All Environment
US presence at climate talks mirrors political rifts at homeUS withdrawal from its role as multilateral leader in global affairs is apparent at the COP24 climate summit. But local leaders and career officials are showing that there's more than one way to participate.
First LookOne man's quest to make up for years of high carbon emissionsWhen Dirk Gratzel realized his personal carbon emissions were more than twice the national average in Germany, he made dramatic lifestyle changes to curb them. From one-minute showers to cutting out most meat and dairy, he says the changes have made his life better.聽
A moral test at climate summit: What do rich nations owe poorer ones?The Paris climate agreement was forged in a spirit of unified commitment. Now world leaders must determine how to quantify the obligation to aid developing nations in an energy transition.
At COP24, climate consensus reigns. But what does that really mean?For some people, acceptance of climate change comes down to belief. But for the majority of the nations gathering for COP24, it is a matter of scientific consensus, the product of a cumulative and rigorous body of research.
Who owns the view? North Dakotans tangle over proposed wind project.Wind power is booming in North Dakota, even as industry growth cools in many states. But the mood here is shifting, as residents grapple with conflicting views of property rights.
Dissecting a hurricane: What makes a superstorm?For centuries, hurricanes have been viewed as chaotic forces of nature. Today, thanks to daring pilots and advancing technology, scientists and the public are gaining valuable insight into the making of a cyclone.
First LookChildren demand climate change action through protests and lawsuitsThough children are too young to vote, they're finding ways to take action in other ways: In Australia, thousands of students skipped class Nov. 30 to protest the government's climate policies, and in the US and Canada, groups of young people are suing their governments.
COP24: Nationalism and the challenge of climate changeAt a world gathering on climate change this weekend, nations will face a key political test: whether they can transcend the narrowness of nationalism in favor of cooperation. All eyes will be on the US and China.
First LookBrazil's president-elect wants to roll back protections for rainforestThe Amazon acts as the world's lungs 鈥� releasing 20 percent of the world's oxygen and guaranteeing rainwater across the Americas. But Jair Bolsonaro聽sees the rainforests and the indigenous communities who live in them as a hindrance to economic growth.聽
First LookThe fate of Poland's coal mines up for discussion at climate talksIn the southwestern region of Silesia, coal mining is at the heart of culture and industry. The younger generation, however, is interested in moving Poland away from its heavy dependence on coal to reduce carbon emissions, a stance that is dividing families.聽
First LookHow AI land maps help conservation efforts respond to climate changeIn 2016, Chesapeake Conservancy took months to complete a digital map of the Chesapeake Bay, allowing conservation groups to more precisely measure change. Now the group is working with Microsoft's deep-learning technology to be faster and more accurate.聽
First LookMythical Mexican axolotl faces extinction in the canals of XochimilcoThe Mexican salamander revered by ancient Aztecs and modern geneticists is in the fight for its life as numbers outside captivity drop. A group of biologists and conservationists are working to preserve its habitat on the outskirts of Mexico City.聽
First LookPuerto Rican scientists work to save endangered parrots after MariaAs islanders continue to rebuild their lives after last year's hurricane Maria, scientists are focusing on preserving wild species like the Puerto Rican parrot. More than half of the vulnerable species disappeared in the storm and most of its habitat was destroyed.
First LookA 'circular economy' appeals to cities wanting to reduce carbon footprintsFrom Amsterdam to Barcelona, European cities are working hard to reduce their carbon emissions. But some of the necessary high-tech measures, such as solar panels and electric cars, are expensive, and officials worry that those unable to pay will be excluded.
Can communities learn to live with wildfire?As highly destructive wildfires become increasingly commonplace, communities throughout the West are having to shift their focus from prevention to adaptation and resilience.
First LookMountain gorilla population no longer 'critically endangered'The International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared that the species is "endangered," but no longer "critically endangered." Their modest rebound in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo is a much needed success story among wildlife conservation efforts.聽 聽- Making science soar in AlbuquerqueVisitors to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., can experiment with the scientific principles behind hot-air ballooning.
First LookCalifornia fires: climate change, worsening drought, or more?A combination of global warming, continued drought, and overdevelopment have led to the worst wildfires in California in recent history killing 44. President Trump pinned the devastation on poor forest management 鈥� but that's not the problem, scientists aver.聽
How China鈥檚 loosening of rhino, tiger ban could spur poachingChina has relaxed its 25-year-old ban on rhino and tiger products, a move that observers say could create a demand for illegally obtained wildlife parts.
First LookIndian cities struggle to provide clean water amid dwindling resourcesIndians are facing shortages of clean water across the country as groundwater supplies shrink, and the crisis is particularly severe in Chennai. The struggle for solutions is pitting municipal governments against private water carriers.聽
