Yale Environment 360
@yalee360.bsky.social
An online magazine offering reporting, opinion, and analysis on global environmental issues. Published at the Yale School of the Environment. Our newsletter: e360.yale.edu/newsletter
The hot, dry, windy conditions that gave rise to fires in Patagonia last month were made three times more likely by warming, an analysis found. via @theguardian.com
Warming Tripled the Odds of Patagonia Wildfires
A satellite image of fires burning burning in and around Argentina's Los Alerces National Park in January.
NASA
e360.yale.edu
February 13, 2026 at 1:02 PM
The hot, dry, windy conditions that gave rise to fires in Patagonia last month were made three times more likely by warming, an analysis found. via @theguardian.com
In China, the rapid buildout of wind and solar power is pushing coal into decline.
To aid the shift to renewables, China is now upgrading its vast fleet of coal plants to serve as a complement to wind and solar, rather than a source of baseload power.
To aid the shift to renewables, China is now upgrading its vast fleet of coal plants to serve as a complement to wind and solar, rather than a source of baseload power.
With Renewables Ascendant in China, Coal Is Moving Into a Supporting Role
In China, the rapid buildout of wind and solar power is pushing coal into decline. To aid the shift to renewables, China is upgrading its vast fleet of coal plants to serve as a complement to wind and solar, rather than as a source of baseload power. Analysts say the country is on track to retrofit almost every coal plant by the end of next year.
e360.yale.edu
February 12, 2026 at 2:30 PM
In China, the rapid buildout of wind and solar power is pushing coal into decline.
To aid the shift to renewables, China is now upgrading its vast fleet of coal plants to serve as a complement to wind and solar, rather than a source of baseload power.
To aid the shift to renewables, China is now upgrading its vast fleet of coal plants to serve as a complement to wind and solar, rather than a source of baseload power.
Scientists say the risk of "hothouse Earth" is greater than once believed.
Warming is gaining pace, threatening a cascade of tipping points that destabilize the climate.
Warming is gaining pace, threatening a cascade of tipping points that destabilize the climate.
Scientists See Growing Risk of 'Hothouse Earth' as Warming Gains Pace
A new study warns that warming is not only accelerating but that the planet is approaching tipping points, from the dieback of the Amazon rainforest to vanishing of Arctic sea ice, that could destabilize the climate. Scientists say the risk of “hothouse Earth” is greater than once believed.
e360.yale.edu
February 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Scientists say the risk of "hothouse Earth" is greater than once believed.
Warming is gaining pace, threatening a cascade of tipping points that destabilize the climate.
Warming is gaining pace, threatening a cascade of tipping points that destabilize the climate.
Russian attacks on coal and gas power plants have left Ukraine shivering during a brutal winter.
To cope, Ukraine is adding solar and wind power. While a single missile can cripple a coal plant, dozens may be needed to take out a wind farm.
To cope, Ukraine is adding solar and wind power. While a single missile can cripple a coal plant, dozens may be needed to take out a wind farm.
How Ukraine Is Turning to Renewables to Keep Heat and Lights On
Russia continues to bomb Ukraine’s fossil-fueled power plants, leaving much of the nation shivering during a brutal winter. But Ukraine’s new emphasis on developing decentralized power — from solar panels to wind turbines — is advancing an unexpected green energy transition.
e360.yale.edu
February 10, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Russian attacks on coal and gas power plants have left Ukraine shivering during a brutal winter.
To cope, Ukraine is adding solar and wind power. While a single missile can cripple a coal plant, dozens may be needed to take out a wind farm.
To cope, Ukraine is adding solar and wind power. While a single missile can cripple a coal plant, dozens may be needed to take out a wind farm.
For the first time in at least a century, a gray wolf has been found in Los Angeles County. Its arrival is a milestone in the return of the long-embattled predator.
Wolf Found in Los Angeles for the First Time in a Century
For the first time in at least a century, a gray wolf has been found in Los Angeles County. Its arrival is a milestone in the return of the long-embattled predator.
e360.yale.edu
February 9, 2026 at 5:16 PM
For the first time in at least a century, a gray wolf has been found in Los Angeles County. Its arrival is a milestone in the return of the long-embattled predator.
As the planet warms, seas will rise around the world — but not in Greenland, where they are projected to fall by several feet, according to a new study.
