Elon Musk's new AI data center raises energy and water concerns in Memphis
Musk claims to have built the world's most powerful AI training site in Memphis, Tennessee. But some residents worry about its massive energy and water use.
California saw hottest July on record as heat wave hit 129F
"July was by far California's hottest month on record, blowing previous records out of the water," weather analyst Colin McCarthy said.
Microsoft invests in community solar as AI complicates its climate targets
Microsoft is partnering with Pivot Energy to install 500 megawatts of solar in communities in 20 states as it seeks more clean energy for AI data centers.
Great Barrier Reef seas hottest in 400 years
Scientists found the Great Barrier Reef experienced its highest ocean temperatures than any recorded year since 1618.
Better Planet
Texas reservoir water levels are hitting record lows. Here's why
As of August 7, Amistad International Reservoir is 25.2 percent full, and Falcon International Reservoir is 13.3 percent full.
Flights: Warning of longer-lived contrails "throws a spanner in the works"
Condensation trails left by higher-flying, lower-carbon aircraft are proving to be disruptive across North America.
Better Planet
Map reveals fish-killing "dead zone" size of New Jersey in Gulf of Mexico
Warmer temperatures and increases in agricultural water runoff are sapping the Gulf of its oxygen supply, leaving it uninhabitable.
Better Planet
World's largest iceberg may be trapped in ocean vortex for years
The iceberg is larger than Rhode Island and is caught in a spinning ocean current, preventing it from traveling north and melting.
California wildfire update: Expected storms put fire crews on "high alert"
Firefighters trying to contain California's Park Fire are bracing for thunderstorms this weekend.
Sustainability
Salesforce sustainability leader thinks AI will be a climate "good guy"
AI's energy demands are driving up greenhouse gas emissions in the tech sector. But Suzanne DiBianca at Salesforce says AI's climate benefits will be bigger.
Heat Advisory: Maps show where US faces "dangerously hot conditions"
"For people without effective cooling, especially heat-sensitive groups, this level of heat can be deadly." the NWS said.
Methane leaking from US oil and gas is 8 times higher than agreed targets
Aerial monitoring of the powerful greenhouse gas methane leaking from U.S. oil and gas sites shows emissions are far higher than government estimates.
Summer Heat Waves Getting Worse. Here's What Cities Can Do | Opinion
The National Weather Service predicts hotter-than-normal conditions almost everywhere. And that's saying something, given that last year was the hottest year on record.
Hurricane Center tracking potential tropical storm moving towards US
"A tropical depression could form later this week while the system is in the vicinity of the Greater Antilles or the Bahamas," the NHC said.
Florida's giving residents up to $14,000 in rebates to upgrade their homes
The money is available for a wide range of different home upgrades due to President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act.
California Park Fire containment 'very challenging' as blaze explodes
Friefighters are battling harsh conditions to fight the state's biggest wildfire of 2024.
Congress Is Poised to Gut AmeriCorps. It's a Huge Mistake | Opinion
There will be other fires and other storms, and our states and communities will need the talents and toil of national service members.
California wildfire update: 160,000 acres scorched as inferno rages on
The wildfire is thought to have been started by arson and is now the largest fire California has seen so far this year.
Hottest day on Earth record broken two days in a row
Weather data shows that the hottest day since 1940 occurred on Sunday — and then was immediately surpassed the next day.
Yellowstone study reveals never-before-seen organisms living in hot springs
Two new methane-producing microbes discovered in Yellowstone may impact climate change and the search for extraterrestrial life.
Better Planet
Scientists warn of "massive" release from Great Salt Lake
Researcher Soren Brothers said the best way "to keep this CO2 from being released is by ensuring that Great Salt Lake remains wet."
Supreme Court update: Four major rulings that could come before October
The Supreme Court has received emergency applications related to loan forgiveness, Title IX, EPA rules and Trump's conviction.
Will AI Be Another Unsustainable Environmental Disaster? | Opinion
It is high time that we pay attention to the very sustainability of life with every path-breaking invention.
Climate, AI, and Care—The Triple Threat Facing Our Society | Opinion
Our care crisis is reaching a breaking point.
How "dirty rain" dust could impact hurricanes
"A dust particle can make ice clouds form more efficiently in the core of the hurricane, which can produce more precipitation," scientist Yuan Wang said.
Better Planet
Earth's hottest day ever breaks previous day's record
Earth experienced its hottest day ever on Monday, surpassing Sunday's record, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Better Planet
"Tremendous" NASA video shows CO2 spewing from US into Earth's atmosphere
"As policymakers and as scientists, we're trying to account for where carbon comes from and how that impacts the planet," climate scientist Lesley Ott said.
Climate Change Causing You Decision Fatigue? Try a Map | Opinion
Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving maps further, enabling us to make decisions that consider the future.
Some good climate news: US carbon emissions forecast to fall sharply
The Rhodium Group forecasts U.S. CO2 emissions to fall from 38 to 56 percent by 2035, faster than in previous years but still short of international targets.
Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump: Where they stand on 5 key science issues
From AI to energy, where do Harris and Trump differ when it comes to major matters invol science?