Environment

Environment

FILE - A tug boat pushes a barge carrying coal on Mahakam river in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, Dec. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, File)

Iran war turns Asia toward diversifying energy supplies, undermining climate goals

Anton L. Delgado, The Associated Press 5 minute read 2:11 AM CDT

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian nations hit hard by the Iran war's price shocks are rushing to diversify and strengthen their energy security, potentially undermining their commitments to curb climate change.

As negotiations on ending the war drag on, countries in energy hungry Southeast Asia are exploring nuclear power and promising renewable rollouts. But they are also investing in coal power to provide a buffer during times of crisis.

The Iran war has not shaken coal's status as a pillar of Southeast Asia’s energy security, said Sandeep Pai at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability.

Until recently, coal was slowly being phased out to reduce climate change-causing emissions and address air quality concerns. But the conflict has complicated that scenario.

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Environment

Jason Gaudreault, whose partner Tatjana Stefanski was found dead on April 14, 2024, after disappearing a day earlier, shows a photograph of her on his phone, in Lumby, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. jury rejects explanations of ex-husband, guilty of murdering Tatjana Stefanski

Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

B.C. jury rejects explanations of ex-husband, guilty of murdering Tatjana Stefanski

Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

Vitali Stefanski said he had answers for many of the circumstances surrounding the death of his ex-wife, Tatjana Stefanski, in 2024. 

He said he got into his black Audi by climbing over her in the passenger seat, as seen on a surveillance video, not because he was trying to prevent her escaping, but because she had a bloody nose and he wanted to get her help. 

He said he drove in the opposite direction of the nearest hospital because of the way his car was parked atop her driveway.

Her wounds with his fishing knife? She had stabbed herself, he said, "like a suicide."

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Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

Environment

Suncor's base plant with upgraders in the oilsands in Fort McMurray Alta, on Monday June 13, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Downward trend in oilsands emissions intensity continues: S&P Global Energy

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Downward trend in oilsands emissions intensity continues: S&P Global Energy

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

CALGARY - A new analysis from S&P Global Energy says the greenhouse gas intensity of the oilsands has declined for the 13th straight year, with a two per cent drop in 2025. 

The research firm says the average emissions per barrel of marketable product has fallen by 31 per cent since 2009, with every year but one in that time — 2012 — seeing a decline. 

The biggest gains have been in mining operations, which have improved how they manage waste heat and maintenance. 

S&P Global Energy says that while emissions intensity continues to decline, absolute emissions have risen, albeit at a slower rate. 

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Environment

The Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool are seen from the Washington Monument, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says

Matthew Daly, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says

Matthew Daly, The Associated Press 6 minute read Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — A liner along the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor this month, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project, a top official at the National Park Service says.

The U.S. Park Police responded June 9 to a complaint by the park service, said Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the park service. Lands made the statement in a court document filed late Wednesday as part of a lawsuit filed by a nonprofit organization to halt the Trump administration's work on the project.

His statement does not say when exactly the damage occurred or whether it was a suspected case of vandalism and does not identify anyone who might have been involved.

The police report indicates damage to the pool, "including a caulk over the foam sealant that was cut with a sharp knife or razor and destruction of delaminating surface material,'' Lands said. About 70 fence post tops also were thrown into the pool, he said.

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Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

Environment

FILE - The Big Hole river is seen July 2011, in Twin Bridges, Mont. (AP Photo/Desmond Butler, File)

Montana DEQ works toward impairment designation for Big Hole River

Amanda Eggert/montana Free Press, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Montana DEQ works toward impairment designation for Big Hole River

Amanda Eggert/montana Free Press, The Associated Press 6 minute read Thursday, Jun. 25, 2026

The Big Hole River, a blue-ribbon fishery that’s become a focal point in a years-long debate over nuisance algae growth, is poised to receive an impairment designation.

At an open-house meeting in Divide on Tuesday, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality announced that the Big Hole, a mellow freestone river critical to southwest Montana’s outdoor recreation and agriculture economies, is struggling as a result of ecologically detrimental nutrient loading.

The term DEQ is using in its discussion of the Big Hole is eutrophication, which describes the link between algae growth and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. When there’s too much algae in a river or lake, dissolved oxygen falls, imperiling fish and the aquatic life they feed on.

