Latest News
I have no doubt that the United States—and this Congress—have an important role to play. Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies.
—Pope Francis, addressing Congress this morning, urged the lawmakers to take action on climate change.
The European Commission is taking Malta to court for finch trapping. -
The tradition, which involves catching migrating songbirds with nets and sticky resin, is illegal across the rest of the European Union, and the commission has previously asked the Mediterranean island nation to ban the practice. Bird protection groups say it threatens already imperiled populations. Reuters
President Obama signs disaster declaration for Northern California. -
The massive Valley Fire, now mostly contained, has torched nearly 76,000 acres and destroyed more than 800 homes since it ignited on September 12. The declaration makes federal aid available to affected residents (there are thousands). Reuters
Something is seriously amiss in the oceans.
—Edd Hammill, coauthor of a new study that says the world's seabird populations—indicators of the marine ecosystem's overall health—declined by nearly 70 percent in just 60 years
Judge overturns New York City's ban on polystyrene food containers. -
Mayor Bill de Blasio issued the ban in July to keep the ubiquitous foam out of landfills and waterways and promote environmentally friendly packaging. But yesterday, a State Supreme Court judge said the Big Apple could actually recycle the material (even though no other major U.S. city has ever succeeded in doing so). New York Times