All Environment
How summer thunderstorms could be punching new holes in the ozone layerA study looking at conditions in the lower stratosphere, where the ozone layer resides, suggests a link between climate change and the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth's surface.
Thanks to North Dakota, US waste of natural gas grows rapidlyThe United States is posting rapid growth in the waste of natural gas in new oil fields where the fuel is either burned or vented into the atmosphere. 聽Experts say the process damages the environment and fails to maximize the return to investors.
Rising sea levels: Is global warming making the US East Coast a 'hot spot?'The pace of sea-level rise along much of the East Coast is accelerating three to four times faster than the worldwide average, a US Geological Survey study says. Global warming is the chief suspect.
West Coast sea levels: New report estimates greater rise by 2100The estimates from the National Research Council, taking advantage of more recent research, range from 19 to 55 inches. The study is expected to become a common frame of reference that coastal communities can use in planning.- Could novel technique to curb global warming also trigger earthquakes?A report finds that injecting carbon dioxide into underground rock formations, while a potential means of fighting global warming, could increase stresses on faults, leading to earthquakes.聽
Global warming's evil twin threatens West Coast fishing groundsWithin the next few decades, ocean acidification 鈥� an effect of global warming 鈥� could leave sea creatures along the West Coast unable to maintain their protective shells, according to a new study.
Beneath Arctic ice, scientists find an ecosystem never imaginedScientists report finding a massive bloom of phytoplankton hidden under Arctic ice, suggesting that, as the ice thins and melts, the region is becoming vastly more biologically productive.聽
Report: Humans near tipping point that could dramatically change EarthHuman activity is affecting Earth in many ways, but a new study suggests that continued population growth and its impact on climate and ecology could trigger a more profound chain reaction of effects within little more than a decade.
Southern Great Plains could run out of groundwater in 30 years, study findsA new study looking at key aquifers beneath the Great Plains and California's Central Valley suggests that areas of Texas and Kansas are drawing groundwater at an unsustainable rate.- Voracious kudzu bugs spread across South. Are they boon or bane?The nubbin-sized Japanese invader arrived on American shores somewhere near Atlanta in 2009. Today it鈥檚 eating pesky kudzu across at least three states. Unfortunately, it鈥檚 chowing on soybean crops, too.
Los Angeles to become largest US city banning plastic bagsThe Los Angeles City Council voted 13-to-1 to move forward with a controversial ban on single-use plastic grocery bags. Critics say it鈥檚 an example of regulatory overreach.
Cover StoryCSI Tornado: Decoding 鈥� and chasing 鈥� supercells with the expertsCSI Tornado: Chasing supercells, interviewing a homeowner sucked off his front porch in an Oklahoma tornado outbreak, and examining the path of a destructive funnel, an expert expedition shows how science is close to decoding the way a tornado works.
Saga of California's Salton Sea: a tragic chapter ahead?Some worry that a water-diversion deal, sending farm irrigation water to sprawling San Diego, will spell doom for the Salton Sea 鈥� and exposure to toxins for humans and wildlife. Others say protections are in place to ensure that can't happen.
Forecast is for 'normal' hurricane season, a bit wimpier than last yearThe Atlantic hurricane season may be quieter this year than last, predict AccuWeather.com forecasters. A 'near normal' 2012 would see at least a dozen tropical storms and two major hurricanes.
Progress WatchUS air pollution hits 10-year low, report findsA report by the American Lung Association finds that air pollution has fallen to its lowest levels since the group began collecting data in 2000. The ALA credits the Clean Air Act.聽- How much do you know about Earth Day? Take our quiz!
April 22 marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, a day intended to inspire awareness and promote appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. In honor of the holiday, test your knowledge of Earth Day history, trivia, and statistics.
Are EVs worth it? Study helps calculate savings on emissions, fuel.How much an EV saves on fuel or cuts greenhouse gas emissions depends on many variables, including gas prices and whether the local electric grid is fed mainly by coal power. The Union of Concerned Scientists helps out with the calculations.
Ice age study delivers blow to global-warming skepticsA new study finds that rising levels of carbon dioxide drove rising temperatures at the end of the last ice age. The findings contrast with previous studies, which skeptics of human-triggered global warming said showed that CO2 levels weren't an important factor.聽
Climate change report: time to start preparing for the worstIt's time to start protecting people from the impact of severe-weather events, a panel says. The report offers further evidence of how the climate change conversation is shifting.聽
Top 5 nations that use renewable energy Here are the top users of renewables, not counting biofuels or hydroelectricity. Numbers indicate country percentage of total global renewable usage.
