All Environment
Sea ice is shrinking. These maps show by how muchHeat waves this summer from the U.S. to Europe and Asia have caught the world鈥檚 attention. But it鈥檚 also been unseasonably warm in the Antarctic winter 鈥� with visible effects.
First LookGlobal thermometer soars: Summer 2023 sets unprecedented recordsAugust 2023 has been by far the hottest month measured by scientists since the invention of modern equipment 鈥� it鈥檚 the second hottest month after July 2023, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
Points of ProgressHotlines, foreign policy, and monkeys: Where empathy drives progressProgress roundup: Chile makes gender a part of its foreign policy, and scientists in China are using butterfly-inspired nanofilms to cool objects.聽
Letter from Moab, Utah: Where Colorado River is musical museThe Colorado River is often viewed as a place of crisis. One Utah festival showcases the artistic creativity the river can inspire.聽
Hurricane Idalia tests resilience of Florida鈥檚 Nature CoastThe coastal village of Cedar Key has an 鈥淥ld Florida鈥� identity. Now it adapts to new risks as hurricane season combines with rising sea levels.
Points of ProgressSolar panels get a reputation boost, and a green container ship sailsProgress roundup: A cargo ship runs on biomethanol, and solar power lowers demand on a grid, allowing the third-largest power plant in New England to be safely retired.
First LookHurricane Idalia reaches Florida's west coast as Cat 3 stormHurricane Idalia came ashore early Wednesday in the lightly populated Big Bend, Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a morning news conference, 鈥淭his thing鈥檚 powerful. If you鈥檙e inside, just hunker down until it gets past you.鈥�
First LookGreece wildfire: EU firefighters join forces to battle historic blazeA fleet of water-dropping aircraft and hundreds of firefighters from across the European Union are working to control a聽massive wildfire聽 in northeastern Greece for the 11th day. Arson is suspected for a number of the 74 blazes being battled on Monday.
A sinking community turns to oyster shells 鈥� and a tax 鈥� for safetyAs hurricanes, human engineering, and climate change threaten to wash their land away, residents of coastal Louisiana have rallied their own money and labor to build resilience.
First LookIs Florida prepared for Hurricane Idalia? Tropical storm picks up steam.The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Idalia is intensifying and expected to become a major hurricane before it reaches Florida鈥檚 Gulf Coast on Wednesday. Idalia would be the first storm to hit Florida this hurricane season.
First LookCan drones stop wildfires? Some Greek residents are banking on yes.Residents in a leafy suburb of the Greek capital have pooled funds this summer to prevent deadly wildfires from reaching their homes. They have hired a company using long-range drones with thermal-imaging cameras to create an early warning system.
Points of ProgressThe power of mending, from African ecosystems to self-repairing metalsIn our roundup of progress worldwide, researchers discover metals that repair themselves, and vultures help scientists protect big cats in Africa.
The ExplainerTropical Storm Hilary: Preparation pays off for CaliforniaCalifornia鈥檚 familiarity with disaster preparation helped ease the impact of rare Tropical Storm Hilary.
Points of ProgressKnowledge sharers: Guatemalan farms, tech firms mapping illegal fishingProgress roundup: In Guatemala, farmers go to school to teach each other. And tech firms are cooperating on open-source maps to spot illegal fishing.
Threatened by fire, iconic Joshua trees battle for survivalWildfires are threatening to devastate the iconic Joshua trees. Efforts are underway to experiment with saving the beloved plant.聽
Why people rally around a rainforest 鈥� in EnglandWhen threatened rainforests come up in the news, the reference is usually to tropical locations. Yet temperate rainforests also deliver rich benefits to the planet.
Points of ProgressPreserving hope, for juveniles in US prisons and soldiers in IsraelProgress roundup: A look at data led to new ideas for lowering the suicide rate for Israeli troops, and an end to life in prison for juveniles in three U.S. states.
Young people took on fossil fuels and won. What鈥檚 next?The first climate case tried in the U.S. brought a landmark win for its young plaintiffs. Will this provide a model for other states that enshrine protecting the environment in their constitutions?
First LookIn landmark ruling, Montana judge sides with 鈥榗limate kids鈥�A Montana judge sided with young environmental activists who said state agencies violated their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment by permitting fossil fuel development.
First LookFlash droughts: How climate change contributes to Hawaii鈥檚 wildfiresSeveral dangerous conditions have combined to make the Maui wildfires especially destructive.聽Climate change is increasing the likelihood of more extreme weather events like this one, experts say.
