As chair of the Arctic Council, the United States is prioritizing climate change and ocean issues and improving the conditions for Arctic communities.

Randy Showstack
Randy Showstack, senior news writer for Eos.org, reports on policy, politics, and discovery in the areas of Earth and space science and the environment. His coverage ranges from climate change and frontiers of ocean and space research to actions by federal and international agencies, the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court.
Scientists Hope to Learn Lessons from Nepal Earthquake
The 25 April earthquake in Nepal has caused thousands of fatalities. Scientists hope it can lead to a better understanding of the region's seismicity and better earthquake resilience.
Initiative Aims to End Routine Flaring of Natural Gas
A new initiative to curtail the wasteful burning of natural gas associated with oil production could lead to significant environmental and public health benefits.
Science Journalists Face Government Roadblocks, Survey Finds
U.S. government restrictions pose barriers for science journalists, but the roadblocks appear less severe than those that some other journalists confront, according to a new survey.
NASA Hopes to Find Strong Indications of Life Beyond Earth Soon
With the search for water and habitable planetary bodies proceeding at an increasing pace, NASA scientists say they are getting closer to finding evidence of extraterrestrial life.
Renewable Energy Trend Could Help with Climate Mitigation
Analysts say that a 17% increase in global investment in renewable energy is part of a significant shift in energy trends toward addressing climate change.
White House Submits Greenhouse Gas Emission Targets
Before the climate summit in Paris this November and December, the United States and some other countries have submitted their targets to cut emissions.
Supreme Court Hears Case About Regulating Power Plants
In a case about power plant emissions, arguments focused on whether the Environmental Protection Agency properly interpreted a regulation and on dramatically different cost-benefit analyses.
White House Science Fair Features Top Student Projects
President Obama mixes praise for student scientists with criticism of congressional budget proposals at the fifth annual White House Science Fair.
Interior Department Issues Fracking Standards
The Department of the Interior has issued new standards on hydraulic fracturing, including measures to protect groundwater and disclose chemical use.