Environmental news from mainstream news sources Reuters, CNN, New York Times, Washington Post, Associated Press USA Today and BBC America.
- Environment groups plan pro-climate pressure campaign during August recess Two key climate groups are planning a multi-state blitz of ads and in-person events during the upcoming August recess, encouraging lawmakers to go big and bold on climate legislation.
- What was Andrew Cuomo thinking? On Tuesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the results of a stunning report finding that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo "sexually harassed multiple women and violated state law." Many brave women have come forward in recent years to share credible, shocking stories of harassment and misconduct they have faced by powerful men (including James' predecessor, Eric Schneiderman, who contested the allegations but stepped down in the wake of them). But, even amid a grim environment for women, one thing is clear: Cuomo's misconduct appears to have reached an unusually ugly level.
- 'A master class in gaslighting' CNN political commentator SE Cupp weighs in on a report released by New York Attorney General Letitia James that accused Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) of sexually harassing 11 women and creating a hostile work environment.
- A report from New York's attorney general found nearly a dozen credible sexual harassment allegations against the governor New York's Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women and created a "hostile" work environment for women, a report released Tuesday by New York Attorney General Letitia James said.
- The future of cars is key for the planetWith the gas mileage and auto pollution decisions President Joe Biden is expected to announce in coming days, environmentalists are increasingly worried the administration will yield to automakers' pressure and adopt modest limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars, instead of the strict standards they say are necessary to combat climate change.
- 600 tons of marine life have washed up on Florida's shoresRed tide, a toxic algae bloom, has killed more than 600 tons of marine life in Florida. CNN's Nick Valencia reports that the Florida government and environmentalists are at odds over the cause of the bloom.
- A US company has turned a former coal plant into a gas-fired Bitcoin mineEnvironmentalists have criticised the gas-fired mine but the company says it offsets its emissions.
- The Best and Worst Cities to Live Without a CarWant to help the environment? Going carless is an excellent start.
- EPA reinstates coal plant regulations that the Trump administration had rolled backThe Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday it intends to set more stringent standards on water pollution from coal power plants, reinstating regulations that the Trump administration had rolled back.
- College sued by 12 women alleging school policies made sexual assault more likelyLiberty University has been sued by 12 women who claim the school created an environment on its Virginia campus that increased the likelihood of sexual assault and rape.
- $2.1 Billion AirTrain to La Guardia Gets Green Light from U.S.The approval, a victory for Gov. Cuomo, comes over the objections of environmentalists and elected officials and clears way for construction.
- To Battle Climate Change, Begin With Your Air-ConditionerIn “After Cooling,” Eric Dean Wilson explores the ways that temperature-controlled environments contribute to the climate crisis.
- Jeff Bezos launches to space aboard New Shepard rocket shipThe world's richest man and three other passengers return safely just over 10 minutes after launch.
- Invasive, football-size goldfish found in a lakeThe tiny goldfish you can pick up at pet store for a few cents might not look like an environmental threat, but they can grow into a huge problem if set free in lakes or ponds -- mainly because they can grow to be surprisingly huge.
- Analysis: Why 'wokeness' is the biggest threat to Democrats in 2022As Democrats begin the uphill climb to hold their majorities in the House and Senate next November, politicians and party strategists are admitting that their biggest challenge comes from within: "Woke" liberals demanding adherence to policies on crime, the environment and government spending that are simply not shared by a majority of the country.
- Biden Wants to Embrace Power Lines. Some Americans Disagree.The president and energy companies want new transmission lines to carry electricity from solar and wind farms. Some environmentalists and homeowners are pushing for smaller, more local systems.
- Virgin Galactic: Sir Richard Branson rockets to the edge of spaceThe UK businessman realises a lifetime's ambition by riding a rocket plane high into the sky.
- Sir Richard Branson takes off on 'extraordinary' space flightThe UK businessman is set to realise a lifetime's ambition by flying to the edge of space.
- Sharks evolved over millions of years as an apex predator, yet are no match for humansSharks have called the Earth's oceans home for hundreds of millions of years and adapted to thrive in harsh environments.
- Bill Gates, Warren Buffett want to bring a new kind of nuclear power to Wyoming. Not everyone is happy about it.While the proposal for a nuclear power plant has the backing of top Wyoming leaders, environmentalists and some conservatives are deeply skeptical.
- Biden administration ramps up investment in environmental justiceThe Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday an additional $50 million in funding to enhance air pollution monitoring and improve air quality in low-income communities and communities of color.
- Record June temperatures point to more 'extraordinary' extremesNorth America experienced its warmest June on record and experts say the figures are frightening.
- NFL fines Washington Football Team $10 million after workplace culture investigationThe NFL fined the Washington Football Team $10 million Thursday following the conclusion of an independent investigation that found the club's work environment was "highly unprofessional," especially for women, according to a news release from the league.
