Latest science news in Earth & Climate
A mysterious, highly active undersea volcano near California could erupt later this year. What scientists expect
Nearly a mile deep, the Pacific Ocean volcano known as Axial Seamount is drawing increasing scrutiny from scientists who only discovered its existence in the 1980s.
CalRecycle drafts revised plastic recycling rules that are more friendly to industry
Newsom scuttled the finalization of a landmark waste law, leading CalRecycle to propose new rules. Critics say the rules pander to industry by making broad exemptions.
'It's pretty bleak': A warming planet is poised to get even hotter, forecasters warn
Get ready for more fires, more droughts and more hurricanes.
Want to understand CalRecycle's chemical recycling rules? You'll need to pay
CalRecycle's latest attempt at rules to implement the state's plastic waste law is under fire — including for its decision to use ISO guidelines on hazardous waste that cost nearly...
Lawmakers ask Newsom and waste agency to follow the law on plastic legislation
More than two dozen lawmakers signed a letter urging the governor and CalRecycle to toss regulations drafted to implement landmark plastic legislation they say ignores the law.
On 7-5 vote, AQMD rejects gas appliance surcharge aimed at improving air quality
In voting to deny the measures, AQMD board member Janet Nguyen said the rule would unnecessarily penalize people by raising the cost of household appliances.
Salton Sea is emitting foul-smelling hydrogen sulfide gas, triggering health concerns
Emissions of hydrogen sulfide raise health concerns in communities near California's largest lake, researchers say.
Trump signs laws to kill California auto emission standards. California AG sues
President Trump signed legislation that would overturn California's ambitious auto emission standards
Pressure is mounting for soil testing post-fire cleanup. The Newsom administration is downplaying the concerns
As federal and state lawmakers call for soil testing after the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, the Newsom administration keeps downplaying contamination concerns.
Final evacuation order officially lifted nearly six months after Palisades fire
More than five months after a wildfire devastated the Pacific Palisades, the final evacuation orders have been fully lifted, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
In Southern California, many are skipping healthcare out of fear of ICE operations
Many Southern California residents are skipping healthcare out of fear of ICE arrests and deportation, according to clinic workers in the state.
Newsom's podcast sidekick: a single-use plastic water bottle
Newsom has called for a future free of plastic waste, yet a single-use plastic bottle is usually by his side during his podcasts.
Malaysia no longer takes U.S. plastic waste, creating a dilemma for California
Malaysia emerged as a major destination for U.S. waste after China banned U.S. waste imports in 2018.
Federal contractors improperly dumped wildfire-related asbestos waste at L.A. area landfills
Cleanup crews contracted by the Army Corp of Engineers dumped asbestos-tainted wildfire debris in landfills that they shouldn't have, according to government records.
Should bioplastics be counted as compost? Debate pits farmers against manufacturers
Plastic manufacturers are pushing to have their products counted as compost. Composters and farmers are trying to stop them.
Cyborg jellyfish could help uncover the depths and mysteries of the Pacific Ocean
At Caltech, researchers have turned living jellyfish into low-cost, remotely controlled ocean robots — creating real-life cyborgs for deep-sea exploration and environmental sensing.
2019 Atlantic hurricane season begins
June 1 marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season and forecasters predict at least two to four major storms this year. There’s a storm brewing over competing technologies...
Green energy in West Virginia, the state of coal
Coal has been the backbone of West Virginia for generations until rising costs and cheaper fuel alternatives wiped out jobs by tens of thousands. Now, there's a new opportunity in...
SpaceX takes over small community in Texas
SpaceX broke ground on a facility in Boca Chica, Texas, in 2014. While the move has brought some economic development to the area, there's also been some concerns from residents...
Stunning photos of climate change
These images paint a startling picture of the environmental changes afoot across the globe as temperatures rise.
Nature: California's Mono Lake
"Sunday Morning" takes us to Mono Lake, east of Yosemite in California, known for its salty waters and mineral deposits. Videographer: Jamie McDonald.
House Democrats release plan to fight climate change
House Democrats have released a 500-page report with recommendations for government action to help fight climate change. Congresswoman Kathy Castor of Florida is the chair of the House Select Committee...
Venice begins testing floodgates to save iconic Italian city from destruction
The iconic waters of Venice, Italy have become an extreme threat due to frequent, massive flooding that has seen the city slowly sink for centuries. Now, a long-planned but controversial...
Greenland ice flow likely to speed up
Flow of the Greenland Ice Sheet is likely to speed up in the future, despite a recent slowdown, because its outlet glaciers slide over wet sediment, not hard rock, new...
Changing tides: Lake Michigan could best support lake trout and steelhead
Invasive mussels and less nutrients from tributaries have altered the Lake Michigan ecosystem, making it more conducive to the stocking of lake trout and steelhead than Chinook salmon, according to...
Ocean exploration uncovers one of Cuba's hidden natural treasures
After nearly two years of planning, a team of scientists from the US and Cuba has explored never-before-studied mesophotic coral reefs during a month-long circumnavigation of the entire coast of...
Dissolvable, easy-to-use milk capsules for your coffee
Have your coffee without spilling the milk: researchers have developed a milk capsule that dissolves when placed in a hot drink. Not only does this reduce the consumption of packaging...
Florida flood risk study identifies priorities for property buyouts
A study of flood damage in Florida proposes prioritizing property buyouts based on flood risk, ecological value, and socioeconomic conditions. Forecasters say an above-normal hurricane season is likely in the...