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.
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.
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.
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
Science
Neuroscientists grow human brain tissue in mice
Neuroscientists at Stanford University successfully grew human brain tissue inside mice in the hopes of further enabling the development of treatments for brain disorders. Stanford Medicine professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Dr. Sergiu Pasca, who led the study, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher says.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
U.S.
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These GOP candidates in tight races are calling for a quick end to Iran war
Some Trump-aligned candidates are calling for an end to the Iran war, even as Trump stands by his Iran strategy and has suggested escalation is possible.
El Niño could cause 451,000 more heat deaths compared to normal year, group says
Researchers project nearly half a million more heat-related deaths from June 2026 to February 2027 compared with a typical year, as a result of El Niño.
Should the U.S. raise payroll taxes to save Social Security?
Raising payroll taxes enough to stabilize Social Security could add thousands of dollars in annual costs, according to one analysis.
Shipwreck, apparent human remains found 7 years after boat sank in Atlantic
The non-profit Green Oceans asked the Coast Guard to reopen an investigation that had classified the F/V Mistress as lost.
Mortgage rates top 7% for the first time since May 2024
As rates climb, more buyers are seeking riskier adjustable-rate mortgages, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Should the U.S. raise payroll taxes to save Social Security?
Raising payroll taxes enough to stabilize Social Security could add thousands of dollars in annual costs, according to one analysis.
Mortgage rates top 7% for the first time since May 2024
As rates climb, more buyers are seeking riskier adjustable-rate mortgages, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Meta's Muse shopping agent is a hit, as AI commerce starts to take off
Meta's new AI tool now ranks at the top of the App Store. Some retail experts see a "natural evolution from search."
Andreessen Horowitz launches AI school as college alternative
One of Silicon Valley's most prominent venture investors is gearing its new tech academy toward aspiring entrepreneurs focused on building AI.
3 guys hacked OpenAI using a rival Anthropic model. Here's what to know.
Cybersecurity researchers from a small firm called Hacktron in India broke into OpenAI, showing how vulnerable frontier labs are.
Politics
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These GOP candidates in tight races are calling for a quick end to Iran war
Some Trump-aligned candidates are calling for an end to the Iran war, even as Trump stands by his Iran strategy and has suggested escalation is possible.
DOJ defends Trump media ban, citing national security and "professionalism"
The Justice Department claimed that reporting from CNN, MS NOW and Politico raises national security concerns and accused their journalists of failing to act with "professionalism and decorum."
Wife of scholar detained in China wants Trump to press Xi to release him
Min Zin, a Myanmar scholar, has been held for more than 100 days at what human rights groups say is a "black site" in China.
Live
U.S., Iran hold first talks since June as Trump threatens annihilation
U.S. and Iranian delegations met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, rekindling diplomacy amid Trump's threat to "annihilate" the regime.
Redrawn Missouri congressional map lands before Supreme Court for third time
The fight over Missouri's congressional map returned to the U.S. Supreme Court for a third time after an appeals court ordered the revival of new districts backed by President Trump.
HealthWatch
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Bone health and the "silent disease": 4 things women should know
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine, discusses what women should know about protecting their bones.
Even the smallest joys can help prevent suicide, researchers say
New research highlights common themes shared by people who found reasons to keep living through dark times.
First on CBS
JB Pritzker reveals GLP-1 use, pressed on possible presidential run
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker revealed to "CBS Mornings" that for the last two years he has been using a GLP-1 medication to lose weight.
Her son was dying, but his rare cancer made it difficult to get the right drug
As knowledge about genetics advances, some doctors say cancers should be defined by their mutations, not the tissues where they manifest.
Her postpartum symptoms wouldn't go away. A brain tumor was to blame.
Lisa Fasone's first pregnancy went smoothly. Then a rare health condition put her dreams of a second child on hold.
World
More World
El Niño could cause 451,000 more heat deaths compared to normal year, group says
Researchers project nearly half a million more heat-related deaths from June 2026 to February 2027 compared with a typical year, as a result of El Niño.
Wife of scholar detained in China wants Trump to press Xi to release him
Min Zin, a Myanmar scholar, has been held for more than 100 days at what human rights groups say is a "black site" in China.
Live
U.S., Iran hold first talks since June as Trump threatens annihilation
U.S. and Iranian delegations met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, rekindling diplomacy amid Trump's threat to "annihilate" the regime.