Algal growth is also unpopular with members of the recreating public because it can make wade-fishing a slipperier — and therefore more perilous — endeavor. And it drives down biodiversity in the macroinvertebrate population, which has repercussions for fish and other species higher up the aquatic food web. Andy Ulven, who leads DEQ’s water quality division, told Montana Free Press on Tuesday that a eutrophication listing would “formalize that there is an issue on the mainstem” of the Big Hole. He added that the agency proposal is still in draft stage and he doesn’t anticipate a final designation for the Big Hole until 2027 at the earliest.

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Thursday, Jun. 25, 2026

Environment

FILE - The Chemours Company's PPA facility at the Fayetteville Works plant near Fayetteville, N.C., June 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

US says chemical maker Chemours to pay $450M to settle ‘forever chemicals’ case

Matthew Daly, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

US says chemical maker Chemours to pay $450M to settle ‘forever chemicals’ case

Matthew Daly, The Associated Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Wednesday reached a multi-state settlement with chemical giant Chemours Co. over years-long, illegal discharges of synthetic “forever chemicals” used to make products resistant to water, grease and stains. The settlement is the first by the federal government to resolve enforcement claims against a manufacturer of harmful chemicals known as PFAS.

Under the agreement, filed in federal court in West Virginia, Chemours will pay a civil penalty of $22.5 million for alleged violations and spend $90 million over 15 years to mitigate PFAS discharges in three states: West Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey.

Chemours, a spin-off of chemical maker DuPont, also agreed to install PFAS pollution controls for and surface water discharges and air emissions at a West Virginia facility at an estimated cost of $60 million, supply clean drinking water to communities near its West Virginia and New Jersey sites at an estimated cost of $280 million; and implement controls to reduce releases of PFAS and other toxic chemicals from its facility in North Carolina, based on a pending independent assessment.

Combined, the penalties and relief programs are estimated to cost at least $450 million, the Justice Department said.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Environment

Models wear creations as part of the Dior Homme Spring Summer 2027 collection presented in Paris, France, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Dior moves Paris men’s show earlier as heat wave grips city

Thomas Adamson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Dior moves Paris men’s show earlier as heat wave grips city

Thomas Adamson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Thursday, Jun. 25, 2026

PARIS (AP) — Dior moved its men’s Paris Fashion Week show to 9 a.m. Wednesday to avoid the extreme heat sweeping much of Western Europe. It still was not early enough.

Guests arrived at the Musée Nissim de Camondo as a heat wave gripped Paris. Cold towels, strawberries and parasols were offered at the door.

Inside the mansion, where Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson showed his latest Dior men’s collection, the temperature rose quickly. Some guests appeared overcome and water was in limited supply.

The front row still delivered the expected star power. LaKeith Stanfield, Little Simz, James Marsden, Drew Starkey, Mike Faist, 070 Shake, Alexander Ludwig and Sam Nivola were among those at the show.

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Thursday, Jun. 25, 2026

Environment

A one-week-old sparrow kitten that fled out of its nest due to the hot temperatures is fed with flies by a veterinarian in Wehrheim near Frankfurt, Germany, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

People aren’t the only ones hit by heat. What to do if you see wildlife affected by hot temperatures

Alexa St. John, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

People aren’t the only ones hit by heat. What to do if you see wildlife affected by hot temperatures

Alexa St. John, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

As Europe scorches under extreme heat, people aren’t the only ones impacted by the high temperatures and humidity. Birds and other wildlife are at risk without respite, too.

Birds, especially, are crucial to ecosystems across the globe, providing services like pollinating flowers, controlling pests naturally, dispersing seeds and even serving as early warning systems.

Experts said there are ways to respond if people see a bird in need in the heat, and how to react to other wildlife. Here's what to know.

What happens to birds in high heat?

