ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
Five groundbreaking studies explore innovative solutions to water quality and management challenges
Water is fundamental to life on Earth, supporting everything from cellular processes to complex ecosystems. Recent studies published in ACS journals offer valuable insights aimed at protecting our natural water sources and ensuring access to safe drinking water for a growing population.
One of the pressing issues addressed in these studies is the increasing salinity of tidal rivers, exacerbated by factors such as rising sea levels, extreme climate events, and runoff from road salts and fertilizers. Research published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters reveals alarming trends as saltwater intrudes further upstream in tidal rivers. Researchers emphasize the need for consistent monitoring of salt concentrations to help devise effective water management strategies, highlighting the potential threats to drinking and agricultural water resources.
In efforts to enhance stormwater management, a study in ACS ES&T Water focuses on dry wells — underground reservoirs designed to capture stormwater for groundwater replenishment. Findings indicate that properly situated dry wells significantly improve stormwater capture during prolonged, moderate-intensity rainfalls. The research suggests that, rather than concentrating dry wells at storm drain outlets, a more distributed approach could effectively reduce street runoff and mitigate urban flooding.
The issue of marine plastic pollution also garners attention in these studies. Researchers in Environmental Science & Technology have investigated the foraging habits of sea turtles, discovering that the type of plastic present in their environment, rather than sheer volume, plays a critical role in the likelihood of ingestion. Particularly, flexible, sheet-like plastics pose a greater risk. This insight is vital for developing strategies to protect these iconic marine species from plastic waste.
Researchers have presented innovative solutions for water capture, drawing inspiration from nature to…
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio Discusses Progress in Ukraine-Russia Talks
In a recent interview with Fox Business Network’s Larry Kudlow, Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Trilateral Cooperation Boosts Security Preparations for 2026 FIFA World Cup
In a historic move towards ensuring the safety and success of the 2026 FIFA World
Bodybuilding in Ancient Times: How the Sea Anemone Got Its Back
A new study from the University of Vienna reveals that sea anemones use a molecular mechanism known from bilaterian animals to form their back-to-belly body axis. This mechanism (“BMP shuttling”) enables cells to organize themselves during development by interpreting signaling gradients. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest that…
In Memoriam: Kristina Washer, 30, Environmental Science Pioneer and Advocate for Planetary Health
The environmental science community mourns the loss of Kristina Comley Washer, a gifted and compassionate environmental scientist whose life was tragically cut short by Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on June 9, 2025. She was 30 years old.
Kristina was more than a scholar—she was a force for change. A master’s…
New Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Methane Emissions Linked to Arctic Warming
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…
Climate Change Increases Severity 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 U.S. Department of Energy released a new report evaluating existing peer-reviewed literature and government data on climate impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and providing a critical assessment of the conventional narrative on climate change
In a striking new report, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has evaluated existing literature and data on the impact of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions on climate change, positing that the economic damages from CO2-induced warming may be less severe than widely believed. The report, titled *A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate*, was crafted by the 2025 Climate Working Group, a team of five independent scientists with diverse expertise convened by Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Key findings from the report suggest that aggressive mitigation approaches might be misaligned with actual climate impacts, and U.S. policy actions could lead to undetectable implications on the global climate, with any effects unfolding only after significant delays. Secretary Wright emphasized the need for a balanced perspective, stating, “Climate change is real, and it deserves attention. But it is not the greatest threat facing humanity,” while championing the role of reliable and affordable energy in improving living conditions.
This report coincides with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding, marking a pivotal moment in the push for energy policies that promote American energy independence. Secretary Wright expressed optimism, asserting, “We stand…
Governments leave ISA negotiations without promised ocean action
Weeks after government leaders pledged to take significant action for ocean protection at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council and Assembly concluded without a moratorium on deep-sea mining. This has resulted in a growing discrepancy between promised environmental stewardship and actual performance. Despite strong advocacy from several states opposing the rapid exploitation of deep-sea resources, many governments failed to rise to the occasion during the recent meetings in Kingston, missing a crucial opportunity to safeguard marine ecosystems in a time of escalating ecological crisis.
