Research & Developments is a blog for brief updates to provide context for news that impacts science and scientists today. If you have a tip, email us at [email protected].
EPA to Abandon Stricter PM2.5 Air Pollution Limits
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moved this week to reduce limits on fine particulate air pollution, including soot, set by the Biden administration last year.
5,500 Toxic Sites in the U.S. at Risk of Flooding as Seas Rise
Rising sea levels have put thousands of facilities containing hazardous materials at risk of flooding this century, according to a new study published in Nature Communications.
Tracking Science Policy Decisions and Approaches
The new administration has taken an array of decisive actions with far-reaching consequences for Earth and space scientists. Use our new tool to help sort them out.
Global Methane Emissions Projected to Fall, According to United Nations Report
The world has made significant progress on methane mitigation since 2020, though meeting the goals of a major international pledge will require additional action, according to a United Nations Environment…
UN Emissions Gap Report: Despite Progress, World Still Far Behind Climate Targets
Current emissions trajectories are on track to warm the world by as much as 2.8°C (5.04°F) above preindustrial levels by 2100, according to a report released today by the United…
2025 State of the Climate Report: Our Planet’s Vital Signs are Crashing
A yearly analysis of climate change’s progress and effects shows a “planet on the brink” of ecological breakdown and widespread crisis and suggests that only rapid climate mitigation able to…
Developing Nations Need 12 Times More Financing to Meet Climate Adaptation Needs
An annual United Nations report, published 29 October, reveals a “yawning gap” between existing and necessary climate adaptation finance, a gap “putting lives, livelihoods,…
Judge Stops Shutdown-Related RIFs Indefinitely
A judge has announced she would rule that the government cannot issue further reduction-in-force (RIF) notices to federal employees because of the government shutdown,…
1.5 Million Acres of Alaskan Wildlife Refuge to Open for Drilling
A large swath of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) will soon open for drilling, the Trump administration announced today.