Ancient wall found under Paris hotel could confirm origins of city
The wall dating from the Gallo-Roman period was discovered beneath a hotel on the Île de la Cité, a stone's throw from Notre Dame Cathedral.
Venezuela blocks 3 attempts by opposition leader Machado to return, team says
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado tried 3 times to enter her country "by air and sea but has been turned away each time," her team says.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Dolly Parton's estate in feud with her nephew
Dolly Parton's estate has accused her nephew, Bryan Seaver, of extortion. Seaver, who announced the singer's death last month, was also fired as her head of security. Adriana Diaz reports.
Taylor Swift announces new song out this week
Taylor Swift announced she's releasing a new song, "Patient Zero," on Friday. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Details on Hayden Panettiere's cause of death
Hayden Panettiere died of an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, the coroner's office said in its autopsy report. Lillia Luciano reports.
Hayden Panettiere cause of death revealed
Actress Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and several other drugs, according to a coroner in South Carolina. Lilia Luciano reports.
Hayden Panettiere died from accidental overdose
A South Carolina coroner revealed Tuesday that actor Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl. CBS News national correspondent Lilia Luciano has more.
Technology
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Technology
Trump to meet with China's XI over AI
President Trump has downplayed the threat posed by artificial intelligence amid growing calls for AI regulation. MIT professor and artificial intelligence expert Max Tegmark weighs in on Mr. Trump's planned meeting with China's Xi Jinping.
How a "swarm" of AI agents hacked a company
Experts are worried about the dangers of "swarms" of AI models coming together to accomplish a complex task for nefarious reasons. CBS News' Megan Cerullo breaks down what this means.
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.
Downloads surge for Meta's new AI agent Muse
Meta's new AI personal assistant, Muse, has reached the top of the U.S. App Store charts, surpassing competitor ChatGPT. CBS News digital reporter Lauren Fichten details how the app's popularity is helping Meta play catch-up in the AI race.
Trump rejects calls to rein in AI
At the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, President Trump told world leaders that the U.S. rejects efforts to rein in artificial intelligence. Stephen Witt, a journalist focused on AI, joins "The Takeout" with analysis.
Science
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Science
Neuroscientists grow human brain tissue in mice
Neuroscientists at Stanford University successfully grew human brain tissue inside mice in the hopes of further enabling the development of treatments for brain disorders. Stanford Medicine professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Dr. Sergiu Pasca, who led the study, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher says.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Nolan Wells' family demands answers
An attorney for the family of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells is calling for the Department of Justice to step in after a grand jury declined to charge anyone in his drowning death. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Concerns over kids' safety getting off the bus
When a school bus stops to pick up kids, the other cars on the road are supposed to stop with it. But thousands of times a day, they do not. As Mark Strassmann reports, some areas have found a way to crack down.
Hayden Panettiere cause of death revealed
Actress Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and several other drugs, according to a coroner in South Carolina. Lilia Luciano reports.
Political donations form family tied to suspected Chinese spy
A family tied to a suspected Chinese spy made $4.4 million in donations to California politicians, including Gov. Newsom, a CBS News investigation found. CBS News' Josh Boswell breaks it down.
Man shot by ICE: "I'm not doing well"
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot in the back by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Austin, Texas. Garces Perez's lawyer says he had a work permit and was seeking asylum but had missed a deportation order sent to an old address. CBS News' Jason Allen reports.
Space
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NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
Scientists have discovered a crater on the moon that's bigger than the Roman Colosseum, the result of a powerful impact two years ago.
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Extended interview: Patrick Clancy
Patrick Clancy wrestles with grief and shares memories of his children in his first interview since his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy's murder trial ended without a verdict.
Bone Loss: A Silent Disease
About half of women over the age of 50 experience bone density loss, but most don't even know they have a problem. That's why Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein calls it a "silent disease." Dr. Wittstein has been at the forefront of understanding how joint pain and joint health evolve over a woman's lifetime. She tells Norah how you can reverse bone loss and what impact hormones have on bone density.
Dolly Parton's estate in feud with her nephew
Dolly Parton's estate has accused her nephew, Bryan Seaver, of extortion. Seaver, who announced the singer's death last month, was also fired as her head of security. Adriana Diaz reports.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Deals, we show you items that could help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Tips for taking care of your life insurance
Nearly 47% of American households say they feel financial hardship after a primary wage earner dies, according to a recent survey, which is where life insurance comes in. Jill Schlesinger joins with more.