Sea to Rise Around the World — but Not in Greenland
As the planet warms, seas will rise around the world — but not in Greenland, where they are projected to fall by several feet, according to a new study.
e360.yale.edu
February 6, 2026 at 2:03 PM
As the planet warms, seas will rise around the world — but not in Greenland, where they are projected to fall by several feet, according to a new study.
President Trump has made access to Greenland’s vast reserves of minerals a focus of ongoing negotiations.
But experts say the U.S. is underestimating the challenges of finding, extracting, and transporting rare earth minerals in a rapidly warming Arctic.
But experts say the U.S. is underestimating the challenges of finding, extracting, and transporting rare earth minerals in a rapidly warming Arctic.
U.S. Push for Greenland’s Minerals Faces Harsh Arctic Realities
President Trump has made access to Greenland’s vast reserves of critical minerals a focus of ongoing negotiations. But experts say the U.S. is underestimating the difficulties of mining in a rapidly changing Arctic region that is warming faster than anywhere else on Earth.
e360.yale.edu
February 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM
President Trump has made access to Greenland’s vast reserves of minerals a focus of ongoing negotiations.
But experts say the U.S. is underestimating the challenges of finding, extracting, and transporting rare earth minerals in a rapidly warming Arctic.
But experts say the U.S. is underestimating the challenges of finding, extracting, and transporting rare earth minerals in a rapidly warming Arctic.
As the Arctic warms and shipping traffic grows, noise from ships is interfering with the ability of narwhals to hunt and communicate. via @insideclimatenews.org
As the Arctic Gets Louder, Narwhals Are Going Quiet
e360.yale.edu
February 4, 2026 at 2:32 PM
As the Arctic warms and shipping traffic grows, noise from ships is interfering with the ability of narwhals to hunt and communicate. via @insideclimatenews.org
This year China's solar capacity will outstrip its coal capacity for the first time, according to an industry group.
China to See Solar Capacity Outstrip Coal Capacity This Year
This year China will see its solar capacity outstrip its coal capacity for the first time, according to an industry group.
e360.yale.edu
February 3, 2026 at 1:02 PM
This year China's solar capacity will outstrip its coal capacity for the first time, according to an industry group.
The grasslands of western India are, in the popular imagination, the remains of woodlands lost under British rule — areas to be reforested, not conserved.
But an analysis of medieval songs and stories reveals the grasslands predate British colonization.
But an analysis of medieval songs and stories reveals the grasslands predate British colonization.
India Sees Its Grasslands as 'Wastelands.' Ancient Poems Show Otherwise
The sprawling grasslands of western India are, in the popular imagination, the remains of woodlands that were leveled under British rule — areas to be reforested, rather than conserved. But a recent analysis of stories, songs, and poems from centuries past reveals that western grasslands predate British colonization.
e360.yale.edu
February 2, 2026 at 3:30 PM
The grasslands of western India are, in the popular imagination, the remains of woodlands lost under British rule — areas to be reforested, not conserved.
But an analysis of medieval songs and stories reveals the grasslands predate British colonization.
But an analysis of medieval songs and stories reveals the grasslands predate British colonization.
A rare desert plant is flourishing at a solar farm near Las Vegas, new research finds.
The study is the latest to show how, under the right circumstances, solar arrays can be a boon to nature. via @grist.org
The study is the latest to show how, under the right circumstances, solar arrays can be a boon to nature. via @grist.org
Mojave Solar Farm a Haven for Rare Desert Plant
e360.yale.edu
January 30, 2026 at 1:57 PM
A rare desert plant is flourishing at a solar farm near Las Vegas, new research finds.
The study is the latest to show how, under the right circumstances, solar arrays can be a boon to nature. via @grist.org
The study is the latest to show how, under the right circumstances, solar arrays can be a boon to nature. via @grist.org
In parts of the Arctic, polar bears are in decline as sea ice disappears.
But on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, bears have actually managed to grow more plump even as ice melts away.
But on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, bears have actually managed to grow more plump even as ice melts away.
Polar Bears Are Thriving on This Arctic Island, Even as Sea Ice Dwindles
In parts of the Arctic, polar bears are in decline as sea ice, which they depend on to hunt, disappears. That is not the case, however, on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, where bears have actually managed to grow more plump even as ice melts away.
e360.yale.edu
January 29, 2026 at 4:01 PM
In parts of the Arctic, polar bears are in decline as sea ice disappears.
