Environment
In need of some peace? Take a stroll — or scroll — through D.C.’s cherry blossoms
Springtime means cherry blossoms in the nation's capital. On a recent breezy morning, with peak bloom still two days away, the Tidal Basin was packed with both blossoms and visitors.
There’s no rulebook for deep-sea mining. Companies want to push forward anyway
Countries have debated for decades whether to allow mining on the ocean floor, a potential trove of critical minerals. Now, companies are telling regulators they plan to move ahead, whether or not rules are in place.
EV buyers who missed out on their tax credits now have a fix from the IRS
Some car owners couldn't claim the EV tax credit for vehicles purchased in 2024 because dealers skipped a key sales reporting step. The IRS is now offering a fix.
What’s soil blocking? This seeding method helps gardeners use less plastic and peat
Soil blocking is an environmentally friendly method to prep seedlings. The technique has captured the attention of serious gardeners who'd like to make their growing more sustainable.
Why a tiny bit of oil can be a big deal
More than three-quarters of U.S. wells make just 6% of the country's oil. They're called marginal wells because of their small output. But they're a big deal to oil producers and environmentalists.
For the first time, Alabama says methane ‘likely’ caused fatal home explosion above coal mine
State officials have ordered tighter monitoring of methane gas above coal mines in the state after a slap on the wrist from federal officials. Will it be enough to mitigate the risks?
Is planting trees ‘DEI’? Trump administration cuts nationwide tree-planting effort
The Trump administration's efforts to end DEI programs is hitting some unexpected targets, including a nationwide effort planting shade trees in neighborhoods to reduce extreme heat.
Jury says Greenpeace owes hundreds of millions of dollars for Dakota pipeline protest
Experts say the verdict has relevance for free speech issues nationwide.
Heat can age you as much as smoking, a new study finds
Exposure to heat can alter the way your DNA works, according to a new study. The effects could lead to long-term health outcomes.
5 nature-inspired ways to bring joy and wonder into your life this spring
Simple activities to help you better appreciate the birds, bees and flowers — and spend more time outside.
The Asian elephant population in Cambodia is more robust than previously thought
Some 400 to 600 Asian elephants are believed to remain living in the wild in Cambodia. Researchers said the study's findings underscore the potential of a "national stronghold" for the species.
EPA announces dozens of environmental regulations it plans to target
The Environmental Protection Agency didn't provide details about what it wants to do with the regulations — whether it will try to weaken them or eliminate them entirely.
America’s clean-energy industry is growing despite Trump’s attacks. At least for now.
Clean energy is crucial to meet rising U.S. electricity demand, according to industry analysts and executives. But the Trump administration's actions could slow development.
What’s Causing Birmingham’s Code Red Air Quality Alert?
A prescribed burn is harming air quality. Here's what Jefferson and Shelby County residents should do to protect their health.
In Key West, testing shows cruise ships stir up as much sediment as a hurricane
Tests in Key West show sediment stirred up by cruise ships, which can harm marine life, routinely exceed federal standards. Key West has responded by suspending the tests.
Meet the ‘wooly devil,’ a new plant species discovered in Big Bend National Park
The plant, formally known as Ovicula biradiata, is especially notable for being the simultaneous discovery of a new species and genus. It was found with help from the community science app iNaturalist.
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.
