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Climate

Ignition

US Cities Seeking to Ban Natural Gas in New Buildings Just Got a Big Win in Court

After a string of discouraging rulings for other cities, a court upheld NYC’s efforts to decarbonize its buildings.

Regulations and Solutions

States Are Banning Forever Chemicals. Industry Is Fighting Back

As states legislate against products containing PFAS, the chemical and consumer products industries are deploying lawyers and lobbyists to protect their investments.

Welcome to the Worst Allergy Season Ever

Multiple US states have logged record pollen counts this spring, with climate change likely to blame.

In Search of the Last Wild Axolotls

Using environmental DNA analysis and traditional fishing techniques, researchers are seeking answers about the current population of axolotls in their natural habitat. The numbers are alarming.

Oceans and Waterways

A Tanker Collision Threatens One of the UK’s Most Important Coastlines

An explosive crash between an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea could have huge consequences for ecologically and commercially crucial marine areas.

One Photographer’s Quest to Redefine the Shark

With his magnificent underwater images, Gerardo del Villar wants to rehabilitate the reputation of the ocean's great predators, inspire conservation, and encourage responsible ecotourism.

This Goopy Seaweed Slurry Could Make Its Way Into Everything You Eat and Wear

A startup called Marine Biologics is breaking down seaweed into its base components so they can be used for a range of consumer applications, from foodstuffs to cosmetics to bioplastics.

Extreme Heat

Wildfires Are One of Hurricane Helene’s Lasting Legacies

A number of fires broke out in the Southeastern US last week. Hurricane-downed trees may have helped fuel the flames, experts say.

The Extreme Weather Conditions That Drove the Carolina Wildfires

The wildfires in the Carolinas have followed months of whiplash weather—drought, followed by hurricane-fueled floods, and then more drought.

When Fires Rage, Millions Turn to Watch Duty. Meet the Guy Who Made It

Watch Duty proved indispensable during the recent LA wildfires. John Mills, the app’s creator, wants it to be the one place to go for tracking disasters. He just needs all the data to do it.

California’s Problem Now Isn’t Fire—It’s Rain

Torrential rain is expected this week in Los Angeles, which risks producing flash flooding and landslides in areas stripped of vegetation by the recent wildfires.