Environment
Environmental crimes, climate policy, and ecological investigations
9 stories
The Culture Wars Are Coming for Your Electricity
The politicization of electricity and energy policy, often framed as 'culture wars,' will have significant long-term impacts on infrastructure, climate, and consumer costs.
This story was originally published by Grist and made possible through its partnership with the Salt Lake Tribune, a nonprofit newsroom in Utah. It is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Relations between states are becoming so strained over their different approaches to fossil fuels and renewables, some politicians are calling for a “divorce.” Utah Republicans celebrated last week […]
Trump’s Toxic Pollution Exemptions Are a Gift to America’s Dirtiest Coal Plants
This story exposes policy decisions that favor polluting industries, impacting environmental health and climate change efforts, which powerful interests might prefer to keep out of the spotlight.
This story was originally published by the Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Almost all coal-fired power plants in the US had the ability to comply with rules limiting their emission of dangerous pollutants such as mercury that can cause brain damage in children. Despite this, Donald Trump’s administration decided to demolish the standards anyway. […]
US Government Is Accelerating Coral Reef Collapse, Scientists Warn
This report reveals how government actions, often overlooked, can directly contribute to environmental degradation, impacting global ecosystems and climate change efforts.
This story was originally published by Inside Climate News and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Ritidian Point, at the northern tip of Guam, is home to an ancient limestone forest with panoramic vistas of warm Pacific waters. Stand here in early spring and you might just be lucky enough to witness a breaching humpback whale […]
Would You Pay $49 a Month to Drink Recycled Wastewater?
This piece explores the controversial but potentially necessary future of water recycling, prompting discussion on sustainable resource management and public acceptance of new technologies.
This story was originally published by Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. One day, you’ll appreciate drinking recycled toilet water. Urban populations are growing as water supplies are dwindling, often due to worsening droughts. In response, some communities are treating wastewater, rendering it perfectly safe for consumption. It is so pure, in fact, that […]
Agriculture Is Consuming Grasslands and Wetlands at Alarming Rates
The rapid destruction of vital ecosystems like grasslands and wetlands for agriculture has significant, long-term consequences for biodiversity, climate resilience, and water resources.
This story was originally published by Inside Climate News and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Agriculture is widely known to be the biggest driver of forest destruction globally, especially in sprawling, high-profile ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest. But new research published this week finds that non-forest ecosystems—the world’s grasslands, savannas, and wetlands—are being devoured […]
Climate Data Manipulation: Energy Companies Funded Misleading Research for Decades
Energy companies funding misleading climate research for decades while knowing the truth reveals a deliberate campaign of deception that has exacerbated the climate crisis and delayed effective action.
Energy companies funded misleading climate research for decades while their own scientists confirmed human-caused climate change. Newly uncovered internal memos reveal a coordinated campaign to manufacture scientific doubt.
Water Contamination Crisis: Industrial Waste Poisoning Rural Communities
Industrial waste poisoning drinking water for hundreds of thousands of rural residents, with regulators ignoring warnings, exposes a critical failure in environmental protection and public health oversight.
Industrial chemicals have contaminated drinking water for 200,000+ rural residents. Evidence shows regulators received warnings years ago but failed to act, exposing a systemic failure in environmental protection.
U.S. Forest Service Stops Issuing Firefighter Pants That Contain PFAS, Following ProPublica’s Reporting
This change in policy protects firefighters from exposure to harmful chemicals, demonstrating the impact of investigative journalism on public health.
Following ProPublica's investigation, the U.S. Forest Service has ceased issuing wildland firefighter pants containing "forever chemicals" (PFAS) and will instruct manufacturers to avoid them. The agency knew about the PFAS in gear designed to repel substances but hadn't informed firefighters. This move follows growing concerns and lawsuits over PFAS health risks.
Carcinogenic Forever Chemicals Found in Drinking Water of 40 Million Americans With Private Wells
The widespread contamination of private well water with carcinogenic PFAS chemicals affects millions of Americans, highlighting a critical public health and environmental crisis that demands urgent attention.
Approximately 40 million Americans who get their drinking water from private wells are exposed to dangerous PFAS "forever chemicals" with virtually no government oversight or testing requirements. Carcinogenic PFOS has been detected at alarming levels across multiple countries.