ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
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 is time for the ISA and the few remaining States still pushing to greenlight a failing industry to join the diverse coalition for an international moratorium and stand for science, good governance, and the long-term health of the planet – before it’s too late.”
Emma Wilson, DSCC Policy Advisor, said: “Leading independent experts agree that we are 10-15 years from having the baseline science needed to make informed decisions about deep-sea mining. Rushing this complex, multifaceted…
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U.S. Navy Joins Forces With Royal Thai and Canadian Navies for Annual CARAT Exercise in Thailand
The U.S. Navy (USN), Royal Thai Navy (RTN), and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) officially kicked
U.S. Government Launches National Farm Security Action Plan to Safeguard Food Supply and National Security
The Department of Agriculture announced a new governmentwide, multiprong effort focused on ensuring America’s ability
U.S. Department of Energy Halts Fossil Fuel Ban for 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…
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…
While some scientists argue that agricultural gene editing regulations are overly restrictive, a new paper from the University of Adelaide emphasises the importance of clear regulations to ensure new technologies are used safely and responsibly
A recent paper from the University of Adelaide is drawing attention to the crucial role of regulatory frameworks in agricultural gene editing. While some scientists argue that current regulations are overly restrictive, the authors emphasize the need for clear guidelines to ensure these emerging technologies are applied safely and responsibly.
The paper, published in The Plant Journal, features contributions from researchers Dr. Emily Buddle, Michail Ivanov, and Professor Rachel Ankeny. The review underscores how effective regulation not only fosters innovation but also encourages public engagement and builds trust in new gene technologies.
“Regulatory decisions are influenced by value judgements related to safety, risk, and societal benefits,” explains Dr. Buddle. She further stresses the importance of early and ongoing communication between plant scientists and various stakeholders to address potential concerns regarding new technologies. “This engagement should be seen as a mutual learning process, recognizing that no single group can shape regulation in isolation.”
A notable point made in the review is the distinction between scientific equivalency and public acceptance. While certain gene-editing techniques can produce changes that occur naturally in agriculture, public perception relies more on the application and perceived benefits of the technology rather than the methods themselves. Dr. Buddle notes…
New insights into the evolution of the back-belly-axis
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 this system evolved much earlier than previously assumed and was already present in the common ancestor of cnidarians and bilaterians.
Most animals exhibit bilateral symmetry—a body plan with a head and tail, a back and belly, and left and right sides. This body organization characterizes the vast group known as Bilateria, which includes animals as diverse as vertebrates, insects, molluscs and worms. In contrast, cnidarians, such as jellyfish and sea anemones, are traditionally described as radially symmetric, and indeed jellyfish are. However, the situation is different is the sea anemones: despite superficial radiality, they are bilaterally symmetric – first at the level of gene expression in the embryo and later also anatomically as adults. This raises a fundamental evolutionary question: did bilateral symmetry arise in the common ancestor of Bilateria and Cnidaria, or did it evolve independently in multiple animal lineages? Researchers at the University of Vienna have addressed this question…
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…
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,…
Remembering Kristina Comley Washer: A passionate environmental scientist and advocate who left an indelible mark at 30
By Yves Ducrot / Environmental ReporterThe 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 student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tufts University, she was awarded the prestigious Hanes Endowed Fellowship in Environmental Health, which supported her research into the complex intersections between pollution, public health, and environmental risk management. Her academic path was marked by a rare blend of intellectual excellence and moral clarity, with a sharp focus on hazardous waste site remediation and environmental justice.
In June 2022, the Licensed Site Professional Association (LSPA) recognized Kristina’s outstanding potential by awarding her one of its coveted scholarships. The LSPA Scholarship Fund, which annually supports students in environmental studies across New England, honored Kristina’s deep commitment to environmental health, selecting her for the award in recognition of both her scholarly promise and her profound passion for the field.
Kristina’s work had a global scope and impact. From conducting marine biology research in the Turks and Caicos Islands to contributing to species conservation efforts in Mauritius and leading clean-up efforts under U.S. EPA protocols, her career spanned six continents. She combined technical expertise with a global consciousness, serving not only as a scientist but also as a cultural ambassador, educator, and…
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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…
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Senator Padilla Announces $122.9 Million in Federal Funding for Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Projects in California
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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…
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Climate Change Increases Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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Study Reveals Lingering Indoor Air Pollutants in Homes After Colorado’s Marshall Fire
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New research by scientists at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder found compromised indoor air quality…
U.S. House and Senate Pass Bipartisan Legislation: The Groundbreaking U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act and the WILD Act
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Wildlife Conservation Society’s Executive Vice President for…