Environment

First Look Grizzly hunting season on hold as judge considers federal protections

The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently lifted its protections for grizzly bears, allowing a hunting season to be scheduled for Sept. 1, 2018. But a federal judge has temporarily blocked the hunting season while he considers lawsuits from environmental activism groups.

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In Washington, fighting fire with fire prevention

California communities seeking to limit wildfire destruction could look north to Washington, where one county is applying lessons from blazes in 2015 to reshape its land use policies.

First Look Trump plan rolls back Obama-era coal regulations

The plan gives state authority to determine how to regulate coal power plants, with the Environmental Protection Agency calling the previous administration's regulations "overly prescriptive and burdensome." Opponents say the move will increase the nation's climate-changing emissions.
Can dogfish save Cape Cod fisheries?

Overfishing and climate change are robbing Cape Cod of its namesake fish. Ever adaptable, fishermen are shifting sights to the dogfish. But Americans aren’t quite ready to bite just yet.
First Look Trump admin pledges to work with local officials on wildfire prevention

As wildfires continue to rage on through the summer, the Forest Service and other agencies will ramp up prevention projects. California and other states are dealing with longer wildfire seasons due to drought, warmer weather due to climate change, and homes built deeper into the forest.
Can tourist meccas beat the heat?

A heat wave in Europe this summer has given vacationers pause for thought about whether they want to broil while traveling. How can the world's tourist destinations stay attractive in the face of global warming?
Amid fires and hurricanes, price of climate change begins to hit home

Climate change, which many skeptics argue is more bark than bite, is starting to demonstrate an impact on economies – and perceptions.

At Asia's heart, Lake Baikal stirs Russians to protect nature

Environmental protections are often reactive, coming only after pristine areas have succumbed to pollution and degradation. But on Siberia's Lake Baikal, care for nature has always been a way of life. Fifth in a five-part series.
First Look Pipe dream or reality? Mexico looks to harness waves for green energy

An Israeli-Mexican joint venture could soon be running Mexico's first wave energy plant. Using the ocean as a renewable energy source has long lagged behind other renewable rivals like solar and wind.
From pier to the Capitol, red tide divides – and unites – Floridians

The environment and the economy are often pitted against each other in a zero-sum game. But, as Floridians dealing with an epic red tide are experiencing, environmental problems can exact an economic toll.
First Look France's environment minister abruptly resigns

Nicolas Hulot surprised the nation Tuesday by announcing he is stepping down, saying France is not doing enough to address environmental issues. He hopes his resignation will galvanize politicians and the public toward action on green issues.
Close encounters: Are these gators lost – or just learning to get along?

Surprise alligator sightings on South Carolina’s saltwater beaches are challenging residents’ and researchers’ notions of where these fearsome predators belong.
First Look Kroger sacks single-use plastic bags

The nation's largest grocery chain hopes to end the use of plastic bags in its stores by 2025. Americans generate more than 4 million tons of plastic bags, sacks, and wraps waste each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
First Look This Swedish city may be a model for cutting emissions while maintaining growth

The Swedish city of Vaxjo has done what some say is impossible: cut emissions and continue to grow economically. The city plans to eliminate carbon emissions from fossil fuels by 2030, far ahead of the timetable set by almost 200 nations in the Paris climate agreement.