In the sea as on land, climate change is driving shifts in the abundance and distribution of species. Scientists are just beginning to focus on why some fish predators and prey — like striped bass and menhaden on the U.S. East Coast — are changing their behavior as waters warm.
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INTERVIEW
Whiplash: How Big Swings in Precipitation Fueled the L.A. Fires
Climate scientist Daniel Swain says that two very wet years followed by a very dry one helped to turn the Los Angeles wildfires into raging infernos. This phenomenon of “hydroclimate whiplash,” he says, is expected to occur in more and more places as the world warms.
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CONSERVATION
How African Communities Are Taking Lead on Protecting Wildlife
A new analysis shows that African wildlife increasingly depend on lands managed by villagers and herders. In many areas, locally-run conservancies now more effectively protect wildlife than national parks do, with communities reaping tourism revenue and other benefits.
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Biodiversity
Despite Biotech Efforts to Revive Species, Extinction Is Still Forever
In the last decade, laboratory initiatives to recreate long-extinct species have stirred controversy. Now, scientists increasingly agree "de-extinction" is not possible, but breeding living animals with genes similar to those lost species can be a useful conservation tool.
ANALYSIS
In a Major Reversal, the World Bank Is Backing Mega Dams
Despite continued opposition, the World Bank has approved the first of five big dam projects expected to get its support in the coming months. Climate change has upped the need for renewable energy, but the environmental and social costs of building such massive projects remain.
E360 Digest
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Carbon Dioxide Levels Rose by a Record Amount Last Year
Carbon dioxide is accumulating in the atmosphere faster than ever before, putting hopes of limiting warming in jeopardy. More about Carbon Dioxide Levels Rose by a Record Amount Last Year →
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Trees That Have Never Known Plentiful Rainfall Better Prepared for Drought
A new study finds that trees that have lived through many wet years struggle to cope with dry spells. More about Trees That Have Never Known Plentiful Rainfall Better Prepared for Drought →
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U.S. Wind and Solar Overtake Coal Power
In a first, the U.S. saw wind and solar supply more power than coal last year, according to a new analysis. But even as renewables made gains, U.S. emissions stayed flat owing to rising demand for energy. More about U.S. Wind and Solar Overtake Coal Power →
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Biodiversity
As Wolf Populations Rebound, an Angry Backlash Intensifies
The reintroduction of endangered wolves to Yellowstone National Park 30 years ago was a major conservation victory. But as wolves have spread across the West, anger and resentment at the apex predator has escalated, with hunters in some states increasingly targeting them.
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Energy
U.S. Support and New Investments Buoy Hopes for Marine Energy
Producing energy from waves and tides has a stop-and-start history. But with a new U.S. testing site opening in 2026, recent federal investment, and accelerating efforts to reach net zero emissions, developers aiming to harness the vast power of the sea are feeling optimistic.
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INTERVIEW
Can Support for Clean Energy Withstand Changing Political Winds?
With billions in investment flowing to GOP districts, Donald Trump’s plans to repeal clean energy tax credits face Republican resistance. In an e360 interview, political scientist Leah Stokes, who helped craft U.S. climate law, talks about the new politics of renewable energy.
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BIOECONOMY
Will UN Carbon Market Work? Indonesia Will Provide First Test
A U.N. carbon market is expected to open as soon as next year, with carbon-rich Indonesia planning to generate billions of dollars in credits from its vast rainforests. But critics say the trading system is susceptible to fraud and errors that will undermine emissions goals.
