The air got cleaner in 2020, thanks to the pandemic
But a climate-driven historic wildfire season held back progress on emissions.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
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?
Bezos announces first winners of $10 billion climate-change pledge
Prominent environmental nonprofits dominate the first round of "Bezos Earth Fund" grants, which total $791 million.
What climate policy could look like under a President Biden
The president-elect has a bold plan for going green — here's what he can do even without support from lawmakers.
Theta forms, breaking record for most named storms in a season
This is storm number 29, breaking the record of 28 tropical storms set in the memorable season of 2005.
Joe Biden vows to rejoin Paris climate deal if elected
Biden, who has his own climate change agenda, signaled the exodus would end the day he enters office.
Tropical Storm Eta ties record for most named storms in a season
While the number of storms in 2005 was also 28, this is the first time the name Eta will ever be used.
What is fracking, and where do Trump and Biden stand on it?
The issue has been raised numerous times as the candidates make their final push to reach voters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania.
Trump falsely claims wind energy "kills all the birds"
"I know more about wind than you do," Mr. Trump said during the presidential debate, erroneously claiming it "kills all the birds."
Colorado wildfires show "climate change is here and now"
As bad as this year has been, scientists warn it's "unlikely that the records from 2020 will stand for long."
Inside Gen Z's fight for climate change action
"We are racing against time," one 18-year-old activist says. "We want our future to be better."
For many climate change finally hits home
With record wildfires and hurricanes ravaging the United States, the effects of extreme weather events made worse by climate change are becoming more visible, and costly, to more and more Americans
Largest wildfire in Colorado history burns over 167,000 acres
The blaze, which is expected to surge again into the weekend, has surpassed 167,000 acres.
Amy Coney Barrett's views on climate change – and why it matters
Barrett said, "I don't think my views on global warming or climate change are relevant to the job I would do as a judge." Many scientists disagree.
Fierce storms and wildfires to dramatically spike, U.N. agencies say
"Extreme weather and climate events have increased in frequency, intensity and severity as result of climate change and hit vulnerable communities disproportionately hard," according to the report.
Panera introduces "climate-friendly," low-carbon food items
National chain is first to partner with World Resources Institute in offering meals for environmentally conscious.
Half of the Great Barrier Reef's corals have died since 1995
Larger species have been affected hardest – almost disappearing from the far northern reaches of the reef.
Prince William launches ambitious "Earthshot Prize" to save the planet
Britain's future king and a cadre of high-profile partners are offering $65 million in reward money over 10 years for solutions to 5 daunting environmental challenges.
Harris says a Biden administration will not ban fracking
Kamala Harris pushed back against Mike Pence's assertion that the Biden administration would implement the Green New Deal.
How Biden's climate plan compares to the Green New Deal
"Joe Biden's climate plan isn't everything, but it isn't nothing at all," one leading climate activist told CBS News.
California wildfires scorch more than 4 million acres, breaking record
Cal Fire said there have been more than 8,200 wildfires since the start of the year — and the flames have burned an area larger than Connecticut.
Greenland Ice Sheet will melt at fastest rate in 12,000 years
The Greenland Ice Sheet is on track to melt four times faster than it has at any point over the last 12,000 years.
How to reduce food waste during the coronavirus pandemic
During the pandemic, food meant for restaurants is piling up in landfills, while lines at food banks are growing every day. But, there are things individuals can do to help.
Science
First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Artemis II astronauts speak during historic lunar mission
On Monday, the astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft will loop around the Moon's far side, part of a mission pushing human beings farther from Earth than anyone has ever been. Correspondent Mark Strassmann talked with commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen as the crew was about 180,000 miles from home, preparing for their historic lunar flyby.
Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
CBS News studio shakes as Artemis II launches
Four astronauts are traveling around the moon on Artemis II, going further from Earth than anyone before. CBS News' Mark Strassmann and Peter King have more.
What Artemis II astronauts will do in space
Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson joins CBS News to discuss what the Artemis II astronauts will do as they orbit the Earth after takeoff.
How Artemis II crew will sleep in space
Members of the Artemis II crew will be the first people to sleep inside the Orion spacecraft. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave has more on how they'll do that.
How do astronauts use the bathroom?
The science and technology behind using the restroom in space continues to evolve. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave looks at the out-of-this-world facilities available to the Artemis II crew.
What comes next for the Artemis II mission?
NASA kicked off a historic lunar mission on Wednesday, sending astronauts farther from Earth than ever before. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann has more.
Return to the moon driven by courage and curiosity
"CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil reflects on what got us here as the Artemis II mission kicks off.
Special Report: Artemis II launches on historic moon mission
The Artemis II mission lifted off on Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Tony Dokoupil anchored CBS News' special report on the launch.
What's the status of the Artemis II rocket?
Four astronauts are on a historic, unprecedented mission around the far side of the moon and back after the Artemis II launched on Wednesday. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute, joins CBS News to discuss and CBS News' Cristian Benavides and Kris Van Cleave report.
U.S.
More U.S.
Skydiver rescued after crashing into scoreboard during Virginia Tech game
A skydiver crashed into the scoreboard before Virginia Tech's spring football game.
Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
2 soldiers attacked by bear during training at Army base in Alaska
Two soldiers from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, were injured in a brown bear attack on Friday during a training session.
Record U.S. drought sparks fears about wildfires, water and food prices
Meteorologists said the drought is a bad sign for the upcoming wildfire season, food prices and existing water issues.