- Boryana Straubel, 38, Dies; Founded a ‘Green’ Jewelry CompanyA former Tesla executive, she ran a family foundation that focuses on environmental sustainability. Her jewelry company uses recycled metals.
- Sustainability and Climate Change: Join the Conversation with ExpertsEach episode of Netting Zero brings together New York Times journalists with climate experts from business, policy, government, and civil society. Join us on July 1 to discuss our built environment.
- Biden Can Promote Environmental JusticeBiden’s choice of an appointee for a federal energy panel will test his pledge to protect minority communities from environmental hazards.
- How to create a gender-inclusive environment for our kidsGender reveal parties. Boys don't cry. That color is for girls. That bathroom is for boys. That sport is only for "real" girls. That's not the right clothing section, toy, partner, door, major, job or life for you.
- What if American Democracy Fails the Climate Crisis?Ezra Klein and four environmental thinkers discuss the limits of politics in facing down the threat to the planet.
- Biden Administration Backs Oil Sands Pipeline ProjectThe administration urged a court to throw out a challenge brought by tribal and environmental groups, backing a pipeline that would carry Canadian oil across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
- The Internet Eats Up Less Energy Than You Might ThinkNew research by two leading scientists says some dire warnings of environmental damage from technology are overstated.
- Tasmanian devils were moved to an island. Now there are no more penguinsEfforts to save Australia's endangered Tasmanian devil population led to thousands of sea birds being wiped out on an island in the Tasman Sea, according to local environmentalists.
- Chicago is throwing its 'whole government' at summer violence"I'm not saying I'm God or I can prevent anything from happening, but I know in my heart I did what I can at 1 or 2 in the morning to help put this guy in a safer environment."
- Companies are playing down price hikes. Smart investors need to embrace them.The Federal Reserve now sees inflation rising. How do investors make money in this environment?
- St. Croix refinery that rained oil on neighborhoods is shutting down indefinitelyThe Limetree Bay oil refinery in St. Croix said it would close indefinitely, citing "severe financial constraints" a month after the Environmental Protection Agency ordered an emergency shutdown of the plant, calling it an "imminent and substantial endangerment" to public health on the island.
- Biden must stop methane pipelines to deliver on climate change and environmental justiceThe Mountain Valley Pipeline and others awaiting approval are nails in America's climate coffin. And most are concentrated among vulnerable communities.
- Buyers of Amazon Devices Are Guinea Pigs. That’s a Problem.Amazon’s experimental approach to product design can hurt your wallet and the environment. Why does it need our help to figure out what it’s doing?
- 8,000 Homeless People to Be Moved From Hotels to Shelters, New York SaysMayor Bill de Blasio’s announcement signals the beginning of the end to an arrangement that many homeless people said provided a better living environment.
- Bitcoin's Many FlawsIts value is volatile. Its users aren't as anonymous as they think. It might be a threat to the environment. And it could be exacerbating inequality.
- Nasa's giant SLS rocket: a guideNasa's huge next-generation rocket is undergoing tests ahead of its maiden flight in 2021.
- Biden Administration to Restore Clean-Water Protections Ended by TrumpThe Environmental Protection Agency announced it would repeal a Trump-era rule that weakened pollution controls for wetlands and streams.
- Process to replace Netanyahu drags out as Israeli security chief warns violence could followPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies are dragging out the political process, seeking to undermine a new government set to remove him from power, as the head of the Israel Security Agency warned of incitement to violence in the charged environment.
- Offshore Wind Farms Show What Biden’s Climate Plan Is Up AgainstThe U.S. has fallen way behind Europe partly because of an old shipping law and opposition from homeowners and fishing groups.
- Environmentalist Heather McTeer Toney talks about the intersection of climate and the fight for racial justice
- Judge dismisses South Dakota governor's lawsuit to bring July Fourth fireworks back to Mount RushmoreA federal judge ruled Gov. Kristi Noem can't force a July Fourth fireworks show at Mount Rushmore, citing environmental, tribal and health concerns.
- A 20-Foot Sea Wall? Miami Faces the Hard Choices of Climate Change.A proposal to construct barriers for storm surge protection has forced South Floridians to reckon with the many environmental challenges they face.
- A burning cargo ship could become this country's worst environmental disasterA huge cleanup operation was underway for a sixth day in Sri Lanka Tuesday after a container ship laden with chemicals caught fire 12 days ago, inundating the country's western coastline with microplastic pollution and potentially hazardous waste.
- Dispute Over a Coal Industry Pits Poland Against Its NeighborsThe Czech Republic has sued Poland over a lignite coal mine it says violates European environmental laws. Poles say it’s crucial for jobs and the local economy.
- NBA playoffs: Jazz math problem just doesn't add up for Grizzlies as Utah takes 2-1 series leadThe Utah Jazz were not shaken by a hostile environment, turning back every Memphis Grizzlies surge and finishing on a 14-2 run to take Game 3.
