Environment
Follow the latest Environment news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
October 24, 2024 at 10:36 PM

How crops will fare with 45% of the US experiencing drought

The U.S. is experiencing the driest fall on record, which could potentially impact the quality of upcoming autumn harvests, experts told ABC News.
October 24, 2024 at 10:36 PM
An American flag in front of a corn field at Smith Family Farm in Smithton, Pa., Sept. 23, 2024.
October 23, 2024 at 7:10 PM

Brazilian artist uses ash, mud for Sao Paulo mural lamenting climate disasters

Brazilian artist Mundano is presenting a massive street mural in Sao Paulo that uses ash from wildfires and mud from floods to highlight extreme weather events wreaking devastation in the country
October 23, 2024 at 7:10 PM
Workers finalize a mural by artist-activist Mundano depicting the drought in the Amazon rainforest using paint made from the ashes of wildfires in the Amazon and mud from the floods in southern Brazil, on the side of a building in Sao Paulo, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
October 23, 2024 at 10:03 AM

Miners are razing forests to meet surging demand for metals and minerals, report says

A report by the World Resources Institute shows that rapidly expanding mining operations are causing widespread destruction of tropical primary rainforests and protected areas, raising carbon emissions and displacing Indigenous communities
October 23, 2024 at 10:03 AM
FILE - Dump trucks maneuver at Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park in Central Halmahera, North Maluku province, Indonesia, on June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim, File)
October 15, 2024 at 8:02 PM

Giant tubeworms part of an ecosystem found thriving under the seafloor

A thriving ecosystem has been uncovered in the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
October 15, 2024 at 8:02 PM
Lava formation is seen in the East Pacific Rift zone, April 8, 2016.
October 10, 2024 at 5:51 PM

Wildlife populations have declined by 73% in 50 years: Study

The World Wildlife Fund warns that the next five years are "crucial for the future of life on Earth."
October 10, 2024 at 5:51 PM
African penguins are seen at the coast of Simon's Town as the number of endangered African penguins has declined due to numerous human factors such as industrial fishing and fuel oil spills in Western Cape, South Africa on Sept.  7, 2024.
October 10, 2024 at 5:10 PM

Wildlife populations declined by 73% in 50 years: Study

The study’s findings revealed declines in “every indicator that tracks the state of nature on a global scale."
October 10, 2024 at 5:10 PM
The study’s findings revealed declines in “every indicator that tracks the state of nature on a global scale."
October 9, 2024 at 10:16 AM

Florida's coastline could change after Hurricane Milton, officials say

As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida, piling onto the damage from Hurricane Helene, officials warn of "severe" levels of coastal change.
October 9, 2024 at 10:16 AM
Florida's Pass-A-Grille Beach on the west coast is one of many beaches across Florida that has seen the shoreline change over time.
1 month ago

Why parts of the Sahara Desert are turning green

One of the driest regions on earth is shifting green, as an influx of heavy rainfall causes vegetation to grow in the typically barren landscape.
1 month ago
A view of Africa from NASA.
1 month ago

'Last Lands' explores battle to protect planet's national parks

ABC News' Bob Woodruff takes us on a spectacular expedition around the world and inside the efforts to preserve natural wonders.
1 month ago
VIDEO: 'Last Lands' explores battle to protect planet's national parks
1 month ago

Conservationists persist in Latin America despite political challenges, experts say

Embattled political systems in Latin America make it difficult for conservationists and environmental policymakers to preserve the ecosystem and natural resources.
1 month ago
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro gestures as he delivers a speech during a rally in Caracas, on Aug. 28, 2024.
1 month ago

'Last Lands' explores global battle to protect planet's vital ecosystems

The globetrotting series kicked off Monday, with correspondent Bob Woodruff shining a spotlight on the fight to protect the planet's most threatened national parks.
1 month ago
A sea turtle swimming in the Coral Triangle near Indonesia.
2 months ago

Why scientists fear rapid spread of 'aggressive' invasive species found in Florida

An aggressive species of invasive seagrass that has been traversing for more than a century has been detected in the U.S. for the first time.
2 months ago
An aggressive seagrass species has been discovered in Biscayne Bay off the coast of Florida.
2 months ago

Environmental group wants RFK Jr. investigated over alleged severed whale head

An environmental group wants NOAA to investigate whether the former presidential candidate violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
2 months ago
Former Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. watches his former running mate Nicole Shanahan speak during a campaign event at the Henry J. Kaiser Event Center in Oakland, Calif., on March 26, 2024.
2 months ago

Scientists find another reason why the melting Arctic could be disastrous

Melting permafrost in the Arctic is releasing toxic mercury into the water system, potentially impacting the food chain, scientists say.
2 months ago
Pack Ice breaking in the Arctic
3 months ago

