Environment
FACT FOCUS: Trump distorts recent revisions of scientific projections of global warming
The wind and solar power boom changed energy use and pollution scenarios.
US-Mexico border wall construction is desecrating sacred sites, Indigenous leaders say
Construction accelerated after the DHS waived cultural and environmental laws.
Volunteers attack invasive weeds as 9-day San Diego River Days ends
Volunteers worked at more than 40 events over nine days at points all along 52-mile...
Deep in the San Diego County desert, new research has this town at loggerheads on what to do about water
Borrego Springs runs on groundwater, which pumping has caused to drop precipitously. Locals can't agree...
Scientists find climate change is reducing oxygen in rivers worldwide
Global warming is causing rivers to slowly lose oxygen, threatening fish and other lives.
Trump administration aims to roll back limits on toxic wastewater from coal-fired power plants
Coal and power industry trade associations cheered the EPA’s proposal.
Iran war energy shock drives interest in ethanol and other biofuels across hard-hit Asia
Most fossil fuel shipments through the now-closed Strait of Hormuz were Asia-bound.
65 cats seized from Julian animal sanctuary in mass rescue flown to Texas
The felines, among more than 700 animals found at the Julian property on May 1,...
California unveils a $1 billion rebate program for electric trucks
Rebates as high as $120,000 per truck will be available; but some criticize the effort...
Trump has hindered offshore wind while China and other countries invest heavily
Trump created roadblocks for offshore wind, stopping the industry’s growth in the U.S.
Orphaned bear cubs continue to grow, move to outdoor enclosure in Ramona
The brother bears are now 4 months old and eating solid food at the San...
Putting a proposed SDG&E transmission line underground gets pushback
The 145-mile Golden Pacific Powerlink would run between Imperial Valley and the edge of San...
Bald eagle hatchlings spotted in a Chicago park may be the city’s first for more than a century
Eagles are not uncommon sights in Chicago-area parks, but successful breeding was a surprise.
As drought worsens, Western states brace for wildfires, water shortages
Low snowpack threatens severe wildfires, water cutbacks for cities and farmers.
Invasive plant threatens livelihoods in Colombia’s largest coastal wetland
This fast-growing vegetation is choking fishing routes and clogging waterways.
Trump administration cancels rule that made conservation a ‘use’ of public lands
Industry groups and their allies in Congress strongly opposed the rule and lobbied against it.
California, Nevada and Arizona announce temporary plan to save water from the Colorado River
The three states plan to save up to 1 million acre-feet of Colorado River water.
What to know about the predictions for a potentially record-breaking El Nino
An El Nino event is expected to develop from the middle of this year.
Despite gains combating deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon, forest degradation is a looming threat
The Amazon plays a crucial part in regulating the global climate by storing carbon dioxide.
Report: Facebook found to be ‘central public infrastructure’ for criminals selling endangered wild animals
Report cites 'loss of irreplaceable species such as elephants for their ivory, rhinos for their...
Scientists say don’t forget about plants. Climate change is endangering tens of thousands of species
Extinction in plants is often overlooked when compared with animals.
Air conditioning battery program for renters could help cities manage grid stress during heat waves
The devices, about the size of a microwave, charge when electricity demand is low.
Wind projects are stalled because the Pentagon isn’t completing its reviews, industry group says
More than 250 projects that could power millions of homes are pending in over 30...
Agency will move forward with plans to propose weakening some Biden-era PFAS limits, official says
Environmental groups argue the move weakens protections.
More than a media mogul, Ted Turner leaves behind a conservation legacy
His ranches in New Mexico, Montana, Nebraska and elsewhere have become living laboratories.
Planes and ships could run on kelp someday, but there are serious hurdles
Energy companies are hesitant to invest in large-scale aquaculture projects without demonstrated demand.
Study says trees counter half the world’s urban heating, but not in the places that need it most
Researchers found a global average of 0.27 degrees Fahrenheit of cooling.
Georgia officials knew chemicals from carpet mills were polluting local water. The people did not
The odorless, colorless chemicals that were in their tap water are in residents' blood.
Antarctica’s tourism boom raises concerns about contamination and disease
In 2024, more than 80,000 tourists touched down on the vast ice-cloaked continent.
Mountain lion fitted with tracking collar and relocated after Escondido visit
The healthy 3-year-old male cat was released near the Cleveland National Forest.
A gold-fueled mining rush scars Brazil’s Amazon, spiking deforestation and mercury risks
Satellite imagery shows mining-related deforestation spreading rapidly.
California investigates Trump administration’s deal to end an offshore wind project
Trump administration spending nearly $2 billion to get energy companies to walk away from projects.
Mountain lion captured after roaming Escondido neighborhood
The animal was sedated and captured around 7:10 p.m. after it was spotted in a...
