ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
Methane traps about 30 times more heat than carbon dioxide, so this surge in emissions could significantly intensify climate change
A groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Nature highlights the escalating methane emissions from the Arctic, underscoring a troubling feedback loop that may further exacerbate climate change. Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) reported significant findings that reveal the intricate relationship between rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and methane release.
The paper’s co-author, climate scientist Xin (Lindsay) Lan, noted a marked rise in atmospheric methane levels over recent years, attributing much of this increase to the expansion of wetlands in the Arctic. The research indicates that warming temperatures have enhanced precipitation in the region, resulting in a 25% increase in wetland areas during the warmer months.
As permafrost—permanently frozen soil beneath the surface—continues to melt due to rising temperatures, newly waterlogged soils are creating optimal conditions for methane-emitting microbes to flourish. This natural progression leads to even higher methane emissions, which in turn accelerates warming in a potentially dangerous cycle.
“This study, along with previous research, provides indirect evidence of climate feedback mechanisms related to methane emissions that may be beyond our control,” Lan explained. The implications of these findings are profound, indicating that the effects of climate change are more complex and intertwined than previously understood.
In addition to the concerning rise in methane levels, the research team observed a 10% increase in atmospheric hydroxyl (OH) radicals since 1984. These radicals play a crucial role in removing methane from the atmosphere, suggesting that earlier estimates of methane emissions might have underestimated both the quantity of methane produced and the efficiency of its removal.
The study serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive climate strategies that…
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U.S. Sanctions Target Cocaine Traffickers Linked to South America
On Thursday, the United States imposed sanctions on four Guyanese nationals and two Colombian nationals
ICE, Federal Partners Arrest Nearly 1500 Illegal Aliens in Massachusetts During Immigration Enforcement Operation
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal law enforcement partners apprehended almost 1,500 illegal aliens
Spring Break is Fire for Students Conducting Prescribed Burns in Georgia
Students from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) chose to spend spring break in Georgia, engaging in prescribed burns — a forestry management practice that involves intentionally setting fires to promote forest health, support wildlife biodiversity, and increase resilience to future wildfires.
Led by graduate students Maria…
New Research Uncovers Evolutionary Secrets Linking Birds to Their Dinosaur Ancestors
Modern birds are the living relatives of dinosaurs. Take a look at the features of flightless birds like chickens and ostriches that walk upright on two hind legs, or predators like eagles and hawks with their sharp talons and keen eyesight, and the similarities to small theropod dinosaurs like…
The Role of Climate Data in Predicting Natural Disasters With Insights From Dr. Philippe Smith
Natural disasters are occurring more frequently, disrupting lives and economies worldwide. With these events becoming harder to predict, reliable climate data has never been more essential. Advanced analysis of weather patterns, historical trends, and environmental changes provides valuable insights that can save lives. Dr. Philippe Smith discusses how…
U.S. Army Chemical Corps and Joint Partners Tackle Hazardous Waste in Southern California Wildfire Response
U.S. Army Chemical Corps Soldiers recently worked with joint and interagency partners to support the wildfire response mission in Southern California, Feb. 12-17, 2025.
Highly trained Soldiers from the 172nd Chemical Company (Hazard Response) and the 21st Chemical Company (Hazard Response) joined together with Sailors, Marines and Airmen under the…
Rising temperatures are associated with increased burden of obstructive sleep apnea
Rising temperatures increase the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a large new study published at the ATS 2025 International Conference. The study also found that, under the most likely climate change scenarios, the societal burden of OSA is expected to double in most countries over the next 75 years.
In addition to highlighting the critical importance of limiting global warming, the findings also emphasize the immediate need for strategies to alleviate the health and economic impacts of OSA as it becomes more common and severe, researchers said.
“This study really highlights the societal burden associated with the increase in OSA prevalence due to rising temperatures,” said Bastien Lechat, PhD, a senior research fellow at FHMRI: Sleep Health at Flinders University.
Previous cross-sectional studies identified a link between ambient temperature and OSA severity. However, this is the first to explain and describe that connection in detail.
For the study, researchers analyzed a consumer database of more than 116,000 worldwide users of an under-mattress sensor validated to estimate OSA severity. The dataset included around 500 repeat measurements per user. Researchers then analyzed this data against 24-hour ambient temperatures extracted from climate models.
