Science

Global talks to tackle plastic pollution hit critical stage

By Jennifer McDermott, Associated Press

Thousands of negotiators and observers representing most of the world’s nations are gathering in the Canadian city of Ottawa this week to craft a treaty to stop the rapidly escalating problem.

WATCH: Biden marks Earth Day with new grants for solar power

By Alexa St. John, Will Weissert, Associated Press

President Joe Biden is announcing $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects serving 900,000-plus households in low- and middle-income communities.

Why does luck play such a big role in hockey games?

By Mark Robert Rank, The Conversation

With low-scoring games and a preponderance of deflected shots, randomness is much more likely to influence NHL teams’ records than those in the other four major U.S. pro sports leagues.

These coral reefs suffered major damage. Watch how restoration efforts helped bring them back

By Bella Isaacs-Thomas

Coral reefs offer crucial habitat for marine creatures and protection for coastal communities, but face a long list of threats due to human activity. One restoration project in Indonesia demonstrates how these ecosystems can bounce back from damage with help.

More Americans worried about climate change, but few think Biden's climate law will help, AP-NORC poll says

By Alexa St. John, Linley Sanders, Associated Press

Biden points to this climate agenda as a success during his reelection campaign. The poll suggests that although the law has already affected some Americans, it's not widely known and may not be the electoral boost Biden wants.

U.S. court rejects a request by tribes to block $10 billion energy transmission project in Arizona

By Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press

Critics had accused the U.S. Interior Department and Bureau of Land Management of failing to recognize the cultural significance of the San Pedro Valley to several Native American tribes.

Central U.S. faces severe thunderstorm threat and possible tornadoes

By Associated Press

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center said a large storm system hitting much of the central U.S. over the next few days is expected to bring severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes Monday evening to Kansas and Nebraska.

Coral reefs across the globe once again endure mass bleaching amid warming oceans, scientists say

By Alexa St. John, Associated Press

Coral reef bleaching across happens when stressed coral expel the algae that are their food source and give them their color. If the bleaching is severe and long-lasting, the coral can die.

To lower its rat population, NYC considers birth control as a humane option

By Maysoon Khan, Associated Press/Report for America, Cedar Attanasio, Associated Press

To lower rat populations in New York, lawmakers are proposing birth control designed for rats as an alternative to the usual traps, poison, and carbon monoxide methods.