- Big Setbacks Propel Oil Giants Toward a ‘Tipping Point’A surprising mix of environmentalists, pension fund managers and big money investors have scored startling victories against oil and coal, opening new battle fronts in the climate fight.
- Why Biden Isn’t Cracking Down on Fossil FuelsEnvironmental activists had high hopes when he entered office, but have found his record mixed.
- How Exxon Lost a Board Battle With a Small Hedge FundThe oil giant’s unexpected boardroom defeat by an activist investor hinged on a few key moments.
- A Look at What's Inside Biden’s $6 Trillion PlanPresident Biden’s funding request to Congress lays out his economic ambitions, with proposals for significant new spending in areas like infrastructure, education and the environment.
- Flying and Climate: Airlines Under Pressure to Cut EmissionsThe airline industry might not be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for decades because most solutions are not yet viable.
- Biden’s Fossil Fuel Moves Clash With Pledges on Climate ChangeOver the past month the Biden administration has defended three significant oil and gas projects, raising concerns among environmentalists that climate policy is being undermined
- Rescuing Artists of VisionThe unrivaled Art Preserve in Sheboygan, Wis., opening soon, is collecting and showing artist-built environments found along rural byways, in city lofts — and even at Manhattan’s Chelsea Hotel.
- New Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels to Read This SummerSix novels feature characters who hunger for connection so strongly that they transform their environments.
- Global heating: Study shows impact of 'climate racism' in USBlack people in the US are subject to double the level of heat stress in cities than whites.
- Six months of big change hasn't changed the political environmentPoll of the week: A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds President Joe Biden's approval rating stands at 53% with a disapproval rating of 41%. A Gallup poll puts the split at 54% approving and 40% disapproving.
- In the Russian Arctic, the First Stirrings of a Very Cold WarThough the Russian military has little in common with liberal Western politicians or environmental groups like Greenpeace, it is taking ice melt in the Far North seriously.
- Jane Goodall Q&A: How did our relationship with the environment lead to COVID-19? How do you maintain optimism for the future?This week, Goodall won the prestigious Templeton Prize, which has been awarded since 1972 to luminaries such as Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama.
- France's Proposed Climate Law Is Stirring DivisionsEmmanuel Macron’s credentials as a leader on climate issues are being tested as business and environmental groups spar over changes to the French way of life.
- Human remains used to create reef memorials off coast of FloridaA Florida based company offers to use cremated remains to help the marine environment and to offer another way to memorialize loved ones.
- Colonial Pipeline Hack Shows Risk to US Energy IndependenceThe country relies less on foreign oil than it used to, but pipelines and grids are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks and extreme weather.
- Hackers and Climate Change Threaten U.S. Energy IndependenceThe country relies less on foreign oil than it used to, but pipelines and grids are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks and extreme weather.
- John Kerry: US climate envoy criticised for optimism on clean techJohn Kerry told the BBC technologies that don't yet exist will play a huge role in stabilising the climate.
- Elon Musk suddenly says Tesla will stop accepting bitcoinElon Musk says Tesla is abandoning plans to accept bitcoin as payment for the company's electric vehicles, citing the cryptocurrency's high environmental cost after months of being bullish on it.
- Colonial Pipeline Begins Restart: Latest News on the ShutdownWhile drivers scrambled for fuel, Colonial Pipeline said supplies would resume flowing from Texas to the East Coast in the coming days.
- GOP senator tells EPA nominee, 'If you don't behave, I'm going to talk to your daddy'Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe told a female Environmental Protection Agency nominee on Wednesday that if she did not "behave," then "I'm going to talk to your daddy."
- US environmental agency releases climate report delayed by TrumpThe EPA says for the first time that climate change is being driven at least in part by humans.
- For Clean Energy, Buy American or Buy It Quick and Cheap?President Biden says slowing climate change will create jobs. Tension between unions and environmentalists shows it’s not so simple.
- America's electric cars need lithium so badly it may wipe out this speciesFewer than 40 years after humans discovered Tiehm's buckwheat, a Nevada plant with yellow flowers, they may drive it to extinction in pursuit of electric vehicles, a technology widely hailed as being environmentally friendly.
- Hacked Pipeline May Stay Shut for Days, Raising Concerns About Fuel SupplyWhile the impact has been limited so far, some energy analysts warned of possible shortages and higher prices as the suspension continues.
- The growing problem of space junkMore than 3 million years ago, members of an unknown hominin species sat on a river bank at the site of Lomekwi, in what is now Kenya, and made a set of stone tools for their daily tasks. Only a trained eye can distinguish the detritus they left behind from naturally broken rocks. In the intervening millennia, human trash has grown in complexity and quantity, introducing novel materials like plastics and metal alloys. What humans discard is fodder for archaeologists, but it's also an environmental problem that is becoming interplanetary.
- ‘You’ve Lost Your Sparkle’: What to Do When Burnout HitsDr. Yumiko Kadota, a surgeon in Sydney, and the author of “Emotional Female,” on stress, burnout and toxic work environments.