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Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

Environment

A plume of smoke rises from the Cottonwood Fire, Friday, June 26, 2026, near Beaver, Utah. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Winds hamper crews as fast-moving fire in Utah, the largest in the US, burns through forests

Ty Oneil And Susan Montoya Bryan, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Winds hamper crews as fast-moving fire in Utah, the largest in the US, burns through forests

Ty Oneil And Susan Montoya Bryan, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 27, 2026

MARYSVALE, Utah (AP) — The largest wildfire in the United States marched through canyons and over mountainsides Saturday, blackening an already parched landscape in Utah as residents on the flanks of the blaze watched smoke billowing when the winds picked up.

The Cottonwood Fire, burning in rugged terrain in southwest Utah, severely damaged the Eagle Point ski resort and destroyed summer cabins in sparsely populated Beaver County. Authorities conducted damage assessments but did not yet have estimates of how many homes burned.

Gov. Spencer Cox, in a social media post, asked for prayers for firefighters and “the rains we desperately need.”

“It’s as bleak as it’s ever been ... and yet there were several miraculous stops and saves,” Cox said, referring to the work of the hundreds of firefighters assigned to the blaze.

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Saturday, Jun. 27, 2026

Environment

This undated image provided by the U.S. Forest Service Friday, June 26, 2026, shows firefighters responding to the Cottonwood Fire on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, above Birch Lake, near Beaver, Utah. (Mike McMillan/U.S. Forest Service via AP)

Utah declares a state of emergency and restricts fireworks as US largest wildfire grows

Kathy Mccormack And Susan Montoya Bryan, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Utah declares a state of emergency and restricts fireworks as US largest wildfire grows

Kathy Mccormack And Susan Montoya Bryan, The Associated Press 6 minute read Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

Utah restricted fireworks and declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of July Fourth celebrations as the United States' largest wildfire expanded its reach across more tinder-dry forest as crews rush to fight new blazes in the arid state.

The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning as dry, windy conditions provided fuel for more fires across the western U.S.

The Cottonwood Fire in a sparsely populated area of southern Utah started Monday. It ballooned to more than 112 square miles (290 square kilometers) by Friday, burning unchecked as strong winds grounded air support, forestry officials said. One of six large wildfires burning in Utah, it severely damaged the Eagle Point ski resort in Beaver County, forcing mandatory evacuations.

“We have the 35 miles-per-hour (56 km/h) sustained winds that they predicted, and we definitely have the 45 miles-per-hour (72 km/h) gusts,” said Alyssa Mason, a spokesperson assigned to the fire. “So there has been a great increase in the fire activity. We are seeing extreme fire behavior out there with some crown runs and definitely some spotting.”

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Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

Environment

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May looks on as Sen. Rosa Galvez speaks during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Looser federal rules on pesticides will erode Canada’s trade access: senator

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Looser federal rules on pesticides will erode Canada’s trade access: senator

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

OTTAWA - Canada's goal of boosting trade with countries outside the United States could be thwarted by its new pesticide rules, a senator warns.

Bill C-30, an omnibus bill implementing the spring economic update, passed both the House of Commons and the Senate last week.

The legislation includes a change to Canada's Pest Control Products Act that allows cabinet to override Health Canada and authorize the use of banned pesticides in the interest of economic or national food security, or in response to "seriously detrimental infestation." Ban exemptions can last for up to six years.

Sen. Rosa Galvez, an expert in pollution and its effects on human health, said the change works against the government's goal of diversifying trade.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Environment

Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides, center, Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela, center left, pose for a family photo during the high-level conference

EU unveils plan to help the bloc’s overlooked islands and coastal communities

Menelaos Hadjicostis, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

EU unveils plan to help the bloc’s overlooked islands and coastal communities

Menelaos Hadjicostis, The Associated Press 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

PAPHOS, Cyprus (AP) — Improving transportation links, ending energy isolation and building more homes are some of the key initiatives the European Union’s executive arm is looking to enact under a pair of first-ever strategies designed to help the bloc’s islands and coastal communities flourish, EU officials said Friday.

Some 17 million people live in more than 4,000 islands across the EU, including three island members – Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. Another 95 million live along the coasts of 22 member states.

“Islands have been overlooked in the past, but now that comes to an end,” European Parliament Vice President Younous Omarjee told a conference on strengthening EU islands and coastal communities.