Overall, higher temperatures were associated with a 45 percent increased…
The Department of Energy announced it has delayed the compliance date for new provisions regarding Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings
The Department of Energy announced it has delayed the compliance date for new provisions regarding Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings (CER). This action delays the restrictive standards imposed by the previous administration to limit the use of affordable, reliable energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, to power federal buildings in favor of less reliable, more expensive options.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Energy is embracing a strategy of energy addition – leveraging all sources that are affordable, reliable and secure. This pause will ensure that our federal buildings are able to utilize the most efficient power available, lowering costs and reducing regulatory overreach,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
The original regulations, issued on May 1, 2024, required certain new federal buildings and federal buildings undergoing major renovations to reduce their fossil fuel-generated energy consumption. The delay is being implemented while DOE reviews recently released implementation guidance and a template for petitions for downward adjustments. DOE is undertaking this review to ensure alignment with the current Administration’s energy policies, particularly those relating to energy security and reliability.
This action delays the compliance date for one year. During this period, federal…
New Conservation Strategy Launched to Protect Monarch Butterflies as Federal Listing Looms
Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed the monarch butterfly be afforded new protections under the Endangered Species Act.
The Defense Department, with nearly 27 million acres of land, air and water resources, already plays a role in providing protections for the monarch butterfly. However, the new “Conservation…
U.S. Department of Defense Deploys 500 Troops and Aircraft to Combat California Wildfires
The Defense Department now has 500 active-duty troops and a variety of equipment on standby to assist with the wildfires in California, said the deputy Pentagon press secretary.
“As announced by the president, 500 active-duty personnel currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, are preparing to support requests from federal and…
U.S. Department of Energy Announces $65 Million Funding Opportunity for Small Businesses in Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization
On Dec. 27, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $65 million funding opportunity to support projects through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This investment includes $1.1 million in Phase I/Release 2 proof of concept grants for projects funded by…
Senator Padilla Announces $122.9 Million in Federal Funding for Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Projects in California
Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award $122.9 million for six California projects to build zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure, including over $55 million for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. The funding comes through the Federal Highway Administration’s…
At the Our Ocean Conference, Global Fishing Watch CEO Tony Long applauds Panama’s commitment to ultimate beneficial ownership
By Helen Roscha / Enterprise EditorThe Government of Panama today strengthened its commitment to a transparent and sustainable ocean future by announcing new efforts to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).
The announcement, made at Our Ocean Conference, in Busan, Republic of Korea, spotlights Panama’s ambitions to establish clearer and more accessible vessel ownership records through improved data collection and digitization processes. In this manner, Panama is taking critical steps towards achieving ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) transparency and ensuring increased accountability of its fleet and better ocean governance.
Ultimate beneficial ownership — the ability to identify the true individuals profiting from fishing operations — is a cornerstone of effective and transparent ocean governance. It is especially important in the advancement of our sustainable ocean goals. But a lack of transparency in UBO is currently undermining global efforts to manage marine resources sustainably and equitably. Indeed, this is one of the reasons why UBO is a fundamental pillar of the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency’s Global Transparency Charter.
Without access to UBO information, Flag States are frequently unable to effectively sanction the person or people that actually benefit from the breaking of fisheries laws, particularly when vessels operate through opaque corporate structures. This allows unscrupulous actors to evade accountability, threaten marine biodiversity and negatively impact the livelihoods of those fishers who do follow the rules. Worse still, enforcement often targets vessel crew and operators rather than the true beneficiaries, perpetuating cycles of exploitation without addressing root causes.
Through its renewed ambition, Panama has signalled that it is now working to strengthen due…
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Overfishing Leads to a 50% Decline in Shark and Ray Populations Since 1970, New Study Reveals
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U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby Achieves LEED Gold Certification, Showcasing Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
In recognition of the Department’s commitment to environmental leadership and sustainable design, the new U.S. Embassy Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council.
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Guardsmen Deliver Food to Alaska Community Hit by Typhoon
Alaska National Guardsmen delivered nearly 14,000 pounds of frozen beef, chicken and pork this month to Toksook Bay, Alaska, helping residents still recovering from losses sustained when Typhoon Merbok flooded thousands of communities in September 2022.
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New Study Identifies Key Traits Linked to Bird Extinctions, Highlighting Urgent Need for Conservation Efforts
Looking to inform the conservation of critically endangered bird species, University of Utah biologists completed an analysis identifying traits that correlate with all 216 bird extinctions since 1500.
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