Food for a Future Planet

India’s rice farmers look to an ancient crop to prepare for a flood-prone tomorrow.

Jul 22, 2021 | 1,400 words, about 7 minutes

The Pandemic Poaching Pandemic

In Costa Rica, Panama, and elsewhere, COVID-19 lockdowns caused suddenly desperate people to begin poaching sea turtle eggs and meat, threatening hard-won conservation achievements.

Jul 21, 2021 | 1,400 words, about 7 minutes

The Hard Sell of Whale Sanctuaries

As aquariums end captive-whale programs, advocates seek to build ocean-based retirement homes for the animals—but finding the right host community is a feat.

Jul 20, 2021 | 4,300 words, about 22 minutes

In Goa, the Water Runs Black

Locals near one of India’s coal-importing ports feel the effects of coal dust and are bracing for an even unhealthier future.

Jul 13, 2021 | 2,200 words, about 11 minutes

The City, the Sparrow, and the Tempestuous Sea

The saltmarsh sparrow survives the rattle and roar of one of North America’s most populated areas, but its greatest challenge comes from the sea.

Jun 24, 2021 | 3,800 words, about 19 minutes

Honolulu: A Seabird’s Surprising Five-Star Destination

The white tern—Manu-o-Kū—has excited ornithologists, its population growing within the busiest of Hawai‘i’s urban landscapes.

Jun 23, 2021 | 3,200 words, about 16 minutes

The Gull Next Door

Your obnoxious neighbor or just a misunderstood, displaced seabird?

Jun 22, 2021 | 3,300 words, about 17 minutes

COVID-19 Lockdowns Show a World Without Parachute Science

With international scientists barred from traveling, local scientists in the Pacific islands are taking the chance to lead.

Jun 16, 2021 | 950 words, about 4 minutes