To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.

×
      LATEST NEWSOPINIONCLIMATEECONOMY POLITICS RIGHTS & JUSTICEWAR & PEACE
      LATEST NEWS
      OPINION

      scientists

      A stuffed passenger pigeon posed in flight.

      'Very Bad News': Human Activities Increased Extinction Rate of Species Groups by 35 Times

      "What we're losing are our only known living companions in the entire universe," one study author said.

      Olivia Rosane
      Sep 19, 2023

      In what researchers call a "biological annihilation," human activities are driving entire groupings of vertebrate species to extinction at a rate 35 times what it would have been without human interference.

      The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Monday, found that 73 genera—the next thickest branch from species on tree of life—had been lost since A.D. 1500. Without the mass exploitation of the natural world that took off around that date with European colonization, the number lost in the past 500 years would have been only two, and it would have taken 18,000 years to reach 73 extinctions.

      Keep ReadingShow Less
      News
      biodiversity loss
      Protesters demand an end to fossil fuels

      Nearly 400 Scientists Tell Biden to 'Embrace Demands of the March to End Fossil Fuels'

      "It's clear that the crisis is spiraling out of control and the policies of your administration with regard to fossil fuels fail to align with what the science tells us must happen to avert calamity."

      Brett Wilkins
      Sep 13, 2023

      In an open letter published Wednesday, around 400 scientists implored U.S. President Joe Biden to endorse the demands of this weekend's March to End Fossil Fuels in New York—which include halting new fossil fuel projects, ending oil and gas drilling on public lands, and declaring a climate emergency.

      Noting that "on your first day in office, you issued an executive order pledging that it is 'the policy of my administration to listen to the science' in tackling the climate crisis," the letter's signers lamented that "more than two years later, it's clear that the crisis is spiraling out of control and the policies of your administration with regard to fossil fuels fail to align with what the science tells us must happen to avert calamity."

      Keep ReadingShow Less
      News
      march to end fossil fuels
      Emperor penguin chicks and adults on sea ice.

      When Antarctic Sea Ice Melted Last November, It Took More Than 9,000 Emperor Penguin Chicks With It

      One scientist warned that if humanity doesn't stop burning fossil fuels, "we will drive these iconic, beautiful birds to the verge of extinction."

      Olivia Rosane
      Aug 25, 2023

      As Antarctic sea ice dwindled to match record low levels last year, it caused "catastrophic breeding failure" in four emperor penguin colonies.

      The loss of more than 9,000 chicks was documented in a study published in Communications Earth & Environment Thursday. It's the first recorded case of such extensive breeding failure in the charismatic penguins due to sea-ice loss, but the study authors warn it may be a "snapshot of a future, warming Antarctica."

      Keep ReadingShow Less
      News
      Climate Emergency
      SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
      Quality journalism. Progressive values. Direct to your inbox.
      Follow Us
      Most Popular

      House GOP Unveils Budget With Trillions in Cuts to Medicaid, Food Benefits, and More

      On a Road Towards the American Nightmare

      Auto Giants Refusing Union Demands Paid Just 1% in Federal Taxes on $42 Billion in Profits: Analysis

      Netanyahu Shows Map of 'New Middle East'—Without Palestine—to UN General Assembly

      Democratic Senators Sound Alarm Over Koch-Backed Plot to 'Eviscerate' Regulatory State

      Proposed Budget Offers Horrifying Vision of What Republicans Would Do If They Could

      Progressives Slam House GOP Push for Social Security 'Death Panel'

      'Total Sh*t Show': McCarthy Sends Lawmakers Home as GOP Pushes US Toward Shutdown

      With Alito's Billionaire Patron Holding $90 Million in Finance Firms, Watchdog Demands Recusal From CFPB Case

      AOC Says Climate Movement Must Become 'Too Big and Too Radical to Ignore'

      Independent, nonprofit journalism needs your help.
      Please Pitch In
      Today!