In 2024, Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina hard, especially in the western mountains. The storm brought record rainfall, with 24 inches at Mount Mitchell and nearly 31 inches in Busick. This caused massive flooding, over $60 billion in damages, and more than 100 deaths. Phone and internet services were knocked out, making it hard for people to communicate or get he...
A heated debate is unfolding between government agencies and lawmakers over a plan to cull 450, 000 barred owls. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed this strategy to protect the endangered Northern and California spotted owls. Critics question the plan's effectiveness and ethics, arguing that killing one species to save another is flawed. Barred owl...
South Africa, known for its strong voice in global environmental talks, is now facing a drop in influence. This comes after a political decision led to the removal of its environment minister, Dion George. The country, which houses some of the world's most endangered species, has scaled back its role in a major international wildlife trade regulation forum. This move...
In 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) told countries to cut pollution and help the climate. But they forgot something important: nature's rights. The ruling was about how climate change hurts people, not about nature itself. It's like saying, \""Let's clean up the park, but only because we want to use it, not because the trees and animals deserve better. ...
A foreign seaweed called Rugulopteryx okamurae has been causing trouble along Morocco's northern coast since 2017. It's not just an ecological issue; it's also affecting the lives of people who depend on the sea for their livelihoods. Researchers have been keeping an eye on this invader from 2019 to 2022. They found huge piles of this seaweed washed up on shores, es...
Indonesia is on a mission to tackle pollution and climate change. They have ambitious targets: reducing emissions by 31% independently and up to 43% with international support. A key part of this mission is protecting and restoring their forests and land, which are vital for this goal. But there's a catch: they need money, and not just from the government. Private c...
In the vast waters near Seattle, a group of orcas, also known as killer whales, were on a hunt. They were not just any orcas, but Bigg's orcas, known for their varied diet. These orcas are not endangered like their salmon-eating cousins, the resident orcas. They are well-fed and thrive in the marine ecosystem. A photographer was nearby, capturing the scene. She saw ...
The seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis is a game-changer for reducing methane emissions from cows. It's packed with bromoform, which helps cut down on the gas cows release. But there's a catch: we need more of this seaweed to make a real difference. To get more seaweed, scientists are studying how to grow it better. They looked at different temperatures, light cycles, ...
People around the world are making a lot of trash. Some of it is really dangerous. One type of trash that scares people the most is radioactive waste. Countries are planning to bury this waste deep underground in special places. This is a huge job that will take a lot of time, money, and smart people to do. But radioactive waste is not the only dangerous trash. Ther...
The world is getting hotter, and it's taking a toll on people's health. Over half a million people die each year due to extreme heat. To tackle this growing problem, a group of philanthropies has pledged $300 million for research and solutions. This funding, announced at the COP30 climate talks in Brazil, aims to address heat-related deaths, air pollution, and infect...