Climate research under attack, migration paradox revealed
As 2026 begins, the convergence of climate science and political reality threatens communities and wildlife around the world. From dismantled research programs to rising seas of climate migration, recent stories reveal both the fragility of environmental progress and the resilience of communities fighting to protect what matters most.
Top Stories
Trump administration targets climate research infrastructure — The new administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research, threatening wildfire and storm prediction capabilities that California and other states rely on for public safety. Scientists warn this could leave Americans more vulnerable to extreme weather. CalMatters
The climate migration paradox — An investigation reveals that the biggest climate migration problem may be that there's not enough of it. Many families facing climate disasters lack resources to relocate, becoming trapped in increasingly dangerous conditions. Grist
Protecting migratory species — Countries propose expanding protections for 42 species, including snowy owls, striped hyenas, and several shark species, under international treaty agreements. The proposals highlight growing threats to animals that cross borders. Mongabay
Amazon at a tipping point — The climate fight may not be won in the Amazon, but it can be lost there, warns Mongabay founder Rhett Butler after five decades of Amazon research. The rainforest's role as a global climate regulator faces unprecedented threats. Mongabay
Around the Regions
British Columbia's melting world — Glacier collapse forces mountain guides to confront new risks as Western Canada's glaciers retreat at alarming rates, creating hazardous conditions for those working on the frontlines of climate change. The Narwhal
Arizona's water-energy nexus — Attorney General Kris Mayes is fighting utilities and industrial agriculture over energy costs and water scarcity, testing whether environmental leadership can survive in politically divided states. Inside Climate News
Environmental defenders under threat — Guatemala sees surge in killings of environmental and territorial defenders, with at least 20 killed in 2024 — up from 12 the previous year. Mongabay
Deep Dives
The conservation ledger — A thoughtful year-end reflection on what we lost and gained in 2025, examining both extinctions and discoveries that shaped conservation efforts. Essential reading for understanding the state of global biodiversity. Mongabay
Healthcare's climate footprint — Hospitals are dropping desflurane, a common anesthesia that's also a potent greenhouse gas, showing how medical institutions can reduce emissions without compromising care. Inside Climate News
What to Watch
• Bird flu research: New studies suggest avian flu viruses might resist fever, sharing traits with pandemic-causing strains • Everglades restoration: After 25 years, the historic Everglades project evolves to address climate change impacts • Data center boom: Growing concerns about energy demands and water usage as AI facilities proliferate
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