environment on localnews page 165

environment

Weather Woes Drive Immigration: A Closer Look

November 13, 2024

Extreme weather events, like droughts and storms, are pushing people from Mexico to cross the border into the U. S. illegally. As climate change worsens, these weather patterns are making life tougher for farmers and anyone dependent on agriculture. Also, those who have migrated are less likely to r

environment

Secret Climate Talks Without Top Polluters

November 13, 2024

The annual UN climate conference is happening in Azerbaijan, but the world's biggest polluters and strongest economies aren't sending their top leaders. China, the US, India, and Indonesia—countries responsible for over 70% of global heat-trapping gases—are notably absent. Climate scientist Bill Har

environment

The Metal-Munching Pistia Plant

November 13, 2024

Meet Pistia stratiotes, a common water plant with an extraordinary ability. Unlike most plants, it doesn't shy away from manganese, a metal that's typically harmful. Scientists have exposed it to high levels of manganese, and the plant just keeps thriving. It stores this metal mainly in its shoots a

environment

East Coast on Fire: Unusual Drought and Wildfires

November 12, 2024

Over the weekend, a small fire ignited in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. This 2-acre blaze needed around 100 firefighters and warned residents to stay away. Simultaneously, the Jennings Creek wildfire in New Jersey burned thousands of acres, causing smoke to drift across New York City and tragically claim

environment

Shell's Climate Case: A Turning Point in the Courtroom

November 12, 2024

Imagine a courtroom drama where the stakes are nothing less than the future of our planet. In a surprising turn of events, a Dutch appeals court has overturned a groundbreaking climate ruling against Shell. Back in 2021, a lower court had ordered Shell to cut its global carbon emissions by a signifi

environment

A New Storm Brews: Philippines Braces for Another Hit

November 12, 2024

It's been a rough few weeks for the Philippines, with four major storms already battering the country. Now, there's a fifth one on the way, and it's picking up speed. Tropical Storm Usagi is headed straight for Luzon, the country's largest island, and it's expected to make landfall in just two days.

environment

Extreme Weather: A Costly Decade's Impact

November 12, 2024

Over the last ten years, our planet has faced over 4, 000 harsh weather events costing a stunning $2 trillion globally. The United States led this list, suffering a massive $935 billion loss, with China following at $268 billion. These numbers cover all damaging weather conditions, not just those li

environment

Two Kinds of Trouble: Weeds Outsmarting Farmers

November 12, 2024

Imagine a plant like Palmer amaranth. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and has roots that spread like crazy. This unwanted plant, a relative of water hemp, is causing headaches for farmers. Why? Because it's become resistant to nine different kinds of weed killers. That's right, nine! Patrick Tranel,

environment

Firefighters Make Headway on California's Mountain Fire

November 12, 2024

The Mountain Fire in California has burned over 20, 000 acres in Ventura County, but firefighters are making progress. On Sunday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported that the fire was 31% contained. This is good news for the residents of about 1, 000 homes n

environment

Emperor Penguin's Unusual Journey Lands Him on Australian Beach

November 11, 2024

Imagine the surprise when a massive emperor penguin, typically found in the icy regions of Antarctica, was spotted on a tourist beach in Denmark, Australia. This is around 3, 500 kilometers north of its usual home. The penguin, a male, was in poor health when discovered on November 1. Belinda Cannel