But on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, bears have actually managed to grow more plump even as ice melts away.
But on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, bears have actually managed to grow more plump even as ice melts away.
With warming set to pass the critical 1.5-degree goal, scientists say the world is on course to hit tipping points — from the melting of ice sheets to the death of the Amazon rainforest — that can not be reversed.
Overshoot: The World Is Hitting Point of No Return on Climate
With warming set to pass the critical 1.5-degree goal, scientists are warning that the world is on course to trigger tipping points that would lead to cascading consequences — from the melting of ice sheets to the death of the Amazon rainforest — that could not be reversed.
e360.yale.edu
January 28, 2026 at 1:02 PM
With warming set to pass the critical 1.5-degree goal, scientists say the world is on course to hit tipping points — from the melting of ice sheets to the death of the Amazon rainforest — that can not be reversed.
European leaders pledged Monday to build 100 gigawatts of offshore wind, enough to power more than 50 million households.
As Europe faces a hostile Russia and an increasingly bellicose U.S., experts see deepening risks in its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
As Europe faces a hostile Russia and an increasingly bellicose U.S., experts see deepening risks in its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Europe to Ramp Up Offshore Wind in Push for Energy Independence
A group of European leaders pledged Monday to build 100 gigawatts of offshore wind, enough to power more than 50 million households. As Europe faces a hostile Russia and an increasingly bellicose U.S., experts see deepening risks in its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
e360.yale.edu
January 27, 2026 at 2:15 PM
European leaders pledged Monday to build 100 gigawatts of offshore wind, enough to power more than 50 million households.
As Europe faces a hostile Russia and an increasingly bellicose U.S., experts see deepening risks in its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
As Europe faces a hostile Russia and an increasingly bellicose U.S., experts see deepening risks in its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Global investment in clean tech reached a new high of $2.3 trillion last year, according to an analysis.
Investment grew even in the U.S., despite a sweeping rollback of government support for clean energy.
Investment grew even in the U.S., despite a sweeping rollback of government support for clean energy.
Last Year Saw a Big Jump in Clean Energy Investment
e360.yale.edu
January 26, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Global investment in clean tech reached a new high of $2.3 trillion last year, according to an analysis.
Investment grew even in the U.S., despite a sweeping rollback of government support for clean energy.
Investment grew even in the U.S., despite a sweeping rollback of government support for clean energy.
Even after the disastrous L.A. wildfires abated last year, the danger from smoke persisted for many people living nearby.
A new study finds that, by some measures, indoor air pollution actually worsened after the fires.
A new study finds that, by some measures, indoor air pollution actually worsened after the fires.
After L.A. Fires Receded, Indoor Pollution Grew, Study Finds
Even after the disastrous L.A. wildfires abated last year, the danger from smoke persisted for many people living nearby. A new study finds that, by some measures, indoor air pollution actually worsened after the fires.
e360.yale.edu
January 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Even after the disastrous L.A. wildfires abated last year, the danger from smoke persisted for many people living nearby.
A new study finds that, by some measures, indoor air pollution actually worsened after the fires.
A new study finds that, by some measures, indoor air pollution actually worsened after the fires.
In a first, Europe generated more power from wind and solar than from fossil fuels last year.
In Europe, Wind and Solar Overtake Fossil Fuels
Last year, for the first time, wind and solar supplied more power than fossil fuels to the E.U., according to a new analysis.
e360.yale.edu
January 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM
In a first, Europe generated more power from wind and solar than from fossil fuels last year.
Waste from U.S. mines could supply a large share of the critical minerals needed for clean tech, experts say.
Researchers are developing new techniques for retrieving these minerals, which could reduce the need for new mines and help clean up pollution at old mining sites.
Researchers are developing new techniques for retrieving these minerals, which could reduce the need for new mines and help clean up pollution at old mining sites.
In Hunt for Rare Earths, Companies Are Scouring Mining Waste
Tailings and acid mine drainage from mines contain critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies. Now, researchers are developing new techniques for retrieving these key metals, which could reduce the need for new mines and help clean up pollution at old mining sites.
e360.yale.edu
January 21, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Waste from U.S. mines could supply a large share of the critical minerals needed for clean tech, experts say.
