Environment

Can dogfish save Cape Cod fisheries?

Overfishing and climate change are robbing Cape Cod of its namesake fish. Ever adaptable, fishermen are shifting sights to the dogfish. But Americans aren’t quite ready to bite just yet.

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Will rising summer temperatures raise world’s climate change concern?

It’s been an extraordinarily hot summer – with deadly effect – all across the Northern Hemisphere. Has the heat been changing how people think about climate change?

First Look Trump proposes roll back of tight fuel standards

The Trump administration made a long-anticipated announcement that proposed keeping US mileage standards at 2020 levels in efforts to keep cars safer and cheaper, but the proposal revokes Obama-era fuel standards that focused on efficiency.
For wildlife, climate change brings a mixed bag

Discussions around climate change and wildlife tend to focus on winners and losers. In reality, animals’ responses cross a wide spectrum – with some showing surprising adaptability.
First Look Huge sea-life sculptures made from plastic waste shock, amaze

In an effort to raise awareness about plastic entering the ocean, an artist is transforming beach trash into sculptures of sea creatures ranging from great white sharks, made partly of bottle caps, to a jellyfish constructed of cut-up water bottles.
First Look After hurricane, Puerto Rico switches on to renewable energy

A small number of buildings in Puerto Rico now rely on solar power after hurricane Maria left much of the island in the dark. Industry officials and environmentalists are closely watching the experiment to determine the possibilities of a larger-scale switch to off-grid power.
In Massachusetts, a big comeback for a little bird

The piping plover, a bird once down to 139 breeding pairs in the Bay State, has made a remarkable recovery, thanks in part to unorthodox approaches taken by conservationists.

First Look Trump admin pledges to work with local officials on wildfire prevention

As wildfires continue to rage on through the summer, the Forest Service and other agencies will ramp up prevention projects. California and other states are dealing with longer wildfire seasons due to drought, warmer weather due to climate change, and homes built deeper into the forest.
Can tourist meccas beat the heat?

A heat wave in Europe this summer has given vacationers pause for thought about whether they want to broil while traveling. How can the world's tourist destinations stay attractive in the face of global warming?
Amid fires and hurricanes, price of climate change begins to hit home

Climate change, which many skeptics argue is more bark than bite, is starting to demonstrate an impact on economies – and perceptions.
First Look In with the old, out with the new: 'deconstruction' trend grows

Instead of building entirely new structures or completely demolishing old ones, companies are turning to deconstruction – taking apart blighted buildings and reusing or recycling salvegeable materials.
First Look Miami street's radical sea level rise plan could be blueprint for city

A small group of neighbors who own some of the city's most valuable waterfront homes have put together a proposal for how to prevent flooding, ranging from mini sewage treatment plants to building an artificial island to clean pumped water.
Monsters no more? Cape Cod sharks get a makeover

Stereotypes can be difficult to live down – even when it comes to marine life. In Chatham, Mass., educators are working to help residents and vacationers shed their misconceptions about sharks.
First Look Volunteers increasingly essential in US disaster response

The federal Community Emergency Response Teams program enlists thousands of civilians to ease the pressure on professionals during the chaos of an earthquake, a wildfire, a flood, or a blizzard.