Earth

Oceans

Stealthy robots with microphones could improve maps of ocean noise

Recordings from underwater microphones on stealthy robotic gliders could create a better “soundscape” of noises throughout the ocean, researchers say.

Earth

Climate-warming CO₂ emissions will hit a record high in 2019

Despite countries adopting renewable power sources and coal use falling slightly, oil and gas use are pushing global carbon dioxide emissions to record heights.

Climate

Countries urgently need to ramp up emissions cuts to meet climate targets

A new U.N. report finds that pledged emissions cuts aren’t nearly enough to limit warming to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius by 2100.

Earth

Critics say an EPA rule may restrict science used for public health regulations

Editors of six major scientific journals argue that a rule proposed by the U.S. EPA may keep key data from factoring into environmental regulations.

Climate

Most Americans now see signs of climate change where they live

In a Pew Research survey, most Americans said the U.S. government isn’t doing enough to counter climate change amid local weather extremes.

Climate

50 years ago, scientists puzzled over a slight global cooling

Five decades ago, scientists were puzzled over a slight dip in global temperatures. Today we know it was just a blip, and that Earth’s climate is warming thanks to industrial activity over the last century.

Climate

The loss of ‘eternal ice’ threatens Mongolian reindeer herders’ way of life

Mongolian reindeer herders help scientists piece together the loss of the region’s vital “eternal ice” patches.

Climate

5 things to know about fighting climate change by planting trees

One group’s idea of planting vast swaths of trees to curb climate change exaggerates the proposal’s power to trap carbon, some argue.

Climate

California landfills are belching high levels of climate-warming methane

Airborne remote sensing spots the Golden State’s biggest emitters of the potent greenhouse gas from the sky.

Earth

Plastics outnumber baby fish 7-to-1 in some coastal nurseries

Ocean slicks serve as calm, food-rich nurseries for larval fish. A new study shows that slicks also accumulate plastics, which get eaten by baby fish.

Animals

Power lines may mess with honeybees’ behavior and ability to learn

Under power lines, honeybees might suffer neurological effects from exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Earth

Geology, not CO₂, controlled monsoon intensity in Asia’s ancient past

For millions of years, shifting geologic plates — not carbon dioxide levels —held the most sway over the intensity of Asia’s seasonal winds and rains.