All Environment
First LookIn global warming fight, new tactics to make cows burp lessScientists around the world are making strides in reducing methane emissions from belching livestock by developing probiotic supplements, breeding animals that emit less, and planting trees in pastures to absorb greenhouse gasses.
From new leadership to Clean Power Plan, subtle shifts ripple through EPATumult in the administrator's seat of the EPA has dominated recent headlines. But under the surface, modest shifts in tone and tactics could eventually pave the way for more constructive conversation about climate policy.
First LookPollution regulations decrease acid rain, spur red spruce reboundSince the 1960s Clean Air Act, and its reinforcement in the 1990s, air toxins that trigger acid rain have been reduced, resulting in positive ecological effects. Now, Northeast forests once scarred by acid rain are mostly green, with red spruce trees thriving.聽
First LookScientists brave dangers studying active Hawaii volcanoScientists have been in the field measuring Kilauea volcano's eruptions 24 hours a day, seven days a week since it first exploded two months ago, trying to discover warning signs for future eruptions.聽
Group effort rules the roost in Wyoming, then Washington intervenesThe tale of Wyoming鈥檚 greater sage-grouse is a rare one of collaboration between聽conservation and energy interests. A recent push from the US Interior Department threatens to upset that delicate balance.
'E-waste': Getting grip on a growing global problemThe consumer push to own the latest electronic device has left an ever-growing wake of electronic waste.聽Country after country is passing legislation to regulate 鈥渆-waste鈥� in order to protect their environments.
First LookKenyan farmers swap coffee for avocados to tap into global boomWhile a harsh drought has hindered progress for coffee farmers in Kenya and their thirsty crops, many farmers have switched to the avocado business 鈥� a crop that's proving to provide better earnings with less maintenance and resources.
First LookAndrew Wheeler to head EPA after Pruitt resignationPresident Trump's聽approval of Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, as the Environmental Protection Agency's new chief to replace Scott Pruitt has renewed partisan debate about climate change and the environment.
Closing the loop on plastic recycling?Conventional plastics recycling is really just 鈥渄owncycling鈥澛爐hat is, reusing the material in ever-lower-quality products before ultimately sending it to the landfill. But scientists inspired by nature are developing ways to remake plastic from the ground up, with almost no waste.
First LookCarbon fee measure poised for Washington State ballotA November ballot initiative is being proposed in Washington State that would require fossil fuel companies to pay carbon fees for their emissions. Supporters say it increases accountability for the companies, opposers say it will increase gas and oil prices.聽
First LookIn sustainability search, Kenya studies the unknown depths of its aquifersFor the past two years, researchers have been studying Kenya's underground water resource system with the ultimate aim of determining sustainable water practices in a country struggling to meet water demand. 聽
First LookArizona commits to producing drought plan for Colorado RiverThe Colorado River is predicted to suffer water shortages in the coming years that could affect 40 million people. That's why Arizona is working to develop a conservation plan for the river network by the end of the year.聽
Why these young Republicans see hope in climate actionClimate change is often painted as a starkly partisan issue. But within the Republican Party, a generational divide has emerged as some Millennials tug the GOP toward climate action.
First LookSouth Sudanese cease-fire brings hope, skepticism for conflict's endAfter five years of civil war, opposing factions in South Sudan signed a cease-fire on Wednesday that could eventually resolve the conflict. Some are skeptical if the deal will hold, however, given that previous agreements have collapsed.
Uganda's pride: Lions test locals' patienceAfter 11 lions were found dead in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park, presumably poisoned by pastoralists, wildlife officials are struggling to help the park's human communities learn to live in harmony with the predators.
FocusFor Maine lobstermen, conservation and success go hand in handConservation efforts are聽often portrayed as being in opposition to economic interests. But to most Maine lobstermen environmental sustainability is an economic imperative 鈥撀燼nd a source of pride.
First LookUnderdogs no more: African wild dogs make comeback in MozambiqueAfter near extinction in the 1970s due to famine and disease, African wild dogs have been re-introduced in Gorongosa National Park as part of a carefully planned project to restore the species in a diverse ecosystem where it can thrive.
First LookPlastic waste piles up globally due to China import banThe United States, Japan, Germany, and others have long used China as a dumping ground for plastic waste, exporting an estimated 116 million tons of waste since 1992. Now, the country's recent ban is serving as a wake-up call for countries to manage waste better.
First LookThailand takes first step toward total ban of e-wasteElectronic waste 鈥� while a lucrative business for processing plants 鈥� releases harmful lead, mercury, cadmium, and other toxins into the environment. E-waste is a growing problem in Southeast Asia as China cracks down on its recycling and e-waste imports,聽the world's main dumping ground for e-waste for the past two decades.
Poachers become protectors: How tigers bounced back in an Indian parkWho knows how to fight poaching better than former poachers themselves? A program in Periyar Tiger Reserve has reduced poaching by not only policing the park, but also by giving former poachers an alternate economic lifeline.聽