Pollution
Tiny Robots Could Clean Up Microplastic Pollution
In a proof-of-concept study, microscopic self-propelled devices found and broke down microplastic particles
Water42 articles archived since 1845
Fossil Fuels
Hydropower Withers in Drought, Boosting Fossil-Fuel Generation
The irony reveals the need for a greater mix of renewable energy sources
Climate Change
Walling Off One Coastal Area Can Flood Another
Seawalls and levees may simply shift rising water elsewhere—often into disadvantaged communities
Renewable Energy
Wave Power Charges Ahead with Static Electricity Generators
An ocean-powered buoy brings technology closer to the dream of obtaining energy from the sea
Weather
Western Drought Has Lasted Longer Than the Dust Bowl
Dry conditions have drawn down reservoirs, fueled massive wildfires and stunted crops
Climate Change
Cities along the Great Lakes Face Rising Water and Costs
Climate change could cost municipalities $2 billion in damages through 2025
Evolution
Human Evolution Led to an Extreme Thirst for Water
We are more dependent on water than many other mammals and have developed a host of clever strategies for obtaining it
Conservation
Saved from Shuckers, Oysters Fight Rising Seas
New York City is building protective reefs with farmed oysters restaurants do not want
Policy
Biden Budget Includes Plan to Help Poor Buy Flood Insurance
The money comes as FEMA looks to revamp its insurance program to better reflect flood risks
Energy
Methane Power Could Come from Lakes and Reservoirs
The gas is making climate change worse. Can we harness it instead?
Water
Greenland Glaciers May Be Leaking Mercury
The toxin’s presence in meltwater raises concerns for fishing, a primary food source for Indigenous communities
Climate Change
Climate Change Added $8 Billion to Hurricane Sandy’s Damage
New research shows how much warming is costing society by exacerbating disasters
Water
Millions of Groundwater Wells Could Run Dry
Overpumping, drought and climate change are lowering water tables worldwide
Water
What’s Really in Your Water?
Rapid at-home tests for contaminants are on the way
Water
Data Show Shifting Colors of U.S. Rivers
Satellites reveal large-scale changes in rivers’ hues
Engineering
Mississippi River Rescue Plan Called Too Big to Fail
Controversy surrounds the plan to cut the river’s massive levee in an attempt to save disappearing wetlands
Weather
Eight States Are Seeding Clouds to Overcome Megadrought
But there is little evidence to show that the process is increasing precipitation
Computing
How Hackers Tried to Add Dangerous Lye into a City’s Water Supply
A cybersecurity expert explains how safety systems stopped the attack
Energy
Sunlight Powers Portable, Inexpensive Systems to Produce Drinking Water
A new generation of tech uses heat from the sun to provide clean, salt-free water
Water
Mountain Water Supply to Two Billion People Could Change
Data about Earth’s 78 most important mountaintops foretell changes in the amount and timing of snowmelt
