Lauren Sommer
Stories
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Researchers find a culprit in sea stars' decline
A mysterious disease has been ravaging sea stars off the West Coast, leading to loss of entire kelp forests. Now, researchers have finally identified the culprit, opening new strategies for combatting it.
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New technology shows how illegal fishing has impacted oceans across the world
Illegal fishing has plagued oceans worldwide, and new technology is providing a view of its extent. New studies show that while it still happens, protected areas where fishing is banned are thriving.
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U.N. court rules that nations must act on climate change
Nations have a duty to act on climate change under international law — and if they don't, they could be held liable. That's the ruling of the top United Nations court.
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Nations must act on climate change or could be held responsible, top U.N. court rules
The International Court of Justice ruled that nations have an obligation to act on climate change under international laws protecting the environment and human rights.
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Floods are getting more dangerous around the country, not just in Texas
The deadly floods in Central Texas were caused by extremely heavy rain. Climate change is causing even more rain to fall during the heaviest storms.
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How homeowners are saving on insurance by upgrading their houses against disasters
Home insurance is getting pricier as hurricanes and wildfires get worse. States are trying new incentives, encouraging homeowners to retrofit homes against disasters to get an insurance discount.
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Penguins in Antarctica could actually be helping cool the climate… with their poop
In places like Antarctica, small things can make a difference. Scientists are finding that penguin waste is helping form clouds, which could be offsetting the effects of climate change.
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FEMA leader is out amid questions over future of the agency
The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cameron Hamilton, has been replaced. The shake up comes weeks before the start of the Atlantic hurricane season.
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Rural communities were promised millions in disaster funds. Trump is ending it
Rural communities are scrambling after the Trump administration canceled billions in disaster grants. Many were counting on the funds for infrastructure fixes meant to withstand future disasters.
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Why some Los Angeles homes are being built to resist wildfires — and some aren't
The wildfires in LA were so large, they burned areas that weren't considered at risk. That means as residents start the process of rebuilding, thousands of them won't be required to use fire-resistant building materials. Experts say those materials dramatically reduce the chance a house will burn. But now, Los Angeles officials are changing the rules to require more homeowners to use these materials - a rare example of tightening the rules post-disaster, instead of loosening them.