The Deep-Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) is now urging all nations to reconsider the political and ethical implications of their inaction, advocating firmly for an immediate moratorium. During the ISA Assembly, key discussions surrounding the deep ocean’s role in climate regulation, the necessity of sourcing minerals from the depths, and the significant knowledge gaps regarding deep-sea ecosystems were overlooked. Although several champion states attempted to bring these essential issues to the forefront, their efforts were met with resistance from a minority of nations.
“Thirty-eight states have joined the call for a moratorium or precautionary pause, with Croatia joining the coalition during this Assembly,” stated Sofia Tsenikli, DSCC Campaign Director….
Panama Takes Aim at ‘Invisible’ Owners in Fight Against Illegal Fishing
The 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…
Solar Power is Transforming Home Energy in 2025—and Define Solar is Leading the Way
As 2025 unfolds, solar power is no longer just a trend—it’s a revolution. Homeowners are switching to solar in record numbers across the United States, especially in forward-thinking states. The reason is clear: today’s solar technology is more efficient, affordable, and impactful than ever.
Breaking the Forever Bond: Why PFAS Destruction Is the Next Frontier in Clean Water Innovation
Even as states race to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—the so-called “forever chemicals”—and consumers flock to PFAS-free products, the truth remains: PFAS is already deeply embedded in our environment.
It’s a challenge that startup H2Plus is aiming to solve. While most existing technologies focus on filtering PFAS out…
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…
Aerosols in air pollution cause negative health impacts, but they also help cool cities by deflecting the sun’s rays
By Tina Geiger / Staff WriterRecent research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals alarming findings about the impact of declining aerosol levels on heatwave occurrences in populated regions. As heatwaves become more frequent worldwide, this study—published in Environmental Research Letters—highlights how reducing aerosols, which contribute to air pollution, may be exacerbating the problem.
Cameron Cummins, a co-author of the study, explains, “While we knew that aerosol emissions were suppressing global warming at the regional level, we found that their impact on heatwaves near urban centers was much more significant than we expected.” Although clean air policies aimed at improving public health have led to reduced aerosol emissions, this study warns that urban areas may be at higher risk for heatwaves as a result.
Using advanced global climate models, researchers found that aerosols play a vital role in moderating temperature changes, being up to 2.5 times more influential than greenhouse gases in urban heatwave events. Higher levels of aerosols effectively reflect sunlight, resulting in lower heatwave exposure, but this balance is shifting as aerosol levels decline.
The research indicates that from 1920 to now, increased aerosol levels had helped decrease heatwave occurrences in urban settings by nearly half. Unfortunately, this trend is reversing, with projected outcomes showing that heatwaves could rise from an average of 40 days per year today to about 110 days annually by 2080 in certain regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, South America, and Western Europe.
Geeta Persad, the study’s lead author and assistant professor at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences, underscores the urgency of the…
MORE ARTICLES
Global Call for Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining to Protect Ocean Ecosystems and Future Generations
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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…
Animal Dung Accelerates Ecosystem Development in Melting Andes
Recent research from James Madison University reveals that animal dung is crucial in accelerating ecosystem development on nutrient-poor soils exposed by melting glaciers in the Andes Mountains. Led by biology professor Kelsey Reider, this study highlights the significant impact of wild vicuñas, relatives of alpacas and llamas,…
Pause, not plunder: International Seabed Authority must halt deep-sea mining rush
The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) is calling for the international community to urgently establish a moratorium on destructive deep-sea mining to prevent irreversible harm to ocean ecosystems and protect the rights of current and future generations.
Over the next three weeks, States will convene in Kingston, Jamaica, for the critical International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council and Assembly meetings, where discussions will continue whether to open the deep sea, one of our greatest allies in combating the climate crisis, to the highly destructive deep-sea mining industry.
During the marathon 3-week meeting, ISA Member States will resume negotiations on a deeply flawed and incomplete mining code, despite growing environmental, cultural, technical, economic, and human rights concerns, and mounting global opposition. Thirty-seven countries, along with major financial institutions, businesses, human rights experts, scientists, fishers, and millions of people around the world, are now calling for a moratorium or precautionary pause.
Sofia Tsenikli, DSCC Campaign Director, said: “The unmistakable momentum for a moratorium at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in June made it clear that the world does not need or want deep-sea mining, either through the ISA or unilaterally. It…
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New Research Highlights Importance of Clear Regulations in Agricultural Gene Editing
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…