Conservation

Conservation is a growing concern in the field of science. As humans continue to consume natural resources, many organisms are headed for extinction.

Topics to Explore

How Whaling Works

Gingko Biloba Leaves Help Track Climate Change

How the Eden Project Works

How California's Power Crisis Works

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What Are Single-use Plastics and Should They Be Banned?

China has joined the more than 120 countries outlawing certain types of single-use plastics, those convenient but controversial plastics we've all become so used to. What exactly are they, though, and is banning them really necessary?

By Stephanie Vermillion Jan 28, 2020 Conservation / Conservation Issues

How Artificial Glaciers Are Hydrating the Himalayas

Ice stupas are artificial glaciers that store frozen water to be used for hydrating crops in the driest stretches of the year in the high desert of Himalaya.

By Mark Mancini Oct 25, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

How the Salton Sea Became an Eco Wasteland

California's largest inland lake has essentially become a ticking ecological time bomb. And the clock is running out — fast.

By Stephanie Parker Oct 9, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

'Climate Kids' Sue U.S. Over Future of the Environment

A group of 21 U.S. kids are taking the government to court for failing to address the climate crisis. Can they possibly win?

By John Donovan Sep 19, 2019 Conservation / Conservationists

London Becomes the World's First National Park City

The city is planning to be 50 percent greenspace by 2050. Who says you can't take the Tube to a pub in the middle of a national park?

By Jesslyn Shields Sep 4, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Gingko Biloba Leaves Help Track Climate Change

The tree that survived three major extinction events on Earth might be key in helping us understand the climate crisis ahead.

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 26, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Are Bug Zappers Bad News?

Not only do bug zappers mostly kill beneficial insects, they also can serve you up a side of bacteria with your burger.

By Chris Opfer Aug 22, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Could Planting 1 Trillion Trees Counteract Climate Change?

Many scientists say that the response to climate change will require planting new trees. A whole lot of them.

By Tara Yarlagadda Aug 1, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

The Iconic Joshua Tree Is in Danger of Extinction

Joshua trees can live for up to 300 years, but climate change is threatening their very survival.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Aug 1, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Is It OK to Take Sand Dollars Off the Beach?

Everyone loves foraging for seashells at the beach, but the true jackpot is finding a perfect unbroken sand dollar. However, taking one home may not be such a good idea.

By Alia Hoyt Jun 6, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Climate Change Could Destroy Doomsday Vault

In a devastating twist of irony, a warming climate in Norway is already damaging the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Apr 23, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Ethiopia's Church Forests Are Last Oases of Green

It's traditional for forests to surround churches in Ethiopia, and now they're providing the last tree canopies in a country that's been heavily deforested. But will they survive?

By Nathan Chandler Mar 18, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

5 Positive Environmental Stories From 2018

Believe it or not, despite all of the dire prognostications, there was some good news about the environment in 2018.

By Jamie Allen Jan 10, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Pacific Garbage Patch Cleanup Device Suffers Breakdown

The ambitious project to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch has hit a few snags, but the team, led by a 24-year-old inventor is undaunted.

By Dave Roos Jan 9, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Palm Oil Is Everywhere. Here's Why That Matters.

Palm oil has become one of the most widely used substances on the planet, but its cultivation has been an environmental and human rights disaster.

By Patrick J. Kiger Dec 4, 2018 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Deadly 1948 Donora Smog Launched the U.S. Clean Air Movement

A killer smog 70 years ago helped lead to the first federal air pollution laws.

By Patrick J. Kiger Nov 7, 2018 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Kiss Your Beer Goodbye if Climate Change Continues Unchecked

As if warming temperatures and melting glaciers aren't bad enough, now climate scientists are warning that the world's beer supply could all but dry up. Even at Germany's world-famous Oktoberfest.

By John Perritano Oct 17, 2018 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Study Says 2035 Is Climate Change Point of No Return

After 2035 it will be extremely unlikely we can stop Earth's temperature from rising enough to kick off a dangerous medley of global disasters.

By Laurie L. Dove Oct 5, 2018 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Tough Job of Cleaning Pacific Garbage Patch Starts

A young inventor is launching a device aimed at cleaning up some of the debris in the Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch. But many conservationists are not impressed. Here's why.

By Dave Roos Aug 14, 2018 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Hawaii Proposes Ban on Certain Sunscreens to Save Coral Reefs

Scientists have found that chemicals in some sunscreens can cause coral bleaching, prompting the Hawaii state legislature to propose an exhaustive ban on them.

By Christopher Hassiotis May 9, 2018 Conservation / Conservation Issues

10 Ways to Stop Using Plastic Right Now

Plastic may be the longest-lasting legacy of human beings on this planet. But there are lots of ways, big and small, that we can all stop using it. Today.

By Jesslyn Shields Apr 23, 2018 Conservation / Conservation Issues