Climate
NASA Says 2020 Tied for Hottest Year on Record
Meanwhile NOAA put the year just behind 2016 in the charts, but it was remarkably hot by either agency’s measure
Stories by Andrea Thompson
Climate
On Climate, Biden Must Do More Than Undo Trump’s Damage
The new administration cannot just go back to the future on carbon emissions
Arts & Culture
From Rapping Robots to Glowing Frogs: Our Favorite Fun Stories of 2020
It has been a tough year, but science still brought us some weird, cool and quirky findings
Climate
What Happens to White Christmases as the World Warms?
Although more winter precipitation will fall as rain because of climate change, don’t say goodbye to snow just yet
Natural Disasters
A Running List of Record-Breaking Natural Disasters in 2020
The year has already seen many extremes, from California’s and Colorado’s largest wildfires to a tropical cyclone boom
Climate
The Top Five Climate Stories of 2020
From raging wildfires to a pending shift on U.S. climate action, the year was a notable one for climate change
Biology
This Super Speedy Bird Barely Stops to Sleep
Common swifts zoom around at almost 70 miles per hour and may sleep while in flight
Weather
In 2020, Record-Breaking Hurricanes Arrived Early—and Often
A record 30 storms have formed, compared to the previous high of 28; almost all were the earliest on record
Climate
Neighborhood Wealth Dramatically Impacts Home Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A detailed, nationwide analysis could set the stage for cities to tailor emissions-reducing policies
Biology
See a Male Seahorse Give Birth
Unlike almost all other animal species, it is male seahorses who become pregnant and birth young
Climate
Here’s How Scientists Want Biden to Take on Climate Change
Ambitions include promoting electric vehicles and incorporating environmental justice
Energy
Election Science Stakes: Energy
Scientific American senior editor Mark Fischetti and associate editor Andrea Thompson talk about this election and the future of U.S. energy research and policy.
Policy & Ethics
Seven Ways the Election Will Shape the Future of Science, Health and the Environment
Climate change, nuclear arms control, the pandemic and more will be determined by whoever wins the White House and Congress
Climate
Election Science Stakes: Climate
Scientific American’s associate editor for sustainability Andrea Thompson talks about how climate science and policy will be affected by this election.
Natural Disasters
Photos Show Massive Wildfires Devastating Oregon and California
Record-setting blazes fueled in part by climate change have destroyed homes and upended live across the West
Natural Disasters
Can Redwoods Survive the Devastating California Wildfires?
Members of one of the world’s largest and oldest tree species have likely been damaged. But they are incredibly resilient
Natural Disasters
Storm Surge: The Science behind This Year’s Unusual Hurricane Season
Meteorologist J. Marshall Shepherd explains Hurricane Laura in the Gulf of Mexico and the ingredients for tropical cyclones
Conservation
Zoos Find Creative Ways to Cope with Coronavirus Lockdowns
The institutions are turning to various solutions, including livestreams and fundraisers, to connect with would-be visitors and continue caring for their animals
Policy & Ethics
Black Birders Call Out Racism, Say Nature Should Be for Everyone
Co-organizers of the first Black Birders Week talk about the joy of the natural world and the work outdoor-focused groups need to do to reduce racism and promote inclusion
Climate
Heat and Humidity Are Already Reaching the Limits of Human Tolerance
Events with extreme temperatures and humidity are occurring twice as often now as they were 40 years ago
