All Environment
Is nuclear power attractive or risky? In Minnesota, it鈥檚 both.In Minnesota legislature, climate change has revived Democrats鈥� interest in nuclear power. But a radioactive leak has rekindled public concerns about safety.
First LookIs there a clear track to zero emissions? California tackles trains.The California Air Resources Board passed a rule to cut down on greenhouse gas and smog emissions from diesel trains. Some champion the rule, but others say the requirements are too steep for an industry that already helps the state and nation emit less.
Points of ProgressMeeting unique needs: From sign language TV to teen pregnancy preventionProgress roundup: Meeting the needs of different sectors of society requires unique solutions, in Liberia, the UK, and a new U.S. national monument.
First LookCalifornia runneth over: Winter storms restore 100% water supplyCalifornia officials announced that the state will provide full allocations to 29 water agencies supplying about 27 million customers and 750,000 acres of farmland for the first time since 2006.聽Big winter storms ended three years of drought in the state.
Dolphins as casualties: The environmental costs of Ukraine warUkrainian prosecutors are preparing to take the Russian military to court on ecocide charges, based on a spike in Black Sea dolphin deaths
The world sees invasive seaweed. This gardener sees housing bricks.The seaweed invasion across the Caribbean sparked the imagination of a Mexican gardener who is turning piles of it into sustainable building blocks.
Germany ditched nuclear power. Other nations show new interest.Renewable energy is competitively priced. But many say nuclear power still has a role to play even as old plants shut down. A status report in charts.
Is kicking out illegal miners enough to save Brazil鈥檚 Amazon?Brazil鈥檚 president is doubling down on protecting the Amazon 鈥� crucial for combatting global warming.
First LookGermany ends its nuclear power. But what will become of the waste?Germany has switched off its three remaining nuclear power plants as part of a long-planned transition toward renewable energy.聽The question of what to do with 62 years worth of accumulated toxic waste remains unsolved.
Points of ProgressKeeping it wild: Tokyo farms and Europe鈥檚 last undammed riverProgress roundup: There's balance in growing food among skyscrapers, keeping Europe's last wild river unbounded, and bringing back an endangered feline.
Sticks plus carrots: How realistic is Biden鈥檚 electric-car target?Electric vehicles account for only about 6% of current U.S. car sales. Still, a Biden target of about two-thirds by 2032 may not be out of reach.
FocusColorado River water: Is fallowing farmland a fair way to conserve?Calls to sacrifice a shared resource raise questions of justice. One California farm region facing the possibility of having to fallow land wonders whether that鈥檚 fair.
First LookHow many US cars are electric? Biden EPA wants it to be 54%.The Biden administration plans to propose a policy that would require more than half of new U.S. vehicles to be electric by 2030. Some American automakers argue that 鈥渞egulatory mandates alone鈥� cannot ensure the success of the switch to electric vehicles.
First LookWill California bees show up to work? Almond growers hope for blooms.America鈥檚 beekeepers have faced challenges during the unusually cold and wet winter in California鈥檚 farm country, and bees have been slow to emerge from their hives. But signs of ample wildflowers could mean a good year for honey.
Points of ProgressDouble lives: From glass back to sand, and how solar panels can save waterProgress roundup: Tests show recycled glass aids Louisiana marshlands, floating PV panels slow evaporation, non-invasive imaging uncovers mysteries in Giza.
The ExplainerRisk and recovery: Mississippi tornado signals twin challengesSome research suggests tornado risks may be shifting modestly eastward, raising questions about preparedness in some of the poorest U.S. states.
Cover StoryFor the love of nature: Outdoorspeople help lawmakers bridge dividesClimate action can be politically divisive.聽But a love for nature is bringing people together 鈥� even in Washington.
Points of ProgressErasing stigmas: Women workers鈥� unique right, and an inclusive censusProgress roundup: Spain passes Europe鈥檚 first menstrual leave law, Chile鈥檚 fishers sacrifice catch for marine refuges, Singapore makes a High Line.聽
First LookCalifornia鈥檚 鈥榳et winter鈥� eases restrictions but does not end droughtAfter a series of winter storms replenished California鈥檚 water sources, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state will no longer ask聽people to cut their water use by 15%. He was careful, however, not to say the drought is over.
Biden and oil: What does responsibility mean in a new energy era?The Biden administration鈥檚 recent leasing and permitting鈥� actions raise questions about the prudence of new oil development during a global push toward cleaner energy.
