Environment

Rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs aren't just scenic parts of our landscape—they're also vital engines for life on Earth. These inland waters "breathe" oxygen, just like we do. But a new study led by Utrecht University researchers shows that we've been suffocating them during the last century, an era also... Read more

A new study from the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet reveals that days with both high air pollution and extreme heat substantially raise the risk of death in Indian cities more than either factor alone. The findings are published in the journal Environment International.... Read more

The ocean is a vital part of our planet's climate system. Through its global circulation patterns, the ocean draws vast quantities of our planet's heat and carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.... Read more

The desert that we see today in Arabia was once a region that repeatedly underwent "green" periods in the past, as a result of periods of high rainfall, resulting in the formation of lakes and rivers about 9,000 years ago.... Read more

Fast-moving underwater avalanches, known as turbidity currents, are responsible for transporting vast quantities of microplastics into the deep sea, according to new research published today.... Read more

Members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are divided over whether to approve a carbon tax on international shipping, ahead of a meeting starting on Monday to finalize emissions-reduction measures.... Read more

For the first time, scientists have collected measurements close to a giant iceberg, giving an unprecedented window into the impact of meltwater on the surrounding Southern Ocean and ecosystem. The paper is published today (4 April 2025) in the journal Nature Geoscience.... Read more

Storm forecasting is traditionally based on studying atmospheric conditions, but research that also looks at land surface conditions is set to transform early warning systems in tropical regions. This will enable communities to better adapt to the destructive impacts of climate change.... Read more

Southern Ocean warming may have a greater impact than Arctic warming in some regions, particularly affecting tropical rainfall patterns, according to a study published in Nature Communications. These effects could exacerbate weather and climate extremes in vulnerable regions.... Read more

Scientist Inna Birchenko began to cry as she described the smoldering protected forest in Thailand where she was collecting samples from local trees shrouded in wildfire smoke.... Read more

Contaminating water and soil, human-made "forever chemicals" widely used since the mid-20th century, are facing increasing regulation worldwide.... Read more

A surprise heat wave hit Central Asia in March, a new study published Friday showed, putting in danger crops and water supply in a largely rural region already heavily affected by the impacts of climate change.... Read more

Flooding in rural southeastern Oregon from what authorities have described as "historic levels" of snowmelt and rainfall has prompted evacuation orders, school closures and public health concerns, submerging roads and agricultural land and damaging homes and businesses.... Read more

When it comes to recycling the most precious resource in the Colorado River Basin, Nevada leads six other states, a new report has confirmed.... Read more

With new innovations and technology, scientists have learned from major tornado outbreaks over the years how to improve safety guidance. During tornado season, forecasters try to get the word out about staying safe during a storm—but also planning for it ahead of time.... Read more