Observations from the Little Bunker
A systematic observation of climate change, extreme weather events, and their cascading effects on society
🌍 Latest Environmental Observations
JD Vance officiated the wedding of new head of NIH environmental institute
Unusual hiring process raises fears of political favoritism
Stranded coral boulders point to a medieval tsunami in the Caribbean
Study pinpoints likely date for a massive earthquake on the Puerto Rico Trench—and highlights an underappreciated regional hazard
A surprise bonus from COVID-19 vaccines: bolstering cancer treatment
Patients who got shots of mRNA before starting a type of cancer immunotherapy lived much longer
4 Questions That Will Shape COP30 for Vulnerable Countries
In a year marked by escalating climate impacts, economic headwinds, climate policy rollbacks and a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, the road to the 2025 UN...
Lab mice can now have periods like humans
Studies of rodents with a menstrual on/off switch could help people with endometriosis and other disorders
ADVISORY: WRI Press Call on Expectations for COP30
Washington (October 20, 2025) — Join World Resources Institute (WRI) for a press call on Monday, October 27, at 9:00am ET / 2:00pm CET, where experts...
Beetle compound is so valuable insects eat bird poop to get it
To obtain the toxic chemical cantharidin, insects suck beetles’ blood—and even munch on their digested remains
The carbon hoofprint of cities is shaped by geography and production in the livestock supply chain
Nature Climate Change, Published online: 20 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s41558-025-02450-7Meat products represent a large share of the carbon footprints of cities, which are dependent on the...
Keir Starmer will attend Cop30 in Brazil, No 10 confirms
After speculation and conflicting pressures, prime minister will attend climate summit next monthKeir Starmer will travel to the Amazon rainforest for the UN climate summit...
‘A punch in the face’: Germany’s dash for gas raises questions over climate targets
Plans for a fossil fuel project in Wadden Sea nature reserve have angered local people and campaigners, as political enthusiasm for renewables wanesPeering out on...
Nitrogen budgets in Europe: a methodology to quantify environmentally relevant flows of reactive nitrogen compounds on a national scale
Reactive nitrogen compounds are responsible for multiple negative impacts while they remain in the environment, changing their state and chemical form. Here we develop a...
Future intensification of Northern Hemisphere monsoons due to declining remote aerosol pollution
Anthropogenic aerosol emissions have significantly shaped historical monsoon precipitation, yet uncertainties persist in the projected response to future emissions. This study employs models contributing at...
Global South campaigners question inclusivity of COP30 as some stay home
Expensive accommodation, combined with restricted funding and accreditation, are set to limit the participation of Global South climate activists in COP30, casting doubt on Brazil’s...
How plays like Weather Girl and Kyoto are finally bringing the climate crisis alive for audiences
The complexities of the climate crisis are a tough sell to audiences but these plays in New York show it can be doneDespite (or perhaps...
The risk and dynamics of unprecedented summer monsoon rainfall over Southeast China under the current climate
Under the influence of Asian summer monsoon, extremely heavy summer rainfall could occur in Southeast China, causing catastrophic social-economic impacts to the region. However, due...
A globally relevant data-driven assessment of carbon leakage from forestry
Climate smart forestry (CSF) practices are widely recognized as efficient natural climate solutions. However, leakage accounting for these practices often relies on limited analysis and...
Identifying critical intervention points for the prevention of cascading climate impacts
Nature Climate Change, Published online: 20 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s41558-025-02456-1Bridging traditional disciplinary silos, a study has mapped cascading climate risks to the European Union through stakeholder-co-produced...
A New Generation of Industries Emerges in Texas From Federal Push for Mining Revival
The U.S. doesn’t produce the minerals and metals needed for renewable energy, microchips or military technology. Authorities want to change that as quickly as possible.By...
Illinois Wants Climate Education in Schools. Now Teachers Need to Figure Out How to Make It Happen.
It’s the seventh state to pass a law requiring climate education in public schools. The requirement will kick in next fall.By Amber X. ChenLast year,...
Racing against time, Illinois clears a major hurdle in containing an invasive fish
The silver carp is big, unwieldy, and requires Joe Greendyk to use both his hands to measure it before tossing the fish overboard into the...
Coalition showdown on net zero looms amid speculation more MPs could quit over policy
Meeting called for end of sitting week inviting backbench MPs to argue for or against dumping the policy after Barnaby Joyce announced resignationGet our breaking...
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