Environment

Federal Court Blocks Challenge To Social Cost Of Carbon

6:46pm August 17, 2016

by Jacob Goldstein

Economists call it the social cost of carbon. A single number that is supposed to reflect all of the costs society incurs when people burn fossil fuels. That number is now part of federal regulations, and some industries aren't happy.

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Henry Wood Elliott comments on walruses on Punuk Island in 1874, from his book Our Arctic Province.

What Does It Take To Map A Walrus Hangout? 160 Years And A Lot Of Help

2:04pm August 17, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

Groups of walruses are vulnerable to disturbances, but it's hard to avoid them if you don't know where they are. A new tool from U.S. and Russian researchers draws on history to protect the animals.

White House Announces New Fuel Efficiency Standards For Trucks, Buses

6:37pm August 16, 2016

by Susan Phillips

The Obama administration has announced new fuel efficiency standards for trucks and buses.

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'Roaring Wind' Examines Extreme Weather, And The Power Of Air

1:40pm August 16, 2016

Biologist Bill Streever sailed from Texas to Guatemala while doing research for his new book, And Soon I Heard a Roaring Wind. He says the wind was working against him "most of the time."

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The cover of The Sea Forager's Guide to the Northern California Coast.

Fishing And Foraging: How To Catch Your Seafood, Ethically

3:05pm August 15, 2016

by Alastair Bland

Fisherman Kirk Lombard's new book teaches people to fish and forage along the northern California coast, while urging them to harvest in moderation, follow regulations and respect sea creatures.

Southern Flooding Update

8:39am August 14, 2016

Torrential rains in Louisiana and Southern Mississippi have flooded homes and caused hundreds of evacuations. Much of the rest of the country is experiencing extreme heat.

Common Earthworm Lumbricus terrestris, a top down view against a black background.

Worm Quiz: Don't Try To Squirm Your Way Out Of It

2:54am August 14, 2016

by Malaka Gharib

Do you know how long the longest earthworm is? Or how people might contract a parasitic worm?

Tree intern, Leni Classen (left), responds to letters sent to a chestnut tree in Dusseldorf, Germany. A postal worker from Deutsche Post (right) delivers mail to the tree's mailbox. The tree, which is planted in a nature reserve, has its own address and p

German Chestnut Tree Accepts Letters, Answers Queries, Promotes Environmentalism

7:42pm August 12, 2016

by Yvonne Muther

The tree in Duesseldorf has gotten more than 5,000 letters and cards. People send it greetings, pour out their hearts, and ask for advice. The project encourages protection of old trees.

In The Pacific Northwest, Oil Train Derailment Highlights Potential Dangers

6:25pm August 12, 2016

by Conrad Wilson

The number of trains carrying oil along the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington could dramatically increase. There's a plan to ship more oil from the Bakken region of North Dakota to a proposed oil terminal in southwest Washington state. An oil train derailment earlier this year has shown the potential danger faced by the region.

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The healthy bees managed by Jonathan Garaas are checked every two weeks for signs of a possible mite infestation.

The Colony-Killing Mistake Backyard Beekeepers Are Making

4:38pm August 12, 2016

by Dan Gunderson

Bee experts warn that novices may be inadvertently putting their hives in danger by not keeping the mite population in check.