The strategies aim to do away with piecemeal approaches to overcoming the unique challenges that islands and coastal communities face, offering a comprehensive approach, said Raffaele Fitto, European Commission executive vice president for cohesion and reforms.

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Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

Environment

A coastline is hit by high waves as a typhoon approaches Futtsu city, Chiba prefecture near Tokyo, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (Kyodo News via AP)

2 tropical storms pound Japan with floods and landslides, killing 1

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

2 tropical storms pound Japan with floods and landslides, killing 1

The Associated Press 1 minute read Saturday, Jun. 27, 2026

TOKYO (AP) — Two major storm systems pounded Japan on Saturday, causing landslides and floods and leaving one dead and several injured, media and officials said.

The storms, Mekkhala and Higos, have dumped heavy rain and damaged roads as Japan experiences its annual rainy season.

A man in his 70s died and three others were injured after a house collapsed in a landslide in Yamaguchi prefecture on Friday, Japan’s Kyodo News agency reported.

Footage from Kyoto showed the Kamo River swollen with churning, muddy water. A flooding alert was issued in parts of Kyoto, Osaka and other areas in western Japan.

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Saturday, Jun. 27, 2026

Environment

Passengers check train service status as two approaching tropical storms trigger heavy rainfalls, at JR Odawara station in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (Kyodo News via AP)

Heavy rain pounds western Japan as 2 tropical storms approach

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Heavy rain pounds western Japan as 2 tropical storms approach

The Associated Press 2 minute read Saturday, Jun. 27, 2026

TOKYO (AP) — Heavy downpours triggered flooding in parts of western Japan on Friday as two approaching tropical storms added to a seasonal rain front already stuck above the country.

Storm Mekkhala was off the western coast of Japan's southern remote island of Amami as of late afternoon Friday as it headed northeast, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Another storm, Higos, was traveling nearby and the two storms are expected to reach the Tokyo region Saturday while dumping heavy rain, the JMA said.

Earlier Friday, a man was injured as he fell into a waterway in Nara, according to Japan's NHK public television.

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Saturday, Jun. 27, 2026

Environment

A worker drinks water as he sets up a stage for the upcoming Ironman triathlon, Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

Europe’s extreme heat would be impossible without climate change, scientists say

Alexa St. John, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Europe’s extreme heat would be impossible without climate change, scientists say

Alexa St. John, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Jun. 28, 2026

The record-breaking heat that's scorching Europe day and night this month would not have been possible without climate change, according to a new study.

The World Weather Attribution rapid study released Friday found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is 200 times more likely today than it would have been 20 years ago.

Millions in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe are experiencing extreme temperatures and humidity this week associated with a heat dome. Daytime temperatures have topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in many places, while high nighttime temperatures have also made it harder to cool down and recover.

The scientists estimated that a heat wave with similar characteristics occurring in the climate of June 1976 would have been about 3.5 degrees Celsius (6.3 Fahrenheit) cooler during the day and about 2 degrees Celsius cooler (3.6 Fahrenheit) in 2003. The nighttime temperatures would have been about 2.4 degrees Celsius (4.3 Fahrenheit) cooler in June 1976 and about 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 Fahrenheit) cooler in 2003.

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Sunday, Jun. 28, 2026

Environment

A humpback whale is seen just outside of Hartley Bay along the Great Bear Rainforest, B.C. Tuesday, Sept, 17, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Plenty of food and conservation have turned B.C. waters into whale-sighting hot spot

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Plenty of food and conservation have turned B.C. waters into whale-sighting hot spot

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 3:00 AM CDT

VICTORIA - A rich food supply and past conservation efforts have turned British Columbia's Salish Sea into a festival ground for whale-spotting, but the visibility of one species points to a case of starvation, an expert says. 

Julia Adelsheim, a marine biologist with Wild Whales Vancouver, says the recent surge of sightings of orcas, humpback whales and other cetaceans along British Columbia's southern coast match scientific studies that show populations have increased. 

One paper published this month by University of British Columbia researchers says transient killer whales are spending more than two-thirds of the year in the area, while another study says humpback whales travelling from Hawaii have rediscovered the area as a feeding ground.

The sightings have produced a raft of social media photos and videos that show the animals in the waters near major landmarks in and around Vancouver.

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