A new analysis of the previous five big extinction events as compared to the current "sixth extinction" finds a big difference between them: In the earlier events, either the smaller species were the ones to vanish or the wasn't a pattern to which marine species were lost; today, we're losing the sea's largest species—and that could have a disproportionate effect on ecosystems for millions of years. The Guardian
A new survey finds that 57 percent of Americans would be willing to pay an extra dollar per month to fight climate change. Unfortunately, support drops as the price increases—only 39 percent would back a $10 monthly payment. Still, the willingness to act is encouraging! Associated Press
Today the president is announcing the designation of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, an area of ocean about the size of Connecticut. The monument, located 130 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, is home to diverse sea life and its new protections will help make this spectacular stretch of sea more resilient to climate change. New York Times
A survey of wind energy experts says that the price of electricity from wind power should drop by 24 to 30 percent by 2030. New turbines are getting bigger and better, which means a single turbine can generate more electricity, bringing down the cost. Washington Post
The utility agreed to the settlement this week in order to cover damages from last year's massive natural gas leak—the largest recorded methane leak in U.S. history. But it's not over yet—SoCal Gas still faces charges from residents and regulators. Los Angeles Times
There are few easy answers, but one thing is clear: the current trajectory of climatic change presents a strategically-significant risk to U.S. national security, and inaction is not a viable option.
—A statement from the Center for Climate and Security, signed by more than a dozen former military and national security officials, calls on the president to establish a cabinet position to address climate change's threat to our country.
A new study says that an increase in global temperature of 1 degree Celsius would lead to a decline in wheat yields between 4.1 and 6.4 percent. Worldwide, farmers produce 700 million tons of wheat each year—a 5 percent reduction would equal about a 35-million-ton loss. Washington Post
In order for the landmark deal to enter into force, 55 countries representing 55 percent of global emissions must ratify it. Not counting Brazil, the totals so far are 27 (mostly small, with the exception of the United States and China) countries and 39.08 percent. There's hope that the addition of the world's 7th-largest emitter will encourage other countries to get a move on. Washington Post
Delegates at the International Union for Conservation of Nature congress in Hawaii are calling on countries around the world to save elephants by shutting down legal markets for ivory. Though the motion is not legally binding, conservationists hope it will help curb poaching, which killed nearly a third of Africa’s savanna elephants between 2007 and 2014. The Guardian
This week the U.S. government decided to treat the whales as separate groups instead of a single population, resulting in the delisting of nine of the 14 humpback populations. While some are cheering the move as a conservation success, others say it's too soon and that the whales still need federal protection to fully recover. Christian Science Monitor