All Environment
Points of ProgressPower unlocked: Debt funds conservation, refugee brings solar to his campProgress roundup: Belize frees conservation funds with 鈥渂lue bonds,鈥� African refugee teaches himself solar-powered internet, gecko species recovers.聽
First LookOzone layer projected to heal completely by 2066, says new reportThe hole in the ozone layer has been slowly repairing itself since the Montreal Protocol聽banned aerosol products in 1987. The latest report from the UN predicts the ozone layer will make a full recovery in about 43 years.
First LookWater from 鈥榯errific snowpack鈥� sparks tentative hope in CaliforniaRecent snowstorms in the Sierra Nevada may bring drought relief for California later this year. State officials are marking the historic precipitation, but a good start to the rainy season does not guarantee a long, wet winter that can help end the drought.
Points of ProgressKeeping food out of landfill in South Korea, and nursing Haiti鈥檚 forestsProgress roundup: South Korea collects food waste from residents; the quiet conservation efforts in Haiti; first-ever decline in smoking rates worldwide.
First LookSkis, boots, and ... shorts? Warm temperatures keep Alps snow free.Winter in the Alps usually means snow-covered mountains and winter sports. But it鈥檚 been unseasonably warm so far, continuing the trend of the warmest winters on record, according to the United Nations鈥� World Meteorological Organization.
First LookEPA finalizes protections for wetlands, repealing Trump-era ruleThe EPA on Friday聽finalized regulations to protect hundreds of thousands of small streams, wetlands, and other waterways. The protections are in response to a Trump-era rule that environmentalists said left waterways vulnerable to pollution.
Points of ProgressThe values that led humanity forward this yearResponsibility, equality, dignity, ingenuity, cooperation 鈥� five values that drove progress around the world in 2022.聽
Oh, Christmas tree: What happens to holiday waste after New Year鈥檚?The holidays generate more waste than any other season.聽A program in Louisiana hints at progress by using discarded Christmas trees to help rebuild shorelines.聽
Points of ProgressBubbles that fight trash, and a penguin chick surpriseProgress roundup: Dutch engineers create a simple solution to corral trash on waterways; conservationists create hope for Africa鈥檚 endangered penguin.
In the northern Rockies, winter snows bring a flurry of hopeThe arrival of winter can be greeted with trepidation. But for this essayist, the darkening days and declining temperatures come with a promise.
Points of ProgressIt spins, it floats: Solar power generated on water and for garment tradeProgress roundup: Photovoltaics are being sited on waterways around the world. And in India, solar power is increasing efficiency and raising pay.
First LookFarm economics: How much are soil carbon credits worth?Regenerative farms improve soil quality by trapping planet-heating emissions. As these types of farms become more common, groups are working to quantify the amount of carbon these farmers store in their soil, fueling offset markets where credits are sold.
Not rolling on the river: Drought tests America鈥檚 main water highwayRecent rains are starting to refill a shrunken Mississippi River and allow freight to flow more freely. But questions remain about how to manage the river for resilience.
First LookVirtual reality puts the climate鈥檚 future in the hands of gamersClimate experts have long struggled to help people see and emotionally grasp likely futures as the planet warms. Virtual reality games offer decision-makers a choice of alternative futures, and can be seen as an immersive way to experience climate risk.
Points of ProgressGrowth in clean water for people 鈥� and lettuce farmed at schoolProgress roundup: Drinking water and hydroponics are growing around the world. And in Bangladesh and New Zealand, species protection is paying off.
Points of ProgressFrom zero waste to LGBTQ rights: How cooperation got the job doneProgress roundup: State-by-state votes secure same-sex marriage rights for all of Mexico. And a small Japanese city cooperatively works toward zero waste.
First LookCan wildlife return to urban areas? 鈥楻ewilding鈥� might be the answer.Development in urban areas is gobbling up wildlife habitat, stirring calls for 鈥渞ewilding鈥� places where wildlife thrived until driven out. The process aims to revive natural systems in degraded locations, though it can be a tough sell for urbanites.
What would a climate-resilient Pakistan look like? Sindh offers clues.In Pakistan鈥檚 flood-ravaged Sindh province, an absence of government and international disaster aid has left much of rebuilding to civil society. Local initiatives are aiming to make communities more resilient.
鈥楾he ocean is what we know.鈥� Can Senegal woo climate refugees inland?Senegal鈥檚 plan to relocate residents from a flood-prone peninsula to a dusty, inland village offers a glimpse into how countries might manage climate refugees.
First Look鈥榃e are a part of nature鈥�: Hawaiians learn to let lava flowFor decades, Hawaiians have searched for ways to divert lava flows 鈥� from deific offerings to building walls to dropping bombs. Now they are wondering: What鈥檚 the point in trying to control the environment?聽