By Jon Hurdle, Inside Climate News A coalition of nonprofit and government agencies have found ways to protect and increase the American oystercatcher population. The population of oystercatchers grew by 45 percent from 2008 to 2023, bringing the total population to an estimated 14,735 birds. Credit: Shiloh Schulte/Manomet Conservation Sciences …
Supreme Court declines to hear Republicans’ ‘Hail Mary’ effort to block climate lawsuits
By Joseph Winters, Grist The justices shrugged off a complaint described by legal experts as a “political stunt.” Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The U.S. Supreme Court said on Monday that it would not hear a case seeking to stop climate lawsuits in five Democratic-led states that …
In Florida, State Rules Concentrate Toxic Smoke in Underserved Communities
By Amy Green, Inside Climate News Growing research suggests that “black snow,” a byproduct of the sugarcane harvest, is harming residents’ health. The politically powerful sugar growers say the air quality meets standards. When sugarcane fields are burned, the fires emit large plumes of smoke and rain ash across three …
Microplastics hinder plant photosynthesis, study finds, threatening millions with starvation
By Damian Carrington, The Guardian Researchers say problem could increase number of people at risk of starvation by 400m in next two decades. The pollution of the planet by microplastics is significantly cutting food supplies by damaging the ability of plants to photosynthesise, according to a new assessment. The analysis …
The Rights of Nature Become a Rallying Point Against an Ascendant Mining Industry
By Katie Surma, Inside Climate News Communities and ecosystems across the globe face heavy environmental damage from intensifying mining operations. A people’s tribunal probed the Canadian mining industry’s impact on the natural world and the people defending it. Judge Tom Goldtooth addresses the 6th International Rights of Nature Tribunal on …
This small tweak to California parks could help prevent fires
By Nate Berg, Fast Company Landscape architecture studio Terremoto is battling invasive species, fire threats, and underfunded parks departments with a new approach to ecological restoration. [Photo: Terremoto] In a small section of Los Angeles’s Elysian Park, which spans the amount of land a single sprinkler head can water, a …
Scientists make discovery that could transform Florida’s coastline: ‘We will continue to support projects’
By Andrew Haffner, The Cool Down This discovery could mean a lot for Florida, which has nearly 75% of its population residing in coastal counties. Photo Credit: iStock A new study published in the scientific journal Communications Earth & Environment has outlined an increasingly vital way that coral reef restoration could protect Florida’s storm-battered …
In Chile, a Declining Forest Worries Scientists
By Andres Muedano, Inside Climate News Decades of deforestation and a 15-year drought have transformed Chilean woodlands into a fragile ecosystem. Will the forest survive? Since 2019, forest regions from the Chilean Coast to the Andes Mountains have turned brown as leaves lose their green color. Credit: Benito Rosende At …
‘Super exciting’ visit of dolphins to East River offers hope of cleaner New York
By Maya Yang, The Guardian The rare sighting of two common short-beaked dolphins hints at an environmental success story. New Yorkers were graced by the presence of two dolphins in the city’s East River earlier this month. Photograph: Chris St Lawrence / Gotham Whale When New Yorkers were graced by the …
‘Never Let Anyone Break Your Spirit’: How an Environmental Justice Forefather Is Thinking About Our Current Moment
By Steve Curwood, Inside Climate News Plus some lessons in perseverance inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr., himself. Rev. Ben Chavis speaks as panelist for the Real Talk Drives Real Change Tour at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. on on June 26, 2022. Credit: Brian Stukes/Getty Images In 1981, …