News & Commentary

Save the Sage Grouse, Save the West

December 31, 2015 NRDC in ActionMontana, WyomingVirginia Sole-Smith

Why our success in saving the greater sage grouse is key to preserving millions of acres of habitat and hundreds of other species across the American West.

How the West Can Be Won

December 31, 2015 ExplainerUnited States, WestVirginia Sole-Smith

Protecting these nine species will help save the region's iconic sagebrush prairies, grasslands, and mountains.

Shell and High Water

December 31, 2015 ExplainerClara Chaisson

Five reasons drilling in the Arctic is a bad idea.

The Year’s Environmental News in Pictures

December 22, 2015 PerspectivesInternationalThe Editors

Take a look back at 2015, a year filled with beauty, destruction, and hope.

Save Our Heritage!

December 16, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesAlisa Opar

A popular conservation program became a bargaining chip in a bid to lift the crude oil export ban.

If Bhutan Can, You Can

December 2, 2015 DispatchInternationalBrian Palmer

The tiny South Asian kingdom absorbs three times as much carbon as it emits.

Ursine Exodus

November 17, 2015 Latest NewsWestAlexis Sobel Fitts

Yellowstone’s grizzly bears are spreading out and expanding their range. Is it a sign of good health—or increasing desperation?

The People Who Opposed America’s Best Idea

October 30, 2015 PerspectivesUnited StatesBrian Palmer

As the National Park Service prepares for next summer’s centennial, a look at the people on the wrong side of national park history.

No Photos, Please

October 23, 2015 DispatchWyomingAlisa Opar

New Wyoming laws stifle freedom of speech and make citizen science illegal.

The Point of No Return

October 8, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesChelsey B. Coombs

A new study shows cacti face high extinction threats, a fact that should poke us into action.

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.

No "I" in Sagebrush

September 22, 2015 Latest NewsWest, United StatesAlisa Opar

The greater sage grouse is staying off the Endangered Species List, thanks to unprecedented collaborative conservation efforts.

No Island Is an Island

September 2, 2015 DispatchInternationalDoug Struck

As an old embargo lifts, a new vacation spot emerges—but can Cuba’s ecosystems weather a flood of Americans?

One Tree, Two Trees, Three Trees…

September 1, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

A new study tells us how many trees there are (and how many we’ve cut down).

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (from Distant Flames)

August 7, 2015 ExplainerUnited States, Colorado, Alaska, CaliforniaAlisa Opar

Wildfires may be harming the health of people who live hundreds or thousands of miles from the flames.

Thrice as Nice

July 13, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesClara Chaisson

President Obama just established three new national monuments.

Roam, Roam on the Range

June 24, 2015 DispatchMontanaAlisa Opar

This Montana cattle ranch is trying to ensure its operations benefit wildlife—and yes, that means wolves, too.

It’s Raining Lamprey!

June 18, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesPerrin Ireland

A weekly roundup of the best in science journalism, doodled.

Fighting Back Against 'the Nothing'

May 28, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

Deforestation is an insidious, biodiversity-sucking void.

Fearing the Burn

May 26, 2015 Latest NewsWestAlisa Opar

Western states prepare for an “explosive” wildfire season.