Climate activists expect a lot from Biden and aren't afraid to say so
"We are not sitting on our hands waiting for action to be taken," one activist said. "We're not afraid to put public pressure on the administration."
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
2020 is "effectively tied" for warmest year on record
New data from NASA, NOAA and Berkeley Earth show Earth's fever continues to escalate
Greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. were lowest since WWII
A report by the Rhodium Group says the pandemic resulted in a 10.3% drop in greenhouse gas emissions – but the downward trend might not stick.
Climate change to blame for billions of dollars in flood costs, study says
New research analyzes the economic toll of 3 decades of U.S. flood damage and finds more than one-third of it is due to the warming climate.
Japan to eliminate gas-powered cars, go carbon-neutral in 30 years
Some question whether the naturally resource-poor Asian nation will be able to wean itself off imported oil and gas.
Sea-level rise from climate change could be worse than projected
Top scientists believe that the high-end estimates of sea-level rise are likely not high enough.
Rebuild or retreat? The future of Louisiana's coastline in jeopardy
60 in 6's Enrique Acevedo meets with residents of Louisiana's Gulf Coast who are wondering if their communities can survive as members of a state agency try to reclaim vanishing coastline.
Global rich need to cut their carbon footprint 97%, UN says
Preventing the worst effects of global warming requires dramatic reductions from the people that pollute the most.
Trump administration delays protection for monarch butterfly
The western population of the species, which spends winters in California, has declined by more than 99%, to a record low of fewer than 2,000 butterflies.
U.S. to shatter record for billion-dollar climate disasters in 2020
This is the sixth consecutive year in which the U.S. has experienced 10 or more billion-dollar weather and climate-related disasters.
"Extraordinary" rate of change as the Arctic warms, NOAA says
"The Arctic is living proof that major environmental change need not proceed gradually over generations," one expert told CBS News.
Americans in need of emergency disaster housing surged in 2020
Record-breaking wildfires and a relentless hurricane season — on top of an ongoing pandemic — have left more Americans in need of emergency housing than ever before.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef status lowered to "critical"
The world's largest coral reef is now in "critical" condition — the most urgent designated status.
2020 on track to be one of the 3 warmest years on record
As climate impacts reach unprecedented levels, several nations' new emission reduction targets offer renewed hope.
Tens of thousands without power as new fires erupt in California
Almost 60,000 people in southern California are without electricity and hundreds are fleeing their homes as Santa Anna winds fuel new wildfires.
Severe wildfires burning 8 times more area in western U.S.
An exponential increase in high-severity fires threatens a forest's ability to return to its normal state.
Climate action needs American leadership, U.N. chief says
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that three-fourths of new and emerging human infectious diseases are animal-to-human.
Fire devastates world's largest sand island
The fire as been raging for more than six weeks and is consuming large swaths of Fraser Island's unique forests.
COVID lockdowns' impact on greenhouse gas emissions a "tiny blip"
U.N. weather agency voices hope for lasting change after pandemic, but says reduction in greenhouse gases during lockdowns was just a "tiny blip."
Arctic temperatures are astonishingly warmer than they should be
The entire Arctic Circle was an average of 12 degrees Fahrenheit above normal this weekend.
The record-shattering 2020 hurricane season, explained
Like so many other aspects of 2020, the Atlantic hurricane season hurled one shocking event after another.
The air got cleaner in 2020, thanks to the pandemic
But a climate-driven historic wildfire season held back progress on emissions.
389-day Arctic research mission brings urgent call for climate action
"Trying is not enough anymore. We must take action," warns one scientist who spent more than a year gathering data in the rapidly warming far north.
U.K. leader says new gas cars sales will be banned in a decade
PM Boris Johnson brings forward deadline on sale of new gas and diesel cars and vans as he promises Britons a future full of green jobs.
What Biden can do to "reverse the trajectory" on climate change
If President-elect Joe Biden has his way, the tide is about to turn on climate policy. But how much could he really do without Senate support?
