News & Commentary

From Whales to Walruses, Sea Mammals Are Under Attack—and So Is the Law That Protects Them

May 21, 2026 ExplainerUnited StatesShelia Hu

In yet another attack on science, Congress is proposing to dismantle the Marine Mammal Protection Act, all while the bycatch crisis worsens.

Deep-Sea Mining: What’s at Stake

May 1, 2026 ExplainerUnited StatesSusan Cosier, Shelia Hu

Highly sought-after mineral resources lie in the ocean depths. But so does a world we could destroy before ever understanding it.

Finally, a High Seas Treaty to Protect the World’s Oceans

October 9, 2025 ExplainerInternationalBrian Palmer, Jeff Turrentine

A new U.N. agreement aims to bring order and conservation to what has—up to now—been an ocean of mismanagement and neglect.

America’s Newly Discovered Whale Is Already in Trouble

April 4, 2025 ExplainerLouisianaJason Bittel

Described officially for the first time in 2021, Rice’s whale has the distinction of being one of the most endangered whales on the planet.

We Need NOAA Now More Than Ever

March 4, 2025 ExplainerUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration runs our weather service, manages our fisheries, and conducts critical climate research.

LNG Export Projects Threaten a World Heritage Site in Mexico

March 3, 2025 ExplainerMexicoShelia Hu

Three liquefied natural gas terminals on the Gulf of California coast are the last thing this biodiversity hot spot (and the climate) needs. 

How Melting Ice Affects People and the Planet

November 5, 2024 ExplainerInternationalSusan Cosier

Across the world, thawing landscapes, seascapes, and freshwater reserves are reshaping environments and lives for the communities that rely on them.

The Global Plastics Treaty: It’s Time to Clean Up Our Mess

August 6, 2024 ExplainerInternational, United StatesSusan Cosier

Negotiations are underway to finally slow this endless stream of plastic waste into our environment, food, and bodies.  

Why Coastal Access Is an Environmental Justice Issue

August 31, 2023 ExplainerUnited StatesMardi Fuller

Beach access has long been shaped by multiple systemic injustices. It’s time to change that.

Can Anything Be Done to Stop Overfishing?

June 24, 2022 ExplainerInternational

It’s a complex problem, but a combination of smart fisheries management and consumer vigilance can encourage more sustainable practices.

Atlantic Oil Drilling Is a Terrible Idea

May 17, 2022 ExplainerUnited States

While past leasing proposals have included the Atlantic among other large swaths of the U.S. coastline, today the vast majority of Americans agree that opening up more areas for leasing spells disaster for our climate and our economy.

How Deep Were the Impacts of the BP Oil Disaster?

April 8, 2020 ExplainerUnited StatesMelissa Denchak

A decade later, the Gulf of Mexico is still far from fully recovered.

Orcas in Peril, Part I: An Ocean Empty of Food

February 28, 2019 ExplainerUnited States, InternationalPerrin Ireland

Southern Resident killer whales of the Salish Sea face many challenges, but the threat of death from starvation is especially dire. Thankfully, there's a solution—and we need to help make it happen.

After 140 Million Years, the Chinese Sturgeon May Soon Be Extinct

November 20, 2018 ExplainerChinaJason Bittel

As dams have popped up in the Yangtze River, one of the world’s biggest freshwater fish is running out of room—and time.

Cape Cod’s Gray Seal and White Shark Problem Is Not Black-and-White

November 9, 2018 ExplainerUnited States, MassachusettsJason Bittel

After a rare shark bite takes a life, some in this beach region want to go after the seals.

Will Shifting to Reusable Straws Really Make a Difference?

August 1, 2018 ExplainerUnited States, International

NRDC’s Eric Goldstein gives the scoop on the latest environmental villain and explains why plastic straws really are a big menace to our oceans.

What’s Happening to the North Atlantic Right Whale Is Just Plain Wrong

June 7, 2018 ExplainerInternationalJason Bittel

Scientists say the species could be functionally extinct in just a few decades—but there are some solutions within reach.

Can Military Dolphins Save This Tiny, Critically Endangered Porpoise?

January 9, 2017 ExplainerUnited States, MexicoJason Bittel

Scientists want to round up the world’s last vaquitas to protect them from extinction. Cue Flipper.

What We Learned from the BP Oil Disaster

April 20, 2016 ExplainerUnited States, LouisianaPatrick Rogers

The resulting loss to life, livelihoods, and the environment hasn't slowed offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. But it should.

Disaster in the Gulf

March 14, 2016 ExplainerUnited StatesNicole Greenfield

Years later, not much has changed—including the impulse to drill.