Environment

Tsunami Waves Reach U.S. West Coast After Major Earthquake in Russia

SMGN July 30, 2025

8.8-Magnitude Quake Triggers Widespread Alerts A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck the sparsely populated Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia early Wednesday, prompting tsunami alerts across the Pacific. Waves reached parts of Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington. The earthquake caused flooding in ports, damage to structures, and injuries in Russia, though

EPA Proposal Aims to Revoke Key Finding on Greenhouse Gas Regulation

SMGN July 24, 2025

Agency seeks to reverse 2009 determination underpinning climate policy The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the current administration, has drafted a proposal to revoke the 2009 “endangerment finding,” a regulatory milestone that allowed the agency to address greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The finding, issued during a

International Court Issues Landmark Opinion on Climate Responsibilities

SMGN July 23, 2025

Advisory ruling may set legal standards for global climate accountability The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ top judicial body, issued a significant advisory opinion on Wednesday addressing the legal responsibilities of countries in the fight against climate change. Although non-binding, the opinion may influence future legal actions

Red-Legged Frogs Return to California Thanks to AI and Cross-Border Conservation

SMGN July 21, 2025

A threatened species shows signs of recovery through joint efforts After decades of absence, the California red-legged frog has been heard again in the wild in Southern California. This milestone is the result of a collaborative conservation effort involving habitat restoration, cross-border egg translocation, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring.

Is Your Child’s Summer Camp Climate-Ready? Key Safety Questions for Parents

SMGN July 18, 2025

Rising Weather Risks Demand Closer Attention at Camps As extreme weather events become more frequent, many families are reevaluating the safety of sending their children to summer camps. While these experiences offer valuable exposure to nature, they also bring increased risks of heat illness, wildfires, and floods. In the U.S.,

The Squirting Cucumber That Launches Its Seeds With Precision and Power

SMGN July 17, 2025

A Natural Mechanism for Effective Seed Dispersal Researchers at Kiel University in Germany have been studying a small but remarkable plant known as the squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium). Though toxic and inedible, this plant possesses a fascinating strategy for seed dispersal: it uses internal pressure to eject seeds at high

National Climate Assessment Website Taken Offline Without Explanation

SMGN July 16, 2025

Key climate resource becomes temporarily inaccessible The official website hosting the most recent edition of the National Climate Assessment has gone offline. This comprehensive report is a critical tool for understanding how climate change is affecting various regions of the United States. It is commonly referenced by educators, planners, farmers,

Flood Risk Rising Across U.S. as Most Homes Lack Insurance

SMGN July 14, 2025

Only a Small Percentage of Homeowners Are Financially Protected Despite nearly every U.S. county experiencing flooding in recent decades, only 4% of homeowners nationwide have flood insurance. This gap leaves millions exposed to potentially devastating losses, as standard home insurance typically excludes flood damage. While federal disaster aid may provide

Sea Lions Return to the Ocean After Toxic Algae Bloom in California

SMGN July 8, 2025

Over 1,500 Marine Animals Affected by Prolonged Algal Event Southern California recently experienced one of its longest and most severe toxic algal blooms. The phenomenon impacted at least 1,500 marine animals, including sea lions and dolphins. The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro took in nearly 400 affected animals

Biosphere 2: A Living Lab Advancing Climate and Ecosystem Research

SMGN July 7, 2025

From self-sustaining experiment to scientific powerhouse Located in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, Biosphere 2 is a 3.14-acre glass structure housing multiple simulated ecosystems. Originally built in the late 1980s to test whether humans could survive in a closed, self-sufficient system, the facility has since shifted focus toward scientific research. Following its

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Expert Tips to Navigate Flight Delays and Cancellations During Crisis

SMGN November 6, 2025

Widespread flight delays and cancellations are impacting major airports nationwide as the government shutdown, now the longest in history, continues to drag on. Air traffic controller shortages have caused issues at numerous airports for more than a month, creating ripple effects across the entire travel network. In response to the

Trump says government shutdown pressures Republicans and suggests ending the filibuster

SMGN November 6, 2025

Former president reflects on election results after record-long shutdown During a meeting with Republican senators, former President Donald Trump said the prolonged federal government shutdown negatively affected recent election results for his party. Trump stated that pollsters identified the shutdown as a major factor influencing voter sentiment against Republicans. “If

U.S. Government Revises SNAP Benefit Cuts, but Millions Still Face Major Reductions

SMGN November 6, 2025

USDA Adjusts Reduction Formula Amid Ongoing Legal and Technical Challenges The U.S. government has revised its plan for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), announcing a smaller reduction in monthly food benefits. According to updated guidance from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), maximum allotments will now be cut by 35%