More than a dozen FEMA staff, all signatories of that Katrina Declaration, were placed on indefinite administrative leave.
culture & policy
Public Speaks Out Against EPA Plan to Rescind Endangerment Finding
Advocates, scientists, doctors, members of Congress, kids, parents, and other individuals spoke out in a series of hearings last week to let the Environmental Protection Agency know how they feel about a potential sea change in climate and environmental policy: the proposed repeal of the 2009 Endangerment Finding.
By 2051, Emissions from Coal Mining on Federal Lands Could Drop by 86%
Researchers predict that if early 2024 policies hold, emissions related to coal’s extraction, transportation, and combustion will drop over the next 25 years.
NASA Planning for Unauthorized Shutdown of Carbon Monitoring Satellites
Despite warnings that their actions are illegal, Duffy and other senior NASA officials have continued to secretly direct NASA employees to draw up plans to end at least two major satellites missions specifically designed to monitor global carbon dioxide.
Eight Ways to Encourage Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Discussions at Conferences
Getting scientists to engage in sessions about issues of scientific culture is challenging, but these best practices for meeting organizers can help.
Balancing Comparability and Specificity in Sustainability Indicators
A new study shows how engaging national stakeholders in Austria helps adapt global sustainability indicators to better reflect regional agricultural priorities, especially social and economic aspects.
Scientists Ask NSF to Keep Only Antarctic Icebreaker Afloat
On 28 July, more than 170 researchers sent a letter to National Science Foundation leaders and Congress, urging them to reconsider the decision to terminate the lease of the Nathaniel B. Palmer, the United States’ only Antarctic research vessel-icebreaker (RVIB) and a key part of science operations around the White Continent.
NASA Employees Speak Against Cuts in Open Letter
Nearly 300 current and former NASA employees have signed an open letter expressing concern that budget cuts to the agency will jeopardize safety, basic research, national security, and the nation’s economic health.
Policy Success: Fees and Bans on Plastic Bags Reduce Beach Trash
Regardless of the patchwork of regulations aimed at limiting plastic bag use in the United States, new research indicates that such legislation does, indeed, limit the number of plastic bags found on beaches.
Anchoring Is Damaging the Fragile Antarctic Seabed
Scientists call for better protection of Antarctica’s vulnerable seafloor ecosystem as ship traffic increases around the continent.