As massive animal sanctuary rescue effort continues, some animals in poor condition are euthanized
Four horses and other animals at Villa Chardonnay Horses with Wings Inc. were put down...
States across the wildfire-prone Western US are using AI for early detection
In Arizona, the state’s largest electric utility is installing AI-monitored cameras across its service region.
Butterfly-shaped reef proposed for Oceanside sand retention project
'It's going to help the beach.' Design chosen using scale model tested in Oregon State...
Lovely and mysterious little Velella velellas washing ashore in La Jolla
It's unclear how long the 'by-the-wind sailors' will appear on local beaches.
Mass animal rescue under way at sanctuary outside Julian. ‘Never seen anything like this.’
At least 150 horses are among the animals are being taken from the site. Others...
Nations preserve a plan to adopt a global fee on shipping emissions, but keep their options open
The delegates scheduled more meetings for the fall to keep working ahead of a vote.
Your climate impact doesn’t end when you die. More people are considering ‘greener’ death options
What's legal and available varies by country, state and province.
Orphaned coyote pup found in Valley Center finds new home on East Coast
A 5-month-old coyote, nicknamed Val, will be an ambassador at a wildlife center in Virginia.
Here’s how to grow your own food with less water, even in a drought
Experts share tips about ways to reduce water use in your edible garden.
Solar ranch in Tennessee aims to prove grazing cattle under the panels is a farmland win-win
The hope is that the technology eventually will be adopted more broadly, officials said.
This year’s World Cup games could be sizzling. Here’s what’s being done to prepare for extreme heat
Scientists have warned that staging soccer tournaments in the summer is getting more dangerous.
Democrats investigate as Trump OKs almost $2 billion in taxpayer money to end offshore wind projects
Trump has gone all in on fossil fuels for generating electricity.
Environmental Protection Agency boss backs big budget cuts but Congress will get the final say
Democrats accuse the agency of abandoning its mission to protect the environment and public health.
Trump lifts ban on mining near Boundary Waters, clearing way for Chilean company to seek permits
Environmentalists fear the move will create a precedent for wiping out protections for public lands.
Most sunscreens harm corals. Here’s what you can do
An estimated 25% of applied sunscreen washes off during water activities
Scores of Forest Service plans could be upended after Boundary Waters mining vote
The Congressional Review Act was used to overturn a management decision on Forest Service land.
Dead whale floating near Encinitas beach towed out to sea by lifeguards
A shark was seen following the dead cetacean and prompted the city to post warning...
The threat of light pollution puts the world’s darkest skies in the Atacama Desert at risk
Its darkness is one of the clearest windows to the universe.
California’s fight over pipeline tests state’s right to push back against Washington during war
Trump administration defied state officials to restart oil drilling off Santa Barbara coast.
Trump’s disdain for wind power creates political turbulence for Republicans in coastal Virginia
Trump has treated energy issues as another front in the nation's cultural clashes.
Heavy weekend rain slows 2 sprawling Georgia wildfires, even as new blazes start
Firefighters have been battling more than 150 other wildfires in Georgia and Florida alone.
Let the debate begin: Here’s the preliminary 145-mile route for a new SDG&E transmission line
The high-voltage line aims to strengthen California's grid, but it's already run into opposition from...
Possums vs. pythons: How Florida’s only marsupial became a weapon against invasive snakes
Taking big breeder pythons out of native ecosystems is a victory for any Florida biologist.
Chernobyl’s radioactive landscape is a testament to nature’s resilience and survival spirit
Chernobyl remains too dangerous for humans. But the wildlife has moved back in.
Georgia blaze shows how climate change has led to more wildfires in the East
So far this year, 2,802 square miles of the United States has burned in wildfires.
A tiny Arctic village in Alaska is trying to revive its polar bear tourism industry
Alaska native village leaders seek new rules to safely revive valuable polar bear tourism.
Sweden’s secondhand clothing swaps offer a trendy way to cut environmental waste
Last year, some 140,000 people took home more than 44,000 preowned items.
Offshore wind farms take shape along Rhode Island’s coast, even as Trump wants to stop them
Two of the five are fully operational and two are nearly done.
More countries are turning to nuclear power 40 years after the Chernobyl disaster
Over 400 nuclear reactors are operational in 31 countries.
Debris from Hurricane Helene is helping fuel Georgia’s wildfires
Blustery winds also are helping ignite and expand the fires in Georgia and Florida.
Water to surge into drought-depleted Lake Powell but at costs elsewhere
A decades-long drought has Lake Powell at just 23% capacity.
New study finds ‘alarming’ high flood risk for 17 million Americans on Atlantic and Gulf coasts
Study has what is likely the most comprehensive model of coastal cities’ flood risk.
Exploring barefoot trails on 2 continents as a way to connect with nature this Earth Day
Walking shoeless also may contribute to emotional well-being and overall foot health.
