Brazil is set to unveil an ambitious international plan that would provide up to $4 billion a year to countries that protect their tropical forests. Proponents see it as a potential game-changer for forest conservation, but some ecologists and economists are raising concerns.
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Energy
Facing a Hostile Administration, U.S. Offshore Wind Is in Retreat
Offshore wind had been poised to take off along the East Coast, with about 30 utility-scale farms planned. But the Trump administration’s opposition to wind power has caused most of those projects to be abandoned, with only seven farms now moving ahead or in operation.
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Biodiversity
As Jaguars Recover, Will the Border Wall Block Their U.S. Return?
Decades of conservation efforts in Central and South America are starting to pay off, with increased protections for jaguars and the corridors that connect them. But the construction of the border wall is creating a roadblock to the big cat’s return to the U.S. Southwest.
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WATER
An E.U. Plan to Slash Micropollutants in Wastewater Is Under Attack
Earlier this year, a European Union directive mandated advanced treatment of micropollutants in wastewater, with the cost to be borne by polluters. But the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, which are responsible for most of those contaminants, are now pushing back.
INTERVIEW
This Data Scientist Sees Progress in the Climate Change Fight
Countries are falling short on reducing emissions, but British data scientist Hannah Ritchie looks at the numbers and sees the world making real gains on climate change. In an interview, she talks about the unheralded progress she sees in the global shift to clean energy.
E360 Digest
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'Death Ball' Sponge and Glowing Worms Among Creatures Discovered in Southern Ocean
Scientists have discovered 30 new species in the deep recesses of the Southern Ocean, including iridescent scale worms and a carnivorous "death ball" sponge. More about 'Death Ball' Sponge and Glowing Worms Among Creatures Discovered in Southern Ocean →
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China Has Added Forest the Size of Texas Since 1990
While the world is continuing to lose huge areas of forest, mostly in the tropics, woodlands are making a comeback in some countries. Since 1990, China has added more than 170 million acres of forest, an area roughly the size of Texas, according to a new U.N. report. More about China Has Added Forest the Size of Texas Since 1990 →
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During the Last Government Shutdown, Coal Pollution Spiked
With U.S. lawmakers still at an impasse over spending, the government remains shut down, with thousands of federal workers furloughed. Researchers warn that during the last shutdown, in 2018, pollution from coal power plants spiked in the absence of government oversight. More about During the Last Government Shutdown, Coal Pollution Spiked →
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Climate
How Climate Risks Are Putting Home Insurance Out of Reach
After years underestimating the risks posed by climate-fueled disasters, the U.S. home insurance industry is in turmoil. In vulnerable areas, rising insurance costs are upending housing markets and communities, as homeowners scramble to try to find insurance they can afford.
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Climate
As Floods Worsen, Pakistan Is the Epicenter of Climate Change
This season’s intense monsoon rains caused flooding that killed hundreds and displaced millions of people in Pakistan — an increasingly frequent occurrence. Scientists who study extreme weather warn that Pakistan is more vulnerable to climate change than any other nation.
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Climate
Heat Stress Is a Major Driver of India’s Kidney Disease Epidemic
Cases of chronic kidney disease unrelated to pre-existing conditions are on the rise in India and other tropical nations. As climate change raises temperatures and humidity, the disease is increasingly prevalent among outdoor laborers without access to rest, shade, or hydration.
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Biodiversity
Freeing Captive Bears from Armenia’s Backyards and Basements
Ahead of a major biodiversity summit set for Armenia, the country has pledged to crack down on the practice of keeping wild bears in captivity. Rescuers are removing Syrian brown bears from hellish conditions in private homes and businesses and bringing them to a rehab center.
2025 Yale Environment 360 Film Contest
The winners of our 12th annual contest honoring the best short environmental films.
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FILM CONTEST WINNER
In the Yucatan, the High Cost of a Boom in Factory Hog Farms
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E360 Film Contest
In India, a Young Poacher Evolves into a Committed Conservationist
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E360 Film Contest
The Amazon Rainforest Approaches a Point of No Return