Environment

Winter Solstice this year will fall on December 21, but what exactly is a solstice? Learn more about how this astronomical event has been celebrated through the ages, and how Winter Solstice may have influenced the date of Christmas.

On Aug. 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew stormed across southern Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, leaving an unprecedented trail of devastation.

On March 24, 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez struck a reef in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, causing 11 million gallons of oil to spill into the water. It is one of the most environmentally damaging oil spills in world history.

Take a look at the origins of the endangered species list and learn what qualifies a species for inclusion on the list.

Economic and environmental concerns have combined to generate more interest in having a green Christmas this year, and experts have plenty of sustainability advice.

Two female albino kookaburras have been found in northern Australia, in the wake of last year’s pink elephant and pink dolphin.

Due to climate change, increase in ocean pollution and the rapid human colonization of their natural habitats, 13 out of 18 existing penguin species are now considered to be threatened, endangered or even on the verge of extinction. However, the penguins’ natural resilience and adaptability, product of the struggle for survival in the harshest of climates, prepare them well to fight the circumstances that endanger them.

As energy experts tout the potential of algae as a fuel source, we look more closely at pond scum, the current state of biofuels and the innovative ways scientists are deriving fuel.

A new study suggests toads can detect impending earthquakes, calling to mind other examples of animals sensing disasters before they hit.

The coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the area between Iceland and the Azores, is teeming with marine life previously unknown to scientists.

Despite the prevalence of “green” items and high-profile environmental advocacy, there is skepticism surrounding today’s Earth Day. Some experts contend that it’s a less meaningful version of the original.

Set for an Earth Day release, the new Disney film features stunning underwater images, and can help educators broach topics like marine conservation.

It’s a good time to visit national parks around the country, and take a look at other areas that may earn national park status.

“Enviropigs” produce up to 65 percent less phosphorous in their feces and urine, creating less of a burden on the environment. Still, environmentalists’ reactions aren’t all favorable.

Next month, the World Health Organization’s World Health Day will focus on urbanization and health. Many U.S. cities are already making strong efforts to go green.

In the wild, some female animals are able to create offspring without the help of a mate, a process known as parthenogenesis.

A federal survey found that bees are threatened more than ever after a winter of severe die-off, having serious implications for the human food supply.

The Internet has made it easier than ever to buy exotic animals and animal products, creating yet another threat to rare and endangered species.

The earthquake, a popular stop in a child’s scientific education, holds a lot of excitement. It’s a popular topic of television programs, too. But the consequences of earthquakes can be disastrous, especially for impoverished countries. Today we look at the science behind the earthquake and its various effects in history.

A documentary revealing Japan's annual dolphin slaughter wins an Oscar for Best Documentary, drawing further attention to a practice both traditional and disturbing.

Despite the tragic death of a trainer and protests from animal rights activists, Sea World has resumed its famous Shamu show.

Researchers have found the Atlantic Ocean’s equivalent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in an area southwest of Bermuda.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez seeds the clouds above his country to combat a drought that has brought Venezuela’s reservoirs to their lowest levels in years.

Weird animals have long been found in children’s literature. Now scientists are finding animals deep in the ocean that are just as bizarre.

Expandable, lightweight houses are being developed for homeless Haitians in Port-au-Prince, though some experts suggest relocating the capital city is the safest option.

Researchers can’t figure out why blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, are singing in deeper voices every year.

At the Copenhagen conference, $10 billion was promised to developing nations to help them combat the effects of climate change. South Africa, Brazil, China and India say it's time to pay up.

Five errors in a U.N. climate panel report have called into question the credibility of the panel, prompting climate change skeptics to cry foul.

Earthquakes are often the focus of films and television programs, but are truly more disturbing than entertaining. The consequences of earthquakes can be disastrous, especially for impoverished countries like Haiti. Learn about the science behind earthquakes and their various effects in history.

School gardens are not without controversy, despite largely positive news coverage and political attention.