Researchers are developing new techniques for retrieving these minerals, which could reduce the need for new mines and help clean up pollution at old mining sites.
Researchers are developing new techniques for retrieving these minerals, which could reduce the need for new mines and help clean up pollution at old mining sites.
Around the world, people are drawing down reserves of fresh water faster than they can be replenished.
The heedless consumption of water, combined with worsening drought globally, has ushered in a new era of “water bankruptcy,” according to a U.N. report.
The heedless consumption of water, combined with worsening drought globally, has ushered in a new era of “water bankruptcy,” according to a U.N. report.
World Has Entered New Era of "Water Bankruptcy," U.N. Report Warns
Around the world, people are drawing down reserves of water faster than they can be replenished. The heedless consumption of fresh water, combined with worsening drought globally, has ushered in an era of “water bankruptcy,” according to a dire new U.N. report.
e360.yale.edu
January 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Around the world, people are drawing down reserves of fresh water faster than they can be replenished.
The heedless consumption of water, combined with worsening drought globally, has ushered in a new era of “water bankruptcy,” according to a U.N. report.
The heedless consumption of water, combined with worsening drought globally, has ushered in a new era of “water bankruptcy,” according to a U.N. report.
Urban greenery is actually making some cities hotter, a study finds.
Urban Greenery Is Making Some Cities Hotter, Study Finds
e360.yale.edu
January 19, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Urban greenery is actually making some cities hotter, a study finds.
Energy-hungry data centers have been a lifeline for ailing U.S. coal plants, analysts say.
A.I. Is Keeping Aging Coal Plants Online
U.S. data centers are predicted to consume up to 106 gigawatts of power by 2035, up from just 35 gigawatts in 2024, according to BloombergNEF. Power utilities are citing the spread of data centers as a rationale to keep coal plants online — plants that have, for decades, been losing ground to solar, wind, and natural gas.
e360.yale.edu
January 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Energy-hungry data centers have been a lifeline for ailing U.S. coal plants, analysts say.
Higher exports of liquefied natural gas have played a role in growing utility bills, a report finds. via Inside Climate News
U.S. Gas Exports Are Driving Up Energy Bills
This article was originally published by Inside Climate News and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.
e360.yale.edu
January 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Higher exports of liquefied natural gas have played a role in growing utility bills, a report finds. via Inside Climate News
Photographer Weimin Chu captures the breathtaking scale of China's wind and solar buildout in images that draw from the visual language of Chinese ink paintings.
Photos Capture Breathtaking Scale of China's Wind and Solar Buildout
Last year China installed more than half of all wind and solar added globally. In May alone, it added enough renewable energy to power Poland, installing solar panels at a rate of roughly 100 every second.
e360.yale.edu
January 13, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Photographer Weimin Chu captures the breathtaking scale of China's wind and solar buildout in images that draw from the visual language of Chinese ink paintings.
Billions of sea stars, victims of a mysterious wasting disease, have perished over the last decade.
Their demise has spurred a global hunt for the culprit. Recently, researchers identified a likely suspect, but the case is far from closed.
Their demise has spurred a global hunt for the culprit. Recently, researchers identified a likely suspect, but the case is far from closed.
Sea Star Murder Mystery: What’s Killing a Key Ocean Species?
Billions of sea stars, victims of a deadly wasting illness, have perished over the last decade, imperiling marine ecosystems and spurring a global hunt for a biological or environmental culprit. Recently, researchers identified a likely suspect, but the case is far from closed.
e360.yale.edu
January 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Billions of sea stars, victims of a mysterious wasting disease, have perished over the last decade.
Their demise has spurred a global hunt for the culprit. Recently, researchers identified a likely suspect, but the case is far from closed.
Their demise has spurred a global hunt for the culprit. Recently, researchers identified a likely suspect, but the case is far from closed.
Humans are altering the planet on an unthinkable scale. Satellite images from NASA show the growing imprint on planet Earth.
Our Changing Planet, as Seen From Space
A plankton bloom in the Baltic Sea in July. Scientists say manure and fertilizer runoff from European farms is fueling blooms.
NASA
e360.yale.edu
January 8, 2026 at 1:02 PM
Humans are altering the planet on an unthinkable scale. Satellite images from NASA show the growing imprint on planet Earth.