Environment

Earth

Under the ice, a hidden lake hints at its origin — and coming end

Lake Mercer may serve as a model for better understanding the birth and life of Antarctica’s hundreds of subglacial lakes.

Chemistry

Scientists Say: PFAS

Non-stick coatings, stain-resistant cloth and other common materials leach long-lived PFAS into soil and water.

Tech

Recycling rare-earth elements is hard — but worth it

As demand for these valuable metals has been skyrocketing, scientists have begun inventing new — and greener — ways to reuse what they have in hand.

Environment

Rare-earth mining is dirty but key to a climate-friendlier future

That’s spurring new research to find a steady but safer supply of these precious metals, including in the United States.

Environment

Sea life may suffer as plastic bits alter metals in water

This interplay between plastics and metals could affect how each affects the environment — and suggests opportunities for controlling their risks.

Climate

Creating less new stuff could greatly help Earth’s climate

Instead of throwing unneeded things away, scientists recommend moving to a cycle of reducing, reusing, repairing and remaking old things into new ones.

Environment

Protecting forests may help head off future pandemics

Hungry bats are more likely to shed harmful viruses to people or livestock when they spread out to hunt food. Conserving forests may limit this risk.

Climate

Eight ways you can cut your carbon footprint

Learn how you can limit the climate-warming gases associated with what you eat, the products you buy and the energy you use.

Climate

The world is aiming for ‘net zero’ emissions of greenhouse gases

Nations are charting how they might ‘zero’ out their releases of climate-warming gases. Success might greatly lower the risks of climate catastrophes.

Environment

Gas stoves can spew lots of pollution, even when they’re turned off

A new study finds they can leak benzene and other harmful chemicals into homes, sometimes at very high levels.

Environment

For a better brick, just add poop

Sewage sludge. Cow dung. They’re not just waste — scientists are finding uses for processed poop in construction materials.

Climate

Green energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, a new study finds

Switching over to clean, renewable power — and away from fossil fuels — could save trillions of dollars by 2050, a new study finds.