All Environment
First LookWorld Water Day: 2 billion people lack drinking water, UN reportsMore than a quarter of the world鈥檚 population lacks safe drinking water, and 46% lacks basic sanitation, says a new UN report. This week marks the first major United Nations conference on water in more than 45 years.
Points of ProgressFrom bird hunting in EU to poaching of pangolins, curbs on harmProgress roundup: Lead shot is banned near EU wetlands, a broad new program to save pangolins, and women's firsts in Bolivia and the Navajo Nation.
UN report urges all-out climate push 鈥� nowA new report sums up the known science on climate change 鈥� and walks a fine line between desperation and hope in an effort to spur global action.
First LookLast opportunity to stop worst of climate change, says UN report鈥淗umanity is on thin ice鈥� but could still prevent the worst effects of climate change, says the top U.N. panel on climate change. Its new report says the world is warming even faster and must cut two-thirds of carbon聽emissions and fossil fuel use by 2035.聽
Renewables surge, yet carbon emissions hit record. What gives?How can the world be massively shifting toward renewables and boosting its overall carbon emissions at the same time? We parse the progress in a global transition that鈥檚 far from finished.
Points of ProgressLaws with teeth: Slowing shark loss and new coal minesProgress roundup: Quotas boost ranks of female legislators, more shark protections in Costa Rica, and how a law averted a new coal mine in Australia.
Points of ProgressBurn to preserve, and other forest practices, from Ecuador to CaliforniaProgress roundup: Indigenous peoples and governments are working together to preserve forests with controlled burns, protection from logging, and more.
First LookHistoric UN treaty expands safety for dolphins, whales, turtlesThe United Nations has created a treaty that protects marine life in nearly two-thirds of Earth鈥檚 oceans. The treaty establishes a new group to manage conservation, and it outlines rules for conducting environmental impact assessments聽for commercial work.
Make do and mend: As landfills grow, people opt for needle and threadHow are people responding to measures like one in Massachusetts that bans putting textiles in the trash? For some, it鈥檚 an opportunity to learn a new skill 鈥� while also helping the environment.
Citrus crisis: As an iconic Florida crop fades, another tree risesWith disease threatening their crops, farmers in Florida aim to meet adversity with ingenuity 鈥� even if that may mean leaving a storied tradition behind.
Points of ProgressLibrary thrives in a Pakistan gun town; and the olfactory superpower of AIProgress roundup: Books inspire readers in a village known for black-market guns, AI and a desert bug combine for a powerful nose, and more.
Test in Ohio: How to repair derailed trustWhat can restore public trust in the wake of a hazardous spill? In Ohio, the answer may include facts, aid, cleanup actions 鈥� and even modest steps to build personal relationships.
Growing winter food 鈥� and community spirit 鈥� in a geothermal greenhouseA child鈥檚 question prompted this urban farm to seek a greenhouse for winter growing 鈥� and for strengthening a community.
Points of ProgressGaming as serious work for students, and trees that celebrate girlsProgress roundup: Gaming sparks kids鈥� civic interest, an Indian village that greened spaces to honor girls, Sierra Leone鈥檚 new laws elevate women.
鈥榃e鈥檙e trying to protect our kids鈥�: Ohio town seeks answers after spillAfter a train accident caused hazardous chemicals to spill and burn in their community, residents of East Palestine, Ohio, await answers on their long-term safety.
Points of ProgressCargo ships鈥� new age of sail, and rats trained to find bombsProgress roundup: Animals learn to detect bombs, shipping companies turn to wind energy, and Bolivians cooperate to protect their water, upstream and down.
First LookCarbon credits in Alaska: A new strategy to fight climate change?Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proposed to leverage the state鈥檚 expertise in oil and gas to tap into carbon storage. Environmentalists are skeptical about the plan and say the state should be investing in renewable energy instead.聽
First LookCoal-reliant Indonesia receives $20 billion to boost green energyIndonesia, one of the largest coal-producing countries, agreed to drastically reduce its reliance on fossil fuels with the aid of a $20 billion energy transition deal, the largest of its kind. But more energy innovation is still needed, regional experts say.
FocusTapped out: An Arizona community symbolizes West鈥檚 water woesThe Southwest confronts growing water scarcity, from states wrangling over the Colorado River to one Arizona community where a key source just dried up.
First LookAlpine athletes call for climate action as bare slopes shorten seasonNearly 200 athletes signed a letter calling on the International Ski and Snowboard Federation to take action on climate change.聽The athletes asked the federation to shift the start and the end of the Alpine skiing season, as 鈥渢he seasons have shifted.鈥�
