COP28 climate summit: Who's going, who's not, and will it matter?
The global U.N. climate summit known as COP28 gets underway this week in Dubai. Here's what to know — and why it matters.
Protecting the Planet: Climate Change News & Features
Used tires could help expand market for electric vehicle batteries
As demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, one startup company in Chile is looking to recycle old tires to help make them more sustainable.
UAE sought to use role in climate summit to make oil deals, BBC reports
The host of the upcoming COP28 climate summit, the United Arab Emirates, planned to use its role as an opportunity to try to make oil and gas deals with other countries, BBC News reported.
Lightning strikes kill 24 in India amid unusually heavy rain storms
Unseasonably heavy rain storms slammed India's western state of Gujarat, packing lightning blamed for the deaths of 24 people and 3 buffalo.
World's richest 1% emit as much carbon as 5 billion people, report says
A new report found that a "polluter elite" is responsible for producing as much carbon emissions as 5 billion people.
Source of 1.1 million gallons of oil spilled into Gulf of Mexico remains mystery
Officials have yet to find the source of the oil spill, which has left chunky globules and long slicks near a 67-mile-long pipeline system off the coast of Louisiana.
These squirrels are latest species to become endangered in Washington state
There are just three western gray squirrel populations left in Washington state as more frequent and intense wildfires continue to decimate their habitats, officials said.
Key takeaways from Biden's Fifth National Climate Assessment
Every region in the U.S. is experiencing increasingly harmful effects of climate change, a new report says — but it also outlines a path forward.