Why some are reconsidering having a lawn to save the planet

While a perfectly manicured lawn is part of the American ideal, non-native plants can be expensive to maintain, so many are going local to beautify their yards.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Why some are reconsidering having a lawn to save the planet
3 months ago

Goodbye turf lawns: Homeowners are using native plants to 're-wild' their yards

The days of the perfect-looking yard -- often lawns that guzzle copious amounts of water to stay green -- may soon be gone.
3 months ago
3 months ago

A concert series in England where top artists perform in protected, preserved forests

Summer is something very precious in England, usually lasting only a few weeks at its peak, and many do whatever they can to enjoy it.
3 months ago
“Forest Live” is a major live music series spread over a just few weeks in England and features the likes of Sting, Nile Rogers, Bryan Adams, Gregory Porter and Van Morrison.
3 months ago

How it's getting easier to make buildings more environmentally sustainable

The places human beings spend the most time are among the largest producers of greenhouse gas emissions in the world.
3 months ago
A view of a row of historic brownstones in Manhattan, New York City.
3 months ago

Metals on ocean floor produce 'dark oxygen,' new study finds

Mining activity could negatively affect the seafloor ecosystem, scientists warn.
3 months ago
The creation of dark oxygen could influence deep-seafloor ecology.
3 months ago

Metals on ocean floor produce 'dark oxygen,' new study finds

Mining conducted on the floors of deep seas could create "dark oxygen" containing metals that could impact the quality of oxygen above water.
3 months ago
A high-powered lamp illuminates a deep underwater exploration scene.
3 months ago

Hydrothermal explosion sends tourists running at Yellowstone National Park

A hydrothermal explosion Tuesday morning at Yellowstone National Park sent people running for cover and prompted the closure of an area containing several geysers.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Hydrothermal explosion sends tourists running at Yellowstone National Park
3 months ago

Video shows tourists flee as Yellowstone geyser erupts

A video shows a geyser in Yellowstone National Park erupting in a hydrothermal explosion right next to tourists on a boardwalk.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Video shows tourists flee as Yellowstone geyser erupts
4 months ago

Contaminated water shuts down popular beach hot spots

Several states, from New York to California, have been forced to close down stretches of their shores due to high levels of bacteria in the water.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Contaminated water shuts down popular beach hot spots
4 months ago

Environmental protesters spray 'orange powder paint' on Britain's Stonehenge

Environmental protesters sprayed what appeared to be orange powder paint across part of Britain's Stonehenge on Wednesday.
4 months ago
Climate protesters spray orange material on Stonehenge in the United Kingdom on June 19, 2024.
4 months ago

A look at sustainable alternatives to paper towels

ABC News Consumer Correspondent Becky Worley puts some options to the test that could be better for the planet and your wallet.
4 months ago
VIDEO: A look at sustainable alternatives to paper towels
5 months ago

Joshua trees may be showing signs of recovery, experts say

Experts say extra moisture over the past couple of years may be the cause.
5 months ago
Experts say extra moisture over the past couple of years may be the cause.
5 months ago

This distinct polar bear population could soon go extinct: Study

A unique population of polar bears is at risk of extinction should ice-free periods continue to get longer, researchers have determined.
5 months ago
Polar bear moving over thin ice.
5 months ago

Seabird populations at risk amid increased hurricanes and extreme weather: Study

Australia's category 5 hurricane in April 2023 killed over 80% of seabirds on Bedout Island.
5 months ago
Remains of a deceased booby mostly buried under sediment, photographed several months after Cyclone Ilsa.
5 months ago

New geothermal system will cool and heat dozens of homes in Massachusetts

An "environmental justice population" in Framingham was chosen for the system.
5 months ago
New geothermal system will cool and heat dozens of homes in Massachusetts
6 months ago

Northern lights make appearance across US

Millions of people around the globe were able to witness the spectacle of lights, thanks to the strongest geomagnetic storm in the last 20 years to hit the U.S.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Northern lights make appearance across US
6 months ago

3 vulnerable communities in US were severely impacted by climate change

The disproportionate impacts of climate change on the poorest communities are already affecting pockets of the U.S.
6 months ago
Flooded strawberry fields in Pajaro, Calif., March 15, 2023, from a levee breach on the Pajaro River.
6 months ago

Teens face felony charges for dumping trash off Florida coast

Two teens turned themselves in after being caught on camera dumping trash into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. They both face fines and possible jail time.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Teens face felony charges for dumping trash off Florida coast
6 months ago

Arbor Day 2024: How to plant the best tree to combat climate change

The first official Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10, 1872, when prizes were offered to communities and individuals who could plant the most trees in a single day.
6 months ago
This ancient Oak tree, a local natural landmark, is located on John's Island, just outside of Charleston, S.C.
6 months ago

The Power of US: Could eFuels help bridge the gap between gas and electric cars?

