Water
Second-largest U.S. reservoir falls to historic lows
A megadrought in the Western U.S. has caused the country’s second-largest reservoir to drop to its lowest level since it was filled more than 50 years ago.
Olivia is a freelance reporter for EcoWatch.
Most Popular
Agriculture, Food and Beverage
2 billion people suffer from malnutrition - these plants can help
Scientists have identified 1,000 plants that could help the 2 billion people around the world who suffer from malnutrition and vitamin B deficiencies.
Plastics and the Environment
Tire particle pollution may be harming freshwater and estuary ecosystems
Two studies have looked at the impact of exposure to tire particles on ocean and freshwater species. Researchers have found ways to reduce harmful effects.
Future of the Environment
Gas stoves are a bigger climate threat than previously thought, study finds
Gas stoves have been found to be a bigger contributor to the climate crisis than previously believed, as they produce methane even when not in use.
Climate Change
Superstore rooftops are ideal for solar farms, report finds
If the 7.2 billion square feet of big-box roof space in the US were covered in solar panels, it would generate enough electricity to power 8 million homes.
Biodiversity
Endangered salmon return to Bay Area streams
After years of overfishing, habitat loss and climate change, biologists have spotted the return of endangered salmon in various San Francisco Bay Area streams.
The Ocean
2021 ocean temperatures were warmest on record
Scientists say ocean temperature is a better way to measure global warming, as natural weather cycles don't impact the ocean in the same way as the air.
Climate Indicators
Climate crisis could shift hurricanes toward more populated cities
According to Yale physicist Joshua Studholme, the 21st Century's tropical cyclones are expected to appear in a wider range of latitudes; this has not occurred for 3 million years.
Arctic
The Arctic Report Card shows the continued decline of sea ice
The Arctic region continues to warm twice as fast as the rest of the planet according to the annual report from the NOAA-led Arctic Program.
Future of the Environment
Plastics in soil threaten health and agriculture
There may be more microplastic pollution in soil than in the ocean, with the UN's FAO calling for decisive action to reduce the use of plastics on farms.
Arctic
Wildfires could be pumping 3x more soot to the Arctic than previously thought, new study finds
Evidence suggests that wildfires could be accelerating rising temperatures in the Arctic, which is warming three times faster than the global average.
The Ocean
'Magical’ coral spawning is a sign of hope for the Great Barrier Reef
Corals off the coast of Queensland are regenerating after years of bleaching, giving scientists hope.
Agriculture, Food and Beverage
These 45 countries have pledged over $4 billion to support sustainable agriculture, but is it enough?
Around 25 percent of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, and 45 countries have pledged to transition to sustainable farming.
The Ocean
98% of the Great Barrier Reef has been affected by coral bleaching
Bleaching is when higher than average water temperatures force coral to expel the algae that provide them with nutrients and color, with 5 major events happening since 1998.
Climate Change
COP26: No single sector is doing enough to limit climate change to 1.5C
Limiting global warming to 1.5C is essential to avoiding the worst impacts of the climate crisis, a 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report warned.