wildfires are getting worse

West Coast Infernos, Midday Mudslides, and the Little Cool Beans that Might Save the World

Wildfires and public health, predicting floods, and substituting beans for beef were top stories in environmental news this week.
Earthworm in soil

Maybe Earthworms Aren’t So Great For Soil After All

Earthworms are often portrayed as beneficial to the environment, but in North America's temperate forests, they are a disaster in action.
Nuclear power plant

Nuclear Power Without the Meltdowns?

When it comes to nuclear power, one word in particular instills fear: meltdown. But what is a meltdown? Can one be avoided?
Common Blue Butterfly

Why Conservationists Shouldn’t Forget About Insects

Insect conservation can be a tough sell. Lots of people simply don’t like bugs, and an endangered bug simply doesn’t pull on the heart strings.
Everest basecamp

Mountain of Trash: Everest’s Environmental Disaster

We often picture the Himalayas as pristine. In reality, Everest's snows cover empty oxygen tanks, wrappers, cans, and an array of debris left behind by climbers.
Wax moth

Will Feeding Plastic to Wax Worms Work?

The problems of plastic in the environment are well documented. Researchers may have a solution to our problem: the common wax worm.
anolis proboscis lizard

Will Optimistic Stories Get People to Care About Nature?

Research shows that negative messaging is not the most effective way forward.
Penguins in Antarctica

Antarctic Ice Reveals Temporary Side Effect of Carbon Pollution: Happy Plants

The rate of photosynthesis has increased dramatically over the past century. Plants have been shielding us from some of the effects of climate change.
Valetta city buildings with birds flying over them, Malta

To Kill a Maltese Bird

The Mediterranean island nation of Malta is the scene of migratory bird massacres twice a year. Why do they continue to do it?
Audubon Bald Eagle

The Early Audubon Society Helped Bridge the Gap between Men and Women Conservationists

The man who formed the first Audubon Society was educated by Audubon's widow and found a way to unite men and women in the conservation movement.