U.K. man pleads guilty to hacking scheme that stole $8 million
Tyler Robert Buchanan, 24, of Scotland, pleaded guilty in California federal court.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Judge blocks Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna until antitrust suit resolved
The deal, approved by the FCC, would create a company that owns 265 television stations in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Airlines cut routes in response to rising jet fuel costs amid Iran war
Rising jet fuel prices are forcing airlines to cut routes and trim schedules.
Oil prices plummet after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is "completely open"
Prices dropped after Iran's foreign minister said the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Here's who is spending money on AI subscriptions, and how much they cost
Households are starting to make room in their budgets for spending on generative AI subscriptions, new data shows.
Ford recalls nearly 1.4 million pickup trucks due to gearshift issue
The recall affects F-150 vehicles quipped with a six-speed automatic transmission produced between March 12, 2014, and Aug. 18, 2017, according to NHTSA.
Politics
More Politics
Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
Lawyer who led effort to overturn 2020 election will oversee probe of ex-CIA director
Joseph DiGenova, a conservative attorney, is being tapped by the U.S. Justice Department to lead an ongoing criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan.
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Appeals court allows all White House ballroom construction to resume
An order earlier this week blocked most above-ground construction on the project.
Judge blocks Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna until antitrust suit resolved
The deal, approved by the FCC, would create a company that owns 265 television stations in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
Trump announces he's nominating Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director
CBS News reported Wednesday that Dr. Erica Schwartz was emerging as the president's top pick for the role.
World
More World
Life jacket worn by Titanic passenger who survived auctioned for $900,000
The item is believed to be one of only a handful of Titanic life jackets still in existence, the auction house said.
6 killed after gunman opens fire in Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say
The head of Ukraine's Interior Ministry said the gunman took hostages and spoke to negotiators for 40 minutes before he was shot dead.
Over 1,000 bone fragments found in Mexico City ahead of World Cup
Mexico City and Guadalajara are preparing to host World Cup games in June, with protesters denouncing the government's failure to properly investigate the disappearances.
Former chef facing 14 murder charges to plead guilty to aiding suicide
Abetting suicide carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, according to the Canadian Criminal Code.
U.K. police probe arson attack on building formerly housing Jewish charity
There were no injuries reported in connection with the attack, police said Saturday.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Breaking down the unlikely rise of the PWHL
New York Sirens captain Micah Zandee-Hart and Professional Women's Hockey League executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford sit down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss the league's recent increase in popularity.
"Schmigadoon!" prepares for Broadway debut
Cinco Paul, the screenwriter behind hit movies like the "Despicable Me" series and "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!", sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his latest project: adapting the hit Apple TV+ series "Schmigadoon!" for Broadway.
The Lone Bellow performs "You Were Leaving"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "You Were Leaving."
The Lone Bellow performs "No Getting Over You"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "No Getting Over You."
The Lone Bellow performs "I Did It For Love"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "I Did It For Love."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Can Allbirds take flight as an AI company?
The struggling shoe brand Allbirds announced it is exiting the footwear business and re-inventing itself as an artificial intelligence company. Max Darrow has more from San Francisco.
Experts have warning for AI-generated podcasts
Millions of Americans get health information from podcasts. Now, some medical experts are warning about the harmful impacts of misinformation on these programs. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder has more.
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.
AI "agents" can do your shopping. Should you let them?
Big retailers are embracing agentic commerce as a new way to shop. But you should think twice before handing over your credit card, tech experts say.
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Actor Val Kilmer died last April, and yet he is starring in a new movie, made after his death. Jo Ling Kent reports on how filmmakers resurrected his voice and image by using artificial intelligence.
Science
More Science
First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
More Crime
Over 1,000 bone fragments found in Mexico City ahead of World Cup
Mexico City and Guadalajara are preparing to host World Cup games in June, with protesters denouncing the government's failure to properly investigate the disappearances.
Former chef facing 14 murder charges to plead guilty to aiding suicide
Abetting suicide carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, according to the Canadian Criminal Code.
U.K. man pleads guilty to hacking scheme that stole $8 million
Tyler Robert Buchanan, 24, of Scotland, pleaded guilty in California federal court.
What we know about d4vd's arrest
David Burke, a singer who performs under the name d4vd, is behind bars on suspicion of murder. He was arrested after the body of a 14-year-old girl was found in the trunk of his Tesla in September 2025. Matt Gutman reports.
500 pounds of liquid meth found after Fort Worth crash; 2 dead
Two people were found dead when a minivan carrying nearly 500 pounds of liquid meth worth up to $3 million crashed in a Fort Worth neighborhood.
Space
More Space
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Skydiver crashes into stadium scoreboard
A skydiver was safely rescued after accidentally crashing into a scoreboard during a Virginia Tech spring football game.
Young surfing phenom pivots to jiu-jitsu
14-year-old surfing phenom tells Carter Evans about his pivot to jiu-jitsu and the lessons he's learned about choosing your path.
Can Allbirds take flight as an AI company?
The struggling shoe brand Allbirds announced it is exiting the footwear business and re-inventing itself as an artificial intelligence company. Max Darrow has more from San Francisco.
Pope Leo pushes back on claims of Trump feud
Pope Leo pushed back on claims that he is feuding with President Trump. Chris Livesay has more details.
Tornadoes whip across several states
Millions are under the threat of severe weather on Saturday, with a tornado risk from Tennessee to New York. Multiple funnel clouds whipped across several states on Friday, causing lots of damage. Jonah Kaplan reports and Andrew Kozak has the forecast.