climate change fueled the Los Angeles fires
Extreme conditions helped fuel the fast-moving fires that destroyed thousands of homes. Scientists are working to figure out how climate change played a role in the disaster.
Birmingham’s new resilience chief looks to protect residents from climate change
“Fundamentally, to me, it's about survival,” says Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop, Birmingham’s new chief resilience and sustainability officer about fighting climate change.
Here’s how Trump’s pause on wind projects could threaten jobs and climate goals
A Trump executive order temporarily pauses leases and permits for offshore and onshore wind projects. Wind advocates say an offshore wind freeze could threaten states' climate goals and jobs.
The U.S. is trying to unravel a hacking plot that targeted climate activists
The U.S. claims the hacking was commissioned by a lobbying firm working on behalf of one of the world's biggest oil companies.
This scientist studies climate change. Then the Los Angeles fire destroyed his home
Climate scientist Ben Hamlington works on understanding the impacts of climate change. Losing his house in the Eaton Fire has given that work new meaning.
This economist survived a wildfire. Now she’s taking on California’s insurance crisis
An economist's harrowing escape from fire, and her big ideas to rescue California from its insurance doom spiral.
Another casualty of Israel’s war in Lebanon: Efforts to save endangered turtles
Lebanese volunteers are anxious to get back to sea turtle conservation on southern beaches that were off-limits to civilians when fighting escalated between Israel and Hezbollah.
Trump’s energy emergency is a gift to fossil fuel firms. It’s likely headed to court
President Trump signed a "national energy emergency" that gives his administration new powers to boost fossil fuel development around the country.
Cleaning up after the LA wildfires is dangerous. Here’s how to protect yourself
The ash and debris created during the burns could be loaded with dangerous materials. Experts suggest taking care.
Is the air quality index actually useful right now?
The air has improved in the LA region as firefighters get blazes under control, but there are questions about how safe the air actually is.
Development is taking a toll on Florida’s precious springs
The state has been slow to adopt rules to protect Florida's endangered springs. While a boom in residential construction has increased the amount of groundwater being taken from the aquifers.
Trump’s pick for EPA administrator is Lee Zeldin. Here’s what to know.
Democrats worry the Trump administration will roll back efforts to limit climate change.
Toyota’s commercial truck company will pay $1.6 billion for faking emissions tests
Hino Motors will plead guilty to submitting false emissions data to regulators for more than 100,000 heavy-duty trucks. The company will pay an array of fines, and fix some affected vehicles for free.
Invasive green crabs threaten West Coast ecosystems. One solution? Otters
As invasive green crabs wreak havoc on California's estuaries, a new study has found that a restored sea otter population might be the solution.
Weird weather isn’t always because of climate change — but sometimes it is
Sometimes, weather is just weather. And other times human-caused climate change had an obvious impact.
How one U.S. conservationist’s work is helping to preserve Chile’s wilderness
Chile is set to gain its 47th national park early this year — largely due to the efforts of U.S. conservationist Kristine Tompkins and her organization.
People are rushing to install solar panels before Trump becomes President
Potential rooftop solar customers and installers worry the incoming Trump administration might try to eliminate a 30% federal tax credit. Some customers plan to install sooner because of that and solar companies are changing their business plans.
2024 was the hottest year on record. The reason remains a science mystery
The official numbers are in: 2024 is the hottest year on record. Climate change is the main culprit. But there might be something else going on, too.
What is the flame retardant that planes are dropping on the LA fires?
As fire crews and air tankers work to block the wildfires' explosive growth, images of red clouds of fire retardant falling onto trees are common. What is it — and what's in it?
A major winter storm will bring snow to the South. Here are tips from winter experts
Southern states don't often deal with winter conditions, but New England does. New Hampshire especially has tips for how to prepare for a winter storm.
Biden bans new offshore oil and gas drilling in most federal waters
President Joe Biden is moving to ban new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters, an effort to block possible action by the incoming Trump administration to expand offshore drilling.
Jimmy Carter’s environmental legacy set the foundation for today’s climate action
Former President Jimmy Carter's work on energy efficiency and renewable energy were criticized, but it laid the groundwork for the country to address climate change now.
New year, new pygmy hippo: A naming poll for this Virginia zoo baby is underway
Moo Deng and Haggis are joined by another slick, round supreme on the scene. Fans of the new baby can cast their vote to name her until New Year's Eve, with the winning name announced the next day.