Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Biodegradable plastic in clothing doesn't break down nearly as quickly as hoped—new research
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Over 100 million tons of plastic enters the environment each year, with more than 10...
From mangroves to fjords, coastal ecosystems can take up or emit greenhouse gases. But globally, they're a vital sink
Coastal ecosystems can absorb or emit the three main greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.
Antarctic alarm bells: Observations reveal deep ocean currents are slowing earlier than predicted
Antarctica sets the stage for the world's greatest waterfall. The action takes place beneath the surface of the ocean. Here, trillions of tons of cold, dense, oxygen-rich water cascade off...
On This Day, May 27: Tornado outbreak kills 27 in Central Texas
On May 27, 1997, an F5 tornado half a mile wide ripped through the small Texas town of Jarrell, killing 27 people, including a family of five.
Why the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is especially hard to predict
It’s hard to know how busy this year’s Atlantic hurricane season will be, thanks to a rarely observed combination of ocean and climate conditions. The Atlantic Ocean is in an active storm...
Sargassum seaweed blob targeting Florida's coast as health hazard
Be cautious when heading to Florida's beaches this summer, an expert warned, as a 5,000-mile floating mass of sargassum seaweed has begun washing up on the state's shores.
2 killed in second fatal plane crash at Palm Beach airport this year
Two people are dead after a small plane crashed near Palm Beach County Park Airport in Lantana, Fla., Friday.
What's in a name? Sometimes, the climate
Climate leaves indelible marks on our lives—impacting where we live, what we eat, our work and our leisure. Two scientists recently documented one of climate's lesser-known impacts: our given names.
Recognizing unpaid environmental duties
A case study by SMU Assistant Professor Sayd Randle reveals how the maintenance of green infrastructure can place an extra burden on lower-income marginalized communities.
Tallahassee police identify woman killed after she allegedly ambushed officers
Tallahassee, Fla., police Friday identified the woman who allegedly ambushed police and was killed as 25-year-old Asia Fitzgerald.
Blinken to discuss NATO membership for Sweden Monday
Beginning on Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Sweden, Norway and Finland to discuss national security cooperation and NATO membership for Sweden.
Kentucky man 'ran out of gas,' won $1 million lottery prize
A Kentucky man said he won a $1 million lottery jackpot thanks to what initially seemed like an unlucky event -- he ran out of gas.
Tracking the accelerated melting of glaciers in Greenland
A study has found widespread mass loss of glaciers and ice caps in Greenland since the start of the 20th century.
Study reveals changes of lake area in permafrost regions of arctic and Tibetan Plateau from 1987 to 2017
As an important indicator of climate change in cold regions, changes in lake area are important for understanding hydrological and ecological processes in cold regions.
South Carolina judge puts hold on new 6-week abortion ban until judicial review
A South Carolina Circuit Court Judge has paused the state's new six-week abortion ban until it is reviewed by the state's high court.
Interdisciplinary study provides a detailed map of urban heat islands
Urban areas are where the majority of the world's population lives, and they are also usually most affected by climate change. Heat waves and extreme temperatures are more intense in...
'We abuse plastic, it's so cheap': UN Environment chief
Humanity uses and abuses hundreds of millions of tonnes of plastic a year because "it's so cheap", despite the huge cost of the pollution it creates, the head of the...
Killer whales damage boats in Spanish, Portuguese waters in puzzling new behavior
A pod of killer whales repeatedly rammed a yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar this week, damaging it enough to require Spanish rescuers to come to the aid of its...
Warm and dry climate over China in 2022 with extreme heatwaves and droughts
Weather and climate are important factors affecting economic and social development. In China, the country's National Climate Center releases an annual climate report that comprehensively covers China's achievements and progress...
Former ice cream truck driver gets life in prison in Fla. double-murder revenge case
A former ice cream truck driver in Florida was sentenced to life in prison Friday, more than 12 years after he shot two people to death and injured four others.
Stanford sophomore golfer Rose Zhang turning professional
Stanford sophomore golfer Rose Zhang is turning professional and will make her LPGA debut at the Mizuho Americas Open next week at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, N.J.,...
Farmers face a soaring risk of flash droughts in every major food-growing region in coming decades, new research shows
Flash droughts develop fast, and when they hit at the wrong time, they can devastate a region's agriculture.
Over half of the world's largest lakes and reservoirs are losing water
The amount lost in the last 30 years is equivalent to 17 Lake Meads — the largest reservoir in the U.S.
Using nature to fight rising seas
Picture Boston Harbor, a few years from now. The East Boston Greenway, a leafy urban trail, no longer stops a block from the pier, but extends into the ocean. A...
Rainfall is on the rise in northwest Australia
In the first week of 2023, slow-moving Tropical Cyclone Ellie dropped 800mm of rainfall, flooding the Fitzroy River in Australia's northwest. Local residents were cut off from food and other...
Climate scientist explains increase in airplane turbulence
As the third-busiest Memorial Day weekend since 2000 approaches, kicking off a summer travel season that AAA predicts will be one for the record books, particularly at airports, travelers are...
Pope Francis cancels meetings due to a fever
Pope Francis has canceled some meetings Friday due to a fever, according to the Vatican. The pope also has no public events scheduled for Saturday, according to the Vatican calendar.
Philosophers agree with economists on climate action, but stress ethical considerations
A new study shows that philosophers with expertise on social discounting and intergenerational distribution want to put more emphasis on the conditions of future generations in climate economic calculations. But...