Environment

Plate tectonics, or the recycling of Earth’s crust, may have begun much earlier than previously thought—and may be a big reason that our planet harbors life

The Arctic is likely to become “ice-free” by midcentury—and could pass that grim milestone much sooner—unless much more is done to combat climate change

There are fewer than 500 Ethiopian wolves, and they may be the first large carnivore known to act as a pollinator

A summit many hoped would yield a landmark treaty to tackle a global plastic pollution crisis ended in disappointment after oil- and gas-producing countries pushed back on limiting production

A man scouring Google Earth found a mysterious scar in the Australian outback. And now scientists know what caused it

The ocean’s digestive system is dictated by picky microbes and precise dynamics of drifting debris

Drought is more synonymous with the western U.S., but the eastern part of the country can descend into such conditions surprisingly quickly

Fast fashion may seem cheap, but it’s taking a costly toll on the planet—and on millions of young people

The Klamath River was a tragic example of degraded wildlife habitat. The removal of its dam demonstrates how people can halt the decline of, and even restore, wildlife

Federal climate databases remained largely intact during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term. Scientists say the threats are bigger this time

Every Atlantic hurricane that formed this year had higher wind speeds because of climate change. Two likely would have remained tropical storms without its influence

Trumps retreat from climate agreements and tech funding will help China dominate global clean energy markets