News & Commentary

The Mission to Save Florida’s Reefs

September 23, 2021 Latest NewsFloridaCourtney Lindwall

Here’s how a sweeping reef restoration plan in the Florida Keys hopes to transform an ecological disaster into a great American comeback story.

New York State Assembly Passes Ban on Toxic Teflon Chemicals in Food Packaging

July 23, 2020 Latest NewsNew YorkCourtney Lindwall

Most Americans already have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. Prevention through protections like these are key.

The Fate of This Coral Species Rests in a Dark Room in Tampa

October 28, 2019 Latest NewsFloridaJason Bittel

Scientists have coaxed Atlantic pillar corals to spawn in captivity for the first time—a breakthrough that could save the species from extinction.

Scientists to Florida’s Flamingos: Welcome Home

March 14, 2018 Latest NewsFloridaJason Bittel

The effort to designate the Sunshine State’s famous pink birds as natives could have huge implications for their survival.

6 Ways the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast Pipelines Would Be Bad for Virginia

February 28, 2018 Latest NewsVirginiaCourtney Lindwall

A new report outlines exactly how the two proposed gas pipelines would threaten the state's waterways and reservoirs.

The Emancipation of Manny-T, the Emaciated Manatee

February 1, 2018 Latest NewsFloridaJason Bittel

When an animal’s on the Endangered Species List, every life saved is a victory.

Florida’s Endangered Key Deer Survived Hurricane Irma—but Their Future Is Stormy

November 17, 2017 Latest NewsFloridaJason Bittel

From climate change to kidnappings, the threats are adding up against these tiny, adorable cervids.

This Tiny Seabird’s Colossal Migration Is in Danger from All Sides

June 14, 2017 Latest NewsDelawareJason Bittel

Rufa red knots rely on Delaware’s horseshoe crab–covered beaches, but climate change and development threaten both species’ survival.

Why Aren’t We More Freaked Out About Louisiana?

August 24, 2016 Latest NewsLouisianaJeff Turrentine

Climate change is conditioning us to accept natural disasters as “the new normal.”

Deadly Snake Rodeos: How Are They Still a Thing?

June 27, 2016 Latest NewsLouisianaJason Bittel

A Louisiana town recently hosted an event to slaughter its local snakes—and these festive ”roundups” are more common than you think.

You Have More Fingers on One Hand Than There Are Addaxes Left in the Wild

May 25, 2016 Latest NewsAfricaJason Bittel

A recent survey says just THREE of these African antelope remain.

War and Poverty Are Eating Away at Grauer’s Gorillas

April 28, 2016 Latest NewsAfricaJason Bittel

To save these rare great apes in the Congo, you must first save the people.

Zombie Crabs!

February 17, 2016 Latest NewsEastAlisa Opar

Tiny, invasive East Coast parasites are leaving hordes of the living dead in their wake.

A Red Flag for Red Colobus

February 8, 2016 Latest NewsAfricaJason Bittel

Hunted by humans and chimps and besieged by civil war and deforestation, Africa’s red colobus monkeys have few reasons to celebrate.

Climate Change, Ahoy!

October 13, 2015 Latest NewsAfricaBrian Palmer

A new study says the Horn of Africa is going to get hotter and drier, driving poverty and piracy.

Batten Down the Hatches

October 2, 2015 Latest NewsUnited States, VirginiaBrian Palmer

The world’s largest naval base is a major flood risk in a warming world.

The Closing of Nairobi National Park

September 23, 2015 Latest NewsAfricaBrian Palmer

As fences spring up on all sides, a great wildlife reserve morphs into a glorified zoo.

Hang in There, Cousin!

August 25, 2015 Latest NewsAfricaPerrin Ireland

Despite human encroachment, chimpanzees are standing their ground in Uganda.

Extreme Exhibitry

August 24, 2015 Latest NewsNew York City, United StatesClara Chaisson

New York City is getting a museum entirely devoted to climate change.

CSI: Seahorse Key

July 21, 2015 Latest NewsFloridaJason Bittel

When birds suddenly up and abandon their nests by the thousands, who or what is to blame?