Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Difficult, complex decisions underpin the future of the world's coral reefs
Effective solutions to the climate challenge threatening the world's coral reefs require complex decisions about risk and uncertainty, timing, quality versus quantity as well as which species to support for...
Mount Everest summit success rates double, death rate stays the same over last 30 years
As the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest draws more than 500 climbers each spring to attempt the summit during a small window of favorable conditions on the rugged Himalayan mountain...
Fire on Coast Guard icebreaker Healy ends Arctic scientific mission
The icebreaker USCGC Healy had an engine room electrical while fire off the coast of Alaska, and headed to Seattle, the U.S. Coast Guard said.
Plastics, waste and recycling: It's not just a packaging problem
Discussions of the growing plastic waste problem often focus on reducing the volume of single-use plastic packaging items such as bags, bottles, tubs and films.
Weather, reinforcements helping in California wildfire fight
Firefighters hard-pressed by some of the largest wildfires in California history scrambled Wednesday to take advantage of cooler weather and an influx of aid as they carved and burned containment...
NASA's orbital views of a strengthening, dangerous major Hurricane Laura
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station provided images of Hurricane Laura as it continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico. Laura is pushing waters from the Gulf of Mexico...
Q&A: A scientist explains the 'why' of California's wildfire crisis
Unexpected bad news hit California more than 11,000 times last week. That's the estimated number of lightning strikes that unleashed two of the biggest fires in state history. The fires...
Atmospheric scientists study fires to resolve ice question in climate models
Black carbon from fires is an important short-term climate driver because it can affect the formation and composition of clouds. Scientists are figuring out how.
New study warns: We have underestimated the pace at which the Arctic is melting
Arctic sea ice is melting more quickly than once assumed. Today's climate models have yet to incorporate the steep rise in temperatures that have occurred over the past 40 years.
World Economic Forum in January postponed for months due to COVID-19
The World Economic Forum announced Wednesday that it's postponed its annual summit in Switzerland until next summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Report: China fires missile capable of destroying aircraft carriers
China fired two missiles, one of which is designed to hit aircraft carriers, as its new amphibious assault ship concluded its first offshore trial.
South Korea president threatens action against doctors on strike
South Korean President Moon Jae-in warned doctors on strike as the country witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases tied to an evangelical church that has resisted cooperating with the government.
Hurricane Laura near Category 4 strength off U.S. Gulf Coast
Hurricane Laura strengthened to a Category 3 storm early Wednesday and is expected to pick up even more wind speed before it arrives on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Scientists use fruit peel to turn old batteries into new
Scientists have developed a novel method of using fruit peel waste to extract and reuse precious metals from spent lithium-ion batteries in order to create new batteries. The scientists say...
More evacuees flee in Texas, Louisiana as Hurricane Laura nears
Hundreds of thousands of people in eastern Texas and western Louisiana are evacuating Wednesday or preparing for a direct hit from Hurricane Laura, which is expected to arrive soon on...
Atmospheric scientists study fires to resolve ice question in climate models
When fossil fuel or biomass burns, soot—also known as black carbon—fills the air. Black carbon is an important short-term climate driver because it absorbs solar energy and can affect the...
Antarctic ice shelves vulnerable to sudden meltwater-driven fracturing, says study
A new study says that many of the ice shelves ringing Antarctica could be vulnerable to quick destruction if rising temperatures drive melt water into the numerous fractures that currently...
How cold was the ice age? Researchers now know
A University of Arizona-led team has nailed down the temperature of the last ice age—the Last Glacial Maximum of 20,000 years ago—to about 46 degrees Fahrenheit (7.8 C).
Bioengineered soil microbes may help prevent desertification
By tweaking the genes of microbes in the soil, it may be possible to make arid ecosystems more resilient to climate change and overgrazing, according to a new study. The...
Laura now forecast to be a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane
Hurricane Laura is forecast to rapidly power up into a "catastrophic" Category 4 hurricane, even stronger than previously expected, as it churns toward Texas and Louisiana, swirling wind and water...
Experts reveal major holes in international ozone treaty
Scientists have revealed major holes in an international treaty designed to help repair the ozone layer, putting human health at risk and affecting climate.
A look at climate-caused harms unfolding in Peru's Cordillera Blanca
The world is moving too slowly in its efforts to confront climate change, and some communities are already experiencing serious losses because of limits to adaptation that leave bases uncovered....
Crop breeding: Getting to the root of the problem
Roots play a vital role in crop plants. They take up water and nutrients for the plant and keep it help firmly in the ground. But not all roots are...
Coastal development, changing climate threaten sea turtle nesting habitat
A research team found that sea turtles in the US will have less suitable nesting habitat in the future because of climate change and coastal development.
From cotton field to store rack, blue jeans leave a massive water footprint
The fact that blue jeans typically need only a passing acquaintance with the washing machine has always been a point in their favor. But even if they rarely see the...
Forests scorched by wildfire unlikely to recover, may convert to grasslands
With flames racing across hundreds of square miles throughout Colorado and California this summer and a warming climate projected to boost wildfire activity across the West, residents can't help but...
Galapagos: How to protect the islands' amazing marine life from huge Chinese fishing fleets
More than 300 foreign fishing ships, almost all Chinese, have been sitting in international waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands since late July. The islands, nearly 1,000 km from the coast...
Storm Surge: The Science behind This Year's Unusual Hurricane Season
Meteorologist J. Marshall Shepherd explains Hurricane Laura in the Gulf of Mexico and the ingredients for tropical cyclones -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com