Australia’s normally dry, rust-colored outback has erupted into a spectacular carpet of wildflowers after unusually heavy rains, potentially producing its most impressive bloom in nearly 20 years. NASA satellite images capture the stunning transformation, which has even brought rare flowers to the grounds of a remote deep-space observatory., Read MoreContinue Reading
For generations, farming in Viet Nam’s Mekong Delta has depended on a delicate bargain. The river flooded, retreated and flooded again, carrying freshwater and sediment across a flat landscape whose vast fields helped turn the country into one of the world’s leading rice exporters. Continue Reading
Scientists who study conch say the species’ habitat needs are more important than the needs of either property. By Kate Waxman Queen conch larvae drift for two to three weeks before settling into seagrass, where their first food grows on the thin green blades. This is where they spend mostContinue Reading
Will a warming climate and changing weather patterns lead to more grid blackouts and other energy disruptions? Answering that question requires studying both regional climate forecasts and local energy systems, including emerging renewable generation, storage, transmission lines, and demand forecasts. The lack of such studies is one reason why energyContinue Reading
The storm underwent a process that meteorologists call “rapid intensification.”Continue Reading
The total footprint of buildings along flood-prone riverbanks in the Himalayas grew by half in recent years, a study found.Continue Reading
Predatory wasps are hijacking shelters built by tropical trees for their ant defenders, potentially disrupting an ancient partnership that protects the plants from hungry insects. The takeover is far more common in disturbed landscapes such as oil palm plantations and could have lasting consequences for forest recovery and evolution., ReadContinue Reading
In the arid American West, expanded mining intensifies battles in vulnerable communities over one of the region’s scarcest resources. By Johanna Hansel, Carla Samon Ros, Wyatt Myskow This investigation was reported in a collaboration between Inside Climate News and Columbia Journalism Investigations.Continue Reading
Residents in north-central Nepal have evacuated after flash flooding on the Budhi Gandaki River. A landslide dammed the river and then the barrier broke, triggering the flood, authorities said.Continue Reading
Greece’s $900 million aquaculture industry is sacrificing sea life as it slowly strangles one of Europe’s most important marine sanctuaries. By Johnny Sturgeon This story is part of an investigation conducted by an international team of journalists based at The Outlaw Ocean Project. Read the other stories here. Your browserContinue Reading
Neanderthals may have used a sticky substance made from birch bark to treat wounds thousands of years before antibiotics existed. Researchers recreated ancient birch tar production techniques and discovered that every sample could inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for dangerous wound infections. Previously known mainly as a prehistoric glue,Continue Reading
Traitor 47 said Russia had agreed to ship potentially millions of tons of diesel fuel in the coming months. But the amounts would be small relative to global demand.Continue Reading
The director, Michael Brennan, oversees 45 federal workers, including hurricane specialists and meteorologists.Continue Reading