All Environment
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�
Points of ProgressNew harvests: Skinny trees in the Amazon, tomatoes instead of riceProgress roundup: Land use adaptations produce results. Timber harvests coexist with restoration, and farmers are finding good yields in former paddies.
When pigs swim ... and Bahama tourists dive in with themSometimes joy arrives in unexpected ways. In the Bahamas, the hottest attractions now have snouts, hoofs, and a willingness to hang out with humans.
First LookDolphins help fishermen in order to skim off the catch, study showsFishing communities have worked with dolphins for millennia, but it has been unclear whether the relationship helps dolphins. A new study conducted in Laguna, Brazil, has documented how the alliance is mutually beneficial, with fishing made easier for both.
The ExplainerAs climate shifts, so does need for accessibilityWhen it comes to preparedness and disaster response, public mobility can be vital. Inclusive policies for people with disabilities can save lives.
Points of ProgressProtecting urban oysters and Canadian wildsProgress roundup: Hong Kongers are protecting reefs, Indigenous Canadians are conserving millions of acres of land and water, and more.
Cold journey. Lasting joy. My trek to see the northern lights.Our reporter treks through Alaska to see the aurora borealis. Her journey takes her though dark and cold, for a fleeting splendor of light that leaves a lasting joy.
Points of ProgressFrom self-interest to doing a world of good, in food tech and mangrovesProgress roundup: The Dutch improved their food supply, and then shared it. And around the globe, better mangrove protection is increasing carbon sequestration.
First LookIf animals are less safe in their habitats, should humans move them?Wildlife is becoming increasingly endangered as a result of climate change. Moving species to new environments has been controversial, but scientists have now begun relocating animals, leaving federal officials to consider when it is right to do so.
Cover StoryReefs are in trouble. Can scientists nurture more resilient coral?Scientists are trying to replicate resilient 鈥渟uper reefs鈥� to slow the decline of one of the ocean鈥檚 most important ecosystems.
Difference MakerA chef, a creek, and a salmon revivalEnvironmental challenges can seem overwhelming. But singular efforts can have a big impact 鈥� as this chef discovered when she revived her tiny portion of a creek.
Cairo鈥檚 鈥楪arbage City鈥� rebranded: It鈥檚 recycling ... and a livingResidents of Cairo鈥檚 Manshiyat Naser neighborhood were once referred to as zabaleen, garbage people. But today鈥檚 push for a green economy and the demand for recycled plastic is changing perceptions of their work.
The ExplainerCalifornia storms: When a year鈥檚 worth of rain in two weeks isn鈥檛 enoughAfter weeks of massive rainstorms, California and the American West are grappling with how to manage flood risks, rebound from drought, and make new plans for the Colorado River Basin.
Points of ProgressGood intentions, good results: People pull together for forests and a fishProgress roundup: Both when trust is returned to locals, and when government protects nature from overutilization, disparate interests can make change.
First LookGreta Thunberg brings activist star power to German mine standoffAfter being detained at the expansion of a coal mine in Germany, environmental activist Greta Thunberg hasn鈥檛 let that stop her. 鈥淐limate protection is not a crime,鈥� she tweeted, and has named Germany as a major polluter.聽