Christian Science Monitor | Environment

Centralia, Pa., coal fire is one of hundreds that burn in the U.S.

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:07:45 GMT

The underground coal fire that has slowly consumed Centralia, Pa., isn't unusual. Many such fires burn around the world.

Portland promotes urban cycling, but costs will be high

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:56:34 GMT

The eco-conscious city plans to build more than 680 miles of new bikeways in the coming two decades at a cost of $613 million.

The Humane Society wants old fur coats for the furry

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:33:01 GMT

Coats for Cubs program of the Humane Society uses donated fur coats to comfort orphaned or impaired wildlife.

Hawaii on track to meet renewable energy goals

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:04:04 GMT

The fossil fuel-dependent island state is on track to receive 40 percent of its electric power from renewable sources by 2030.

In California, quest for cleaner power hits tortoise-sized speed bumps

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:05:03 GMT

Golden State lawmakers ask which is more important: building the nation's largest solar-energy farm or protecting a fragile ecosystem?

Orca population bounces back in the Northwest

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:23:14 GMT

New killer whale babies lift the Northwest's endangered orca population out of the red zone (somewhat).

Gray water's grass roots

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:01:18 GMT

In a grass-roots effort, a Los Angeles community pushes the plant-saving practice of reusing water from showers, baths, sinks, and washers.

Veronica Egan and the 'Great Old Broads' keep vigil over endangered wild lands.

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:02:46 GMT

The conservation group, made up mostly of older women, helps the US government track illegal use of public lands in the US West.

Alaska beaches still have oil from 1989 spill

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:59:33 GMT

An estimated 20,000 gallons of crude oil remain trapped in the gravelly beaches of Prince William Sound, Alaska, long after the Exxon Valdez oil spill..

California mountain range missing several (million) candles on its birthday cake

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:27:26 GMT

Scientists discover that the Sierra Nevada mountains in California reached their current height 50 million years ago, 30 million years earlier than previously thought.

China facing a mounting trash problem

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:55:03 GMT

As Beijing residents enjoy increasing prosperity, Chinese villagers are left with their trash.

Mt. Rainier's retreating glaciers are making a mess

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:07:08 GMT

Washington rivers are choking on debris left unstable by Rainier's receding glacier.

Indian tribe sees bright future in solar power

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:32:59 GMT

Forget blackjack tables or roulette wheels. Tribal lands could generate wealth through solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

Saving an Aztec salamander

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:28:07 GMT

An effort to save the axolotl – a type of salamander – is also a bid to preserve an ancient culture.

Earth's growing nitrogen threat

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:58:18 GMT

It helps feed a hungry world, but it's worse than CO2.

Will drilling more wells in California help or hurt?

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:51:06 GMT

A $40 million federal stimulus project to drill up to 50 new wells in California moves forward despite drying aquifers and community complaints.

California garbage trucks fueled by ... garbage

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:14:09 GMT

Methane gas produced in California landfills fuels garbage and recycling trucks, reducing the state's carbon emissions.

Keeping track of migrating raptors

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:27:08 GMT

Scientists in Washington State monitor the populations and migration patterns of birds of prey, to identify trends.

Prehistoric Indian drawings to be protected in Utah canyon

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:25:13 GMT

Natural gas company, state conservation agencies, and tribal leaders come to an agreement to protect prehistoric art treasures in Utah's Nine Mile Canyon.

California's groundwater shrinking because of agricultural use

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:07:09 GMT

In California, NASA satellites show that groundwater has diminished because of agressive agricultural irrigation.