Climate ChangeJuly 29, 2021
Act on Climate Emergency Now to Prevent Millions of Deaths, Study Shows
The human toll of carbon emissions will vastly magnify climate change’s economic costs
Stories by Andrea Thompson
Andrea Thompson is senior desk editor for life science at Scientific American, covering the environment, energy and earth sciences. She has been covering these issues for nearly two decades. Prior to joining Scientific American, she was a senior writer covering climate science at Climate Central and a reporter and editor at Live Science, where she primarily covered earth science and the environment. She has moderated panels, including as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Media Zone, and appeared in radio and television interviews on major networks. She holds a graduate degree in science, health and environmental reporting from New York University, as well as a B.S. and an M.S. in atmospheric chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Follow Thompson on Bluesky @andreatweather.bsky.social
Climate ChangeMay 18, 2021
Climate Change Added $8 Billion to Hurricane Sandy’s Damage
New research shows how much warming is costing society by exacerbating disasters
Climate ChangeJanuary 14, 2021
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
CultureDecember 29, 2020
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
Natural DisastersDecember 22, 2020
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 ChangeDecember 22, 2020
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
BiologyDecember 18, 2020
This Super Speedy Bird Barely Stops to Sleep
Common swifts zoom around at almost 70 miles per hour and may sleep while in flight
Climate ChangeDecember 2, 2020
On Climate, Biden Must Do More Than Undo Trump’s Damage
The new administration cannot just go back to the future on carbon emissions
BiologyNovember 20, 2020
See a Male Seahorse Give Birth
Unlike almost all other animal species, it is male seahorses who become pregnant and birth young
Climate ChangeNovember 12, 2020
Here’s How Scientists Want Biden to Take on Climate Change
Ambitions include promoting electric vehicles and incorporating environmental justice
WeatherNovember 9, 2020
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 ChangeNovember 1, 2020
Neighborhood Wealth Dramatically Impacts Home Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A detailed, nationwide analysis could set the stage for cities to tailor emissions-reducing policies
EnergyOctober 30, 2020
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.
PolicyOctober 30, 2020
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 ChangeOctober 29, 2020
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 DisastersSeptember 14, 2020
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 DisastersAugust 26, 2020
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 DisastersAugust 25, 2020
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
ConservationJune 19, 2020
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
PolicyJune 5, 2020
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 ChangeMay 8, 2020
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
PollutionApril 22, 2020
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
EnergyApril 21, 2020
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
Natural DisastersApril 16, 2020
What Happens When Other Disasters Hit during a Pandemic?
Emergency management experts are concerned about everything from evacuations to public messaging