Massachusetts is dumping sewage into waterways. Grassroots organizations are fighting back
Approximately 700 U.S. communities face similar public health concerns.
Climate doom and gloom? Try laughing instead. Activists embrace joy in the fight to save Earth
Instead of being an “eco-pooper,” some fight for the climate with a smile.
Wildfires across Georgia and Florida have destroyed nearly 50 homes and are forcing evacuations
The fires spread so quickly in one area that residents received no warnings or alerts.
Earth Day started as a US ‘teach-in’ 56 years ago. Now it’s a global event
Earth Day has its roots in growing concern over pollution in the 1960s.
A gas that causes climate change is bubbling out of reservoirs
As plants break down underwater, they form methane, which then bubbles to the surface.
Hegseth says climate change is ‘crap.’ The military is still bracing for it
Work previously described as confronting the climate threat is now ensuring “resilience” and “readiness.”
Gorilla bachelor troop at Safari Park now a party of five
The Safari Park's bachelor troop of western lowland gorillas now includes five apes, including a...
Federal judge strikes down some Trump administration actions that have slowed clean energy projects
Coalition of regional wind and solar developers sued Burgum and other federal officials in December.
32nd annual Walk for Animals in Liberty Station sets ambitious fundraising goal
The San Diego Humane Society is looking to raise $350,000 through the fundraiser, a $50,000...
Renewable energies overtook global electricity demand last year, led by solar growth in China, India
It’s promising news for a world embattled by climate change.
Consumers are lost at sea as seafood sustainability grows more complex
It's all pretty confusing for consumers trying to buy sustainably at the fish counter.
As the planet warms, scientists burn homes to figure out how to best protect them in wildfires
They have set fire to 13 houses because scientists need to burn to learn.
Northeast flower and fruit farmers grapple with whiplash weather
The first half of April was unusually warm for much of the region.
Great whites abandoned San Diego nursery, but El Niño could bring sharks that ‘play by different rules’
Experts believe juvenile great whites that spent several summers near Del Mar and Torrey Pines...
Wildfires killed nearly 20% of the world’s giant sequoias. How crews are racing to save the rest
Fires in 2020 and 2021 killed nearly 20% of the world’s giant sequoias.
Tecate border wall construction blasts into Kumeyaay sacred mountain. ‘It’s like a church to us.’
Construction on Tecate Peak has stirred cultural and environmental concerns on both sides of the...
Wildfires used to ‘go to sleep’ at night. Climate change has them burning overtime
North American summer nights are warming faster than days, , extending wildfire burn time.
Wyoming communities want time to consider embracing nuclear energy, as feds rush to expand industry
Some residents express concerns about safety and potential risks.
The Supreme Court hands a win to oil and gas companies fighting environmental lawsuits in Louisiana
Louisiana’s coastal parishes have lost more than 2,000 square miles of land over past century.
Some American farmers bet on solar. Then Trump changed the rules
USDA hasn’t awarded a single dollar in rural energy grants or loan guarantees since September.
SeaWorld fielding uptick in rescue calls for sick seabirds. ‘They’re extremely skinny.’
SeaWorld San Diego has rescued more than 100 seabirds since the start of the year,...
Senate Republicans send Trump resolution to lift mining ban near Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Conservationists insist mining would contaminate the pristine watershed.
Thousands suffer nausea, delirium and other health issues from toxins in the Tijuana River
The river releases large amounts of hydrogen sulfide into the air.
San Diego Humane Society extends pet adoption hours during population surge
The organization expanded adoption times to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Tuesday and Sunday...
How a retired cranberry bog helped change the game for wetland restoration
The Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary is developing a new way of collecting data for conservation ecology.
EPA may ease regulation of chemical plastic recycling, and environmentalists worry
The world is pumping millions of tons of plastic pollution into the environment every year.
As energy costs rise, some states back off ambitious climate goals
The shifts have alarmed environmentalists, who call them shortsighted.
Amid economic uncertainty, California regulators wrestle with updating state’s Cap-and-Invest program
Changes proposed by the California Air Resources Board catches flak from the oil industry, as...
Iran war’s global energy crisis sharpens China’s advantage in clean tech
Higher fuel prices are accelerating interest in EVs across Asia.
Hosting solar can be a lifeline for farmers. But overcoming local opposition is tough
Local opposition to solar has long been an obstacle for green energy developers.
The myrrh tree that’s key to luxury perfumes and African incomes is threatened by drought
The arid region has long seen droughts, but this one has been historic.
Two venerable San Diego institutions combine forces to seek faster gains in wildlife conservation
Scripps Institution of Oceanography and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have more than 200 years...
Developer of Massachusetts offshore wind farm sues to stop turbine manufacturer from walking away
Vineyard Wind filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Massachusetts against GE Renewables.
Worsening ocean heat waves are ‘supercharging’ hurricane damage, study finds
Marine heat waves are worsening because of climate change.