Science
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
China launches craft to bring 3 stranded astronauts back from space station
China launched the Shenzhou 22 spacecraft Tuesday to bring three stranded astronauts back from China's space station sometime next year.
Powering our appetite for protein
Proteins, whether from whey, plants or animals, are essential for building muscle. Last year, approximately 71% of consumers identified protein as the nutrient they most frequently try to eat. That's an appetite corporate America is more than happy to feed – even though protein often doesn't taste very good. Lee Cowan looks at how companies like General Mills are developing protein-fueled products, and how Americans may be consuming more protein than they need.
Man uses brain implant to control iPad
A new device lets users control an iPad just by thinking. For the first time ever, a person with ALS, a disease that attacks the nervous system, used a brain implant to navigate an Apple device. CBS News national consumer correspondent Ash-har Quraishi spoke with the team behind the groundbreaking technology.
NASA releases close-up pictures of interstellar comet making a rare flyby
The rare interstellar comet, also known as 3I/ATLAS, was first discovered in July and has been photographed several times.
William Shatner and Neil deGrasse Tyson: When stars collide
When the "Star Trek" actor and America's favorite astrophysicist share the stage, sparks can fly on an astronomical level. They talk about their bromance built on an appreciation of science and curiosity.
U.S.
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Winning numbers announced for estimated $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot
Saturday's jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, Powerball said. It's the game's seventh-largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Three officers injured after responding to domestic violence call, police say
The suspect was killed, and the man who called law enforcement was also injured, officials said Saturday.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
MoneyWatch
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Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
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At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Dec. 21, 2025
This week's guests include Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who led the push for Friday's release of the Epstein files.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
Stefanik drops out of New York governor's race after Trump stays neutral
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's decision to drop out came after President Trump signaled he would not make an endorsement in the race at this stage.
HealthWatch
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This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
World
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At least 10 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa
The motive for the attack in Bekkersdal, 25 miles southwest of Johannesburg, was not clear, police said.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Syria monitor group says at least 5 ISIS members killed by U.S. strikes
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in the U.S. air strikes "targeting several ISIS positions in southern Syria."
Pope Leo summons cardinals for assembly to help him govern the church
The consistory, as such gatherings are called, will be held Jan. 7-8, immediately following the Jan. 6 conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"The Sound of Christmas"
What's Christmas without a rousing holiday song? "Sunday Morning" correspondent David Pogue created the music and lyrics of "The Sound of Christmas." Hear it performed by Tess Lobell. Arrangement by Steven M. Alper; mix by Scott Jacoby.
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Corn Whiskey Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Corn Whiskey Christmas."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Jolly Man"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Jolly Man."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Holly Jolly Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Holly Jolly Christmas."
Kate Winslet's directorial debut
Kate Winslet is one of Hollywood's most accalimed actors, and now she's testing her skills as a director with the new Christmas film "Goodbye June." She sat down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss the challenges of the new role after so many years in front of the camera.
Technology
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Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Crime
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
Space
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Space
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
From the archives: A visit to Seneca Falls
In this Dec. 25, 2011 "Sunday Morning" report, Bill Geist visited Seneca Falls, N.Y., a small town which claims it's the inspiration for Bedford Falls, the setting of Frank Capra's holiday classic, "It's a Wonderful Life" – and who could argue?
"The Sound of Christmas"
What's Christmas without a rousing holiday song? "Sunday Morning" correspondent David Pogue created the music and lyrics of "The Sound of Christmas." Hear it performed by Tess Lobell. Arrangement by Steven M. Alper; mix by Scott Jacoby.
Three Days Before Christmas
"48 Hours" Live to Tell: Two sisters who survive a deadly home invasion share their journey to hell and back.
Vintage WWII plane turned into a Christmas sleigh
The Southern Cross, a restored C-49 World War II-era plane, is used by a nonprofit group for a peaceful mission this holiday season, to provide a Santa-eye view of the Christmas lights in North Texas. The goal is to keep veteran history alive and air-worthy. Omar Villafranca explains.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.