As EV demand slows, advocates say eFuels could make cars that are already on the road greener.
6 months ago
A customer pumps gas at a gas station in Hercules, Calif., March 14, 2024.
6 months ago

How vulnerable communities are at higher risk during climate disasters

Residents in some places across the U.S. often don’t understand emergency alerts because the instructions are not in their native languages.
6 months ago
Residents in some places across the U.S. often don’t understand emergency alerts because the instructions are not in their native languages.
6 months ago

Facility seen polluting part of anti-pollution program promoted by plastics industry

A plastics facility accused of polluting a Malaysian river is tied to Operation Clean Sweep, an anti-pollution program promoted by the U.S. plastics industry.
6 months ago
Waste-water being discharged from a Malaysian plastic manufacturing facility where a plastic bag tracker deployed by ABC News last pinged. The discharge empties into a drainage ditch that leads directly to a nearby river.
6 months ago

'The Right Stuff' for Earth Week

Lori Bergamotto is here to help us celebrate Earth Week with a variety of sustainable upgrades for you and your home from brands like Patagonia, Blueland, Native Shoes and more.
6 months ago
VIDEO: 'The Right Stuff' for Earth Week
6 months ago

EPA limits 4 types of power plant pollution with sweeping rulemaking

On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a suite of new rules aimed at dramatically reducing pollution from coal and natural gas fired power plants.
6 months ago
In this undated file photo, steam and pollution rise on a cold day at the Arapaho Station Coal Power Plant, a coal fired power plant along the Platte River in Littleton, just outside Denver, Colorado.
6 months ago

Corporations struggle on climate amid backlash over 'woke capitalism,' experts say

"The pushback has been fierce and severe," an environmental advocate said.
6 months ago
Cooling towers at Marathon Refinery in Carson, Calif., on April 3, 2024.
6 months ago

How the UN Plastics Treaty aims to tackle the pollution crisis

The fourth round of United Nations Plastics Treaty negotiations will be held in Ottowa, Canada, from April 23-29.
6 months ago
Scavengers collect plastic waste to sell to a recycling centre at a landfill in Medan, North Sumatra, March 27, 2024.
6 months ago

Are lab-grown diamonds as sustainable as advertised?

Over 60% of lab-grown diamonds are produced in China and India where 63% and respectively 74% of grid electricity results from coal.
6 months ago
Lab-grown diamonds arranged at the Diam Concept laboratory in Paris, France, Thursday, March 16, 2023.
6 months ago

Data centers fuel AI and crypto but could threaten climate, experts say

Energy usage of data centers is expected to soar in coming years, experts say, threatening the climate.
6 months ago
A Google logo at a data center exhibition ahead of the ceremonial opening of the Google Cloud data center in Hanau, Germany, Oct. 6, 2023.
6 months ago

These are the most endangered rivers in the US, report finds

A Supreme Court decision that stripped protections from America's wetlands will have reverberating impacts on rivers that supply drinking water all over the U.S.
6 months ago
Steam rises from the Trinity River following a storm in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 16, 2024.
7 months ago

4th global coral reef bleaching event underway as oceans continue to warm: NOAA

This is the fourth global bleaching event on record and the second in the last 10 years, according to NOAA.
7 months ago
Underwater photo of bleached corals on a coral reef in the Maldives.
7 months ago

Alabama residents fight environmental injustice along a freeway

ABC News' Steve Osunsami travels to Shiloh, Alabama, where Black residents are fighting what they say is apparent environmental injustice, repeatedly causing flooding of their homes.
7 months ago
VIDEO: Alabama residents fight environmental injustice along a freeway
7 months ago

Activity on the ground could be more interesting than the eclipse itself

Scientists will be studying how the solar eclipse will affect plant and animal activity on Earth.
7 months ago
Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
7 months ago

EPA's new heavy-duty vehicle emissions standards are effort to fight climate change

The Environmental Protection Agency announced new vehicle emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles on Friday.
7 months ago
Electric trucks parked outside the Volvo AB Trucks Tuve plant in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Volvo are due to release their latest earnings, July 19, 2023.
7 months ago

More than half of Colorado River waters used in crop irrigation: Study 

The study, published in Nature Portfolio Journals, says irrigated agriculture is responsible for 74% of direct human uses of the Colorado River water.
7 months ago
The study, published in Nature Portfolio Journals, says irrigated agriculture is responsible for 74% of direct human uses of the Colorado River water.
7 months ago

Debate about safety of synthetic turf and 'forever chemicals' raises concerns

Synthetic turf fields are made with "forever chemicals" perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, according to the EPA.
7 months ago
In this Nov. 12, 2023, file photo, kids practicebaseball on an artificial turf field at the 4S Ranch Sports Park in San Diego, Calif.
7 months ago

How 1 company reduces carbon footprint to support sustainability

"GMA" sponsor Michelin recently hosted a Sustainability Summit and continues to innovate with technology for vehicles and for top-tier restaurants.
7 months ago
VIDEO: How 1 company reduces carbon footprint to support sustainability