All Environment
First LookHurricane Helene is surging toward the southeast US. And it鈥檚 gaining power.Expected to hit Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene is forecast to be one of the largest storms in years to hit the southeastern United States. The storm passed over the Cayman Islands and Cuba. Some Cuban communities saw waves as high as 16 feet.
Points of ProgressHow ships can make green fuel, and natural winds are key to cooling a cityProgress roundup: Wind patterns are in Frankfurt鈥檚 city building plan; plus, a new green hydrogen fuel, and three news briefs on justice and equality.
The ExplainerTornadoes are swirling in unusual places. Why twisters are shifting east.Tornado patterns are changing,聽as twisters land farther east in the U.S. and arrive later in the year. Here鈥檚 why and what residents can do to be ready.
First LookIn a one-two punch against plastic, California sues Exxon, bans plastic bagsCalifornia sued ExxonMobil on Sept. 23聽for misleading the public through slick marketing campaigns about its plastic products.聽A day earlier, Gov.聽Gavin Newsom signed a law banning all plastic bags starting in 2026.
Can US seafood industry revive? Mayor and fishmonger Larry Toomer has a recipe.Americans are eating more seafood. But imports have left domestic fisheries struggling. Some see a path forward in reconnecting with local consumers.
First LookWithout water, how do you fight wildfires? Algeria leans on AI, drones, and trucks.Rural Algerian firefighters are pioneering new ways to combat wildfires fed by Algeria鈥檚 hot, dry climate. With artificial intelligence and new laws, the government is streamlining faster responses and saving lives.
What a Tunisian exodus says about the future of global migrationIn an age of global migration, Tunisia offers a window into key stressors driving migrants from their homes.
First LookHow a group of zookeepers ended up taking a roadtrip with their animals to safetyCranes, hawks, foxes, and more were evacuated from Big Bear Alpine聽Zoo after wildfires burned through the聽San Bernardino wilderness. Zookeepers were quick to help the animals in their care by driving them to another sanctuary in Palm Springs.
Points of ProgressExpanding possibilities for renters who want solar, and for animation in AfricaProgress roundup: New choices emerge for African animation fans, German apartment renters who want solar panels, and arts groups facing rising costs.
The ExplainerDo you really know how the US power grid works? You should. Here鈥檚 why.Warnings about the power grid鈥檚 reliability are common. Here鈥檚 a primer on what 鈥渢he grid鈥� is and why it鈥檚 so complicated to update.聽
Points of ProgressStubborn problems overcome: Where hunger is dropping and weeds build homesProgress roundup: Hunger declines in Latin America. And in Namibia, innovative management of an invasive species is helping to boost housing stocks.
Air conditioning gets expensive. Here鈥檚 how to save money 鈥� and help the planet.Increased air-conditioning demand, alongside rising energy prices in some places, is causing some consumers to feel strained. Here are charts聽on AC usage in the U.S. and tips on how to lower costs.聽
Is climate change causing extreme weather? The science is complicated.Extreme weather and climate change are often linked, but scientists are still learning about their connections. That impacts decisions in a wide array of fields.聽
FocusHow a gas company and environmentalists united on a first-of-its-kind geothermal projectThe largest gas utility company in Massachusetts partnered with environmental activists to create the country鈥檚 first pilot program in which a major utility delivers geothermal energy.聽
Points of ProgressIn sports and the arts, making room for mental health and disabilitiesProgress roundup: Fans are recognizing that athletes have mental health needs. And in formal venues, rules soften so more people can enjoy the arts.
Points of ProgressSenior housing that doesn鈥檛 isolate, and how community lifts Mexican women farmersProgress roundup: Community benefits for senior living, and the Mexican women farmers reviving the Indigenous practice of working for the group.
Points of ProgressFrom Illinois to Sierra Leone, laws on child labor and child marriageProgress roundup: Social media family vlogs must set aside pay for children in Illinois. And child marriage is outlawed in Sierra Leone.
Cover StoryTo hug or to cut? A new generation of foresters says do both.Cutting timber the right way can actually make forests more dynamic, says a new generation of foresters who focus on ecology and climate change.
Tropical Storm Debby tests severe-weather readinessTropical Storm Debby is an example of how, as storms and extreme weather events become more frequent, towns and residents are trying to adapt.聽
Points of ProgressWhere texts and lots of photos are critical data for farmers and residentsProgress roundup: Southern California addresses industrial boilers as source of pollution; chocolate gets a makeover using more of the cacao pod.