When scientists recently analyzed hundreds of studies of ecosystems, they were surprised to see a marked slowing in the rate of species turnover. If new species don’t replace old ones, they say, ecosystems may have less flexibility to respond to habitat loss and climate change.
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OPINION
Beyond ‘Endangerment’: Finding a Way Forward for U.S. on Climate
Environmentalists are challenging the EPA’s repeal of the “endangerment finding,” which empowered it to regulate greenhouse gases. Whether or not the action holds up in court, now is the time to develop climate strategies that can be pursued when the political balance shifts.
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Solutions
The E.U.’s Burgeoning Repair Movement Is Set to Get a Boost
Europe’s new Right to Repair Directive will make it easier — and cheaper — for consumers to get their household goods fixed, rather than buy something new. Part of the E.U.’s Green Deal, the plan is expected to slash waste, promote recycling, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
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Biodiversity
Baboon Raiders: In Cape Town, Can Big Primates and People Coexist?
For years, baboons have roamed Cape Town suburbs, entering yards and houses in search of food. Now officials have a conservation plan aimed at reducing conflicts between the large primates and people — but like most things baboon-related here, it is sparking heated controversy.
Energy
How Ukraine Is Turning to Renewables to Keep Heat and Lights On
Russia continues to bomb Ukraine’s fossil-fueled power plants, leaving much of the nation shivering during a brutal winter. But Ukraine’s new emphasis on developing decentralized power — from solar panels to wind turbines — is advancing an unexpected green energy transition.
E360 Digest
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Global Warming Is Accelerating, Study Shows
The Earth is warming at the fastest rate on record as emissions hit new highs and critical carbon sinks break down. More about Global Warming Is Accelerating, Study Shows →
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Among Young Climate Scientists, a Growing Interest In Geoengineering
Fed up with a lack of action on climate change, some students are researching dimming the sun despite the pushback from other scientists.
More about Among Young Climate Scientists, a Growing Interest In Geoengineering → -
Record Number of Objects Launched Into Space Last Year
Humans launched a record number of objects into space last year, from satellites to probes to crewed spacecraft. As launches increase, scientists see new risks in the growing number of satellites amassing over the planet. More about Record Number of Objects Launched Into Space Last Year →
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Solutions
In Hunt for Rare Earths, Companies Are Scouring Mining Waste
Tailings and acid mine drainage from mines contain critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies. Now, researchers are developing new techniques for retrieving these key metals, which could reduce the need for new mines and help clean up pollution at old mining sites.
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Policy
U.S. Push for Greenland’s Minerals Faces Harsh Arctic Realities
President Trump has made access to Greenland’s vast reserves of critical minerals a focus of ongoing negotiations. But experts say the U.S. is underestimating the difficulties of mining in a rapidly changing Arctic region that is warming faster than anywhere else on Earth.
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ANALYSIS
Overshoot: The World Is Hitting Point of No Return on Climate
With warming set to pass the critical 1.5-degree limit, scientists are warning that the world is on course to trigger tipping points that would lead to cascading consequences — from the melting of ice sheets to the death of the Amazon rainforest — that could not be reversed.
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Oceans
Sea Star Murder Mystery: What’s Killing a Key Ocean Species?
Billions of sea stars, victims of a deadly wasting illness, have perished over the last decade, imperiling marine ecosystems and spurring a global hunt for a biological or environmental culprit. Recently, researchers identified a likely suspect, but the case is far from closed.
Living With Wildlife
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As Jaguars Recover, Will the Border Wall Block Their U.S. Return?
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Despite Criticism, the Last of the Rattlesnake Roundups Hang On
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As Wolf Populations Rebound, an Angry Backlash Intensifies
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Octopuses Are Highly Intelligent. Should They Be Farmed for Food?
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Deadly Encounter: Mountain Lion Attacks Spark Controversy