Future of the Environment
Extreme Weather 101: Everything You Need to Know
The climate crisis is making extreme weather more frequent and severe. There are two main types of extreme weather – what are they and what causes them?
Olivia is a freelance reporter for EcoWatch.
Most Popular
Global Health
Microplastics found in lungs of living people for first time, and deeper than expected
Scientists have found large microplastic particles deep in the lungs of living humans, despite the narrow size of the lower airways.
New Zealand
New Zealand glaciers becoming ‘more skeletal’ as climate crisis strips snow away
Over 50 glaciers on New Zealand’s South Island are losing snow and ice, a new survey says. New Zealand experienced its warmest year on record in 2021.
United States
50% of U.S. lakes and rivers are too polluted for swimming, fishing or drinking
The Clean Water Act was a landmark legislative achievement when it was passed in 1972. But more funding, stronger enforcement, and better control of farm runoff would clean up waters that...
Climate Change
Both North and South poles see unusually high heat
Both the Arctic spring and the Antarctic autumn are seeing record temperatures. Experts are concerned the conditions causing them may repeat.
Arctic
Why are large sinkholes opening in the Arctic seabed?
While scientists believe these sinkholes are the result of longer-term climate cycles, they also note how climate change continues to reshape the Arctic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.