How Hurricane Isaias broke through to become the first Atlantic hurricane in an extremely quiet 2026 season
An atmospheric scientist explains what’s been going on in the atmosphere, and how El Niño and the jet stream both play important roles.
My Testimony Opposing the EPA’s Proposal to Stop Regulating Power Plant Global Warming Pollution
Last week, the EPA held a public hearing on its proposal to entirely remove the agency’s authority to regulate the power sector’s heat-trapping emissions under the Clean Air Act. If finalized, this would be a huge blow to efforts to protect people from the rapidly worsening impacts of climate change. I testified at the hearing,
Audubon Mural Project in Hopkins, MN
Across the city of Hopkins, Minnesota, a flock of bird murals has landed on local businesses. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker greets visitors at the entrance to a brewery; a Field Sparrow perches on the...
Why fall yard care could start with doing less – but not nothing
Fallen leaves provide essential winter habitat for native pollinators and provide natural mulch for the soil. If you have to clear some leaves, don’t get rid of them entirely: Move them out of sight.
How Hurricane Isaias broke through to become the first Atlantic hurricane in an eerily quiet 2026 season
An atmospheric scientist explains what’s been going on in the atmosphere, and how El Niño and the jet stream both play important roles.
We blasted mobile homes with hurricane-force winds to test how they fail – and found clues for making affordable housing safer
Engineers are using a unique test facility called the Wall of Wind to develop housing that’s both affordable and disaster-resistant. Their tests show the magnitude of the challenge.
Data centers make heat all year long – here’s how the ground can hold onto it until winter
Rocks deep underground can be used to hold heat until it’s needed.
Above-average Rainfall Recorded at the Sanctuary in September
26248Our area has been experiencing drought conditions since November 2024, but September 2026 brought 9.46" of rain, which is 13% above the September average. Since the start of the 2026 rainy...
Strongest El Niño on Record Triggers California State of Emergency and Is Already Affecting Global Weather Patterns
And it’s only September— El Niño doesn’t typically peak until November-January.
The Fossil Fuel Industry’s State-by-State Strategy to Squash Accountability Lawsuits
As the US Supreme Court considers Suncor v. Boulder—a key climate accountability case—documents obtained by the Union of Concerned Scientists reveal that some groups involved in the climate disinformation campaign at the heart of Boulder’s lawsuit are shopping legislation to shield the fossil fuel industry from liability.
To the Trump Administration, Children’s Health Is an Acceptable Sacrifice
On Children's Environmental Health Day, here's a look at how the Trump administration isn't living up to its promises to protect children's health.
Ask a Scientist: How Have You Been Affected by Trump Administration Cuts?
Pamela Worth contributed to these interviews. Thousands of government scientists have been pushed out of their public service careers since the second Trump administration took office. Some were fired, while others left because their work was targeted for political interference. Nearly 95,000 science employees are no longer in federal service. This massive loss doesn’t just