The growing market for rubber is a major, but largely overlooked, cause of tropical deforestation, new analysis shows. Most of the rubber goes to produce tires, more than 2 billion a year, and experts warn the transition to electric vehicles could accelerate rubber use.
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Climate
As Temperatures Rise, Dengue Fever Spreads and Cases Rise
With temperatures and rainfall increasing, the mosquitoes that carry dengue viruses are extending their range. More than 4.5 million cases have been reported this year, and global climate models project an additional 2 billion people could be at risk of infection by 2080.
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OPINION
Clearing Skies: Opening a New Path on Climate and the Future
Adapting to climate change does not address the societal systems and values that spawned the current crisis. What’s needed is “systemic adaptation” that fundamentally changes our economy, our politics, and our priorities in ways that put community and the planet first.
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Food & Agriculture
After the Storm, Malawi’s Farmers Face a Precarious Future
When Cyclone Freddy walloped southern Africa last March, Malawi’s farmers — mostly women — lost their land, livestock, and livelihoods. Already desperately poor, they are struggling to recover in a nation considered one of the world’s most affected by extreme weather events.
OPINION
Uncounted Emissions: The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuel Exports
Oil, gas, and coal exports are not counted when countries tally their greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement. This allows wealthy nations to report progress on emissions reduction goals, while shipping their fossil fuels — and the pollution they produce — overseas.
E360 Digest
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Extreme Weather Inflicting Higher Costs but Fewer Deaths, Report Finds
The last decade saw weather grow more extreme, with cyclones, floods, and fires incurring greater costs. But thanks to improved early warning systems, deaths from extreme weather fell, a new report finds. More about Extreme Weather Inflicting Higher Costs but Fewer Deaths, Report Finds →
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Why We Won't Know When We've Passed the 1.5-Degree Threshold
While the Paris Agreement aims to limit warming to 1.5 degrees C, experts won't know when we have surpassed this threshold, a fact that could undermine global efforts to tackle climate change, scientists say. More about Why We Won't Know When We've Passed the 1.5-Degree Threshold →
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Conservationists Sue to Stop the Planting of Giant Sequoias
The National Park Service is working to replant several groves of giant sequoias devastated by recent wildfires. But some conservationists say planting is unneeded and could damage forests. More about Conservationists Sue to Stop the Planting of Giant Sequoias →
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OPINION
Without Warning: A Lack of Weather Stations Is Costing African Lives
A scarcity of weather stations in Africa and elsewhere in the Global South means millions of people cannot be alerted about impending extreme weather events. What’s needed is funding for equipment and early warning systems, which will reduce damage and save lives.
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Policy
Shifting Political Winds Threaten Progress on Europe’s Green Goals
Shaken by global instability and a populist backlash, European nations are retreating from plans to reduce greenhouse gases, promote sustainable farming practices, and boost biodiversity. Green advocates fear the EU will fail to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
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Biodiversity
Can ‘Immortal’ Sequoias Survive the Ravages of Climate Change?
California’s giant sequoias, some more than 1,000 years old, are facing an existential threat from increasingly intense wildfires linked to warming and drought. An urgent federal push to thin forests in an effort to save the big trees is drawing criticism from conservationists.
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ANALYSIS
As Climate Talks Near, Calls Mount for a ‘Phaseout’ of Fossil Fuels
With UN climate negotiations set for next month, a growing number of nations and business leaders are calling for a phaseout of fossil fuels. But with major fossil fuel expansion projects moving ahead around the globe, advocates of strong action face a daunting challenge.
2023 Yale Environment 360 Film Contest
The winners of our 10th annual contest honoring the best short environmental films.
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E360 Film Contest Winner
The Great Salt Lake and Its Web of Life Face an Uncertain Future
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E360 Film Contest
On the Mekong, Sand Mining Threatens the River and a Way of Life
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E360 Film Contest
In a Chilean Forest Reserve, the Remarkable Darwin’s Frog Endures