On Climate, Biden Must Do More than Undo Trump’s Damage
The new administration cannot just go back to the future on carbon emissions
Stories by Andrea Thompson
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
Neighborhood Wealth Dramatically Impacts Home Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A detailed, nationwide analysis could set the stage for cities to tailor emissions-reducing policies
See a Male Seahorse Give Birth
Unlike almost all other animal species, it is male seahorses who become pregnant and birth young
Here’s How Scientists Want Biden to Take on Climate Change
Ambitions include promoting electric vehicles and incorporating environmental justice
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
Will 2020 Be the Hottest Year on Record?
It will certainly place in the top five—a marker of how much the world has warmed
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
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
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
How the Environment Has Changed since the First Earth Day 50 Years Ago
These charts show that while progress has been made in some areas, humanity still has a major impact on the planet
Rooftop Wind Power Might Take Off by Using Key Principle of Flight
A new device could open more areas to wind production by using stationary airfoils instead of twirling turbines
What Happens When Other Disasters Hit during a Pandemic?
Emergency management experts are concerned about everything from evacuations to public messaging
Paris Climate Agreement Architects Make a Case for “Stubborn Optimism”
It is possible for the world to cut emissions enough to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. But tenacious belief will be needed to achieve that goal
