Sustainability
Carbon-Monitoring Orbiter Redux Readies for Launch
The satellite is set to map sources and sinks of greenhouse gas in unprecedented detail. A 2008 version of the probe failed to reach orbit
Stories by Lauren Morello
Space
Humans on Mars as Soon as 2037 Should Be NASA's Goal: Panel
A prestigious panel of scientists recommends sending humans to the Red Planet as the space agency's wisest long-range goal
Society & Policy
Flat Budgets for NIH and NSF in Obama's 2015 Plan
With Congress unlikely to approve tax-based boosts for science, agency funding hopes are dashed
Sustainability
Nuclear Power Project in Georgia Gets Boost from Feds
The $6.5-billion in loan guarantees from the U.S. Department of Energy comes amid fading hopes for an industry renaissance
The Sciences
U.S. Budget Deal Would Ease Science Agencies' Pain
Congress is preparing a plan to end mandatory cuts until 2016
The Sciences
U.S. Government Scientists Head Back to Work
Overflowing in-boxes and confusion greet relieved researchers after the 16-day partial government shutdown
The Sciences
U.S. Antarctic Research Season Is in Jeopardy
The shutdown may force evacuation of U.S. research stations
The Sciences
More Cuts Loom for U.S. Science
A stalemate in Congress puts spending plans on hold
Sustainability
Former Astronaut Picked to Lead NOAA
Oceanographer and spacewalker Kathryn Sullivan will head up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, where she has been acting chief since March
Sustainability
Warming Climate May Drive Human Conflict
Temperature and rainfall extremes linked to more frequent feuds and wars
The Sciences
Evolution and Climate Science Make the Grade in State Education Standards
Officials in Rhode Island, Kentucky, Kansas, Maryland and Vermont have approved standards to introduce climate change science and evolution in science classrooms well before high school
Sustainability
Earth Has Warm Year, But Not as Hot as U.S.
Above-average warmth continues as a result of increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Sustainability
2012 Proves Warmest Year Ever in U.S.
Average temperatures were a full degree warmer in 2012 than in 1998, the previous record-holder
Sustainability
Study Strengthens Link between El Niño and Climate Change
The cycle of Pacific Ocean surface water warming and cooling has become more variable in recent decades, suggesting El Niño may strengthen under climate change
Sustainability
Early Drafts of Next Climate Report Leaked Online
Climate deniers used the leak to press their case but the new IPCC report closes the case on a human cause for global warming
The Sciences
Budget Woes May Restrict Scientific Discovery
Travel funding for government scientists has begun to disappear
Sustainability
Global CO2 Emissions from Fossil-Fuel Burning Rise into High-Risk Zone
Record emissions of carbon dioxide mean atmospheric concentrations have reached levels that lead to the highest temperature increases
Sustainability
Polar Melting Is Accelerating, So Is Sea-Level Rise
A report by 47 scientists using data from 10 satellites provides exquisitely detailed measurements of Greenland and Antarctica
Sustainability
Large-Scale Melting of Permafrost May Be Underway
Release of CO2 is overlooked in climate models; better monitoring needed
Sustainability
Climate Change Faster Than Predicted
Earth's atmosphere may be more sensitive to carbon dioxide than previously thought, which means that extreme weather events could become more frequent
