Lightning strikes the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway.

A warmer world is expected to bring more thunderstorms, especially at higher latitudes. Scientists are now reporting a dramatic surge in lightning in the Far North and are scrambling to parse how this could affect wildfires, the chemistry of the atmosphere, and Arctic ecosystems.

By Nicola Jones

Solutions

Birds vs. Wind Turbines: New Research Aims to Prevent Deaths

Window collisions and cats kill more birds than wind farms do, but ornithologists say turbine impacts must be taken seriously. Scientists are testing a range of technologies to reduce bird strikes — from painting stripes to using artificial intelligence — to keep birds safe.

By Adam Welz

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A.I. analyzes camera trap photos from a reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India, to identify wildlife and potential poachers.

CONSERVATION

Out of the Wild: How A.I. Is Transforming Conservation Science

Artificial intelligence is being called a game changer for enabling scientists and conservationists to process vast troves of data collected remotely. But some warn its use could keep biologists from getting out in the field with the animals and ecosystems they are studying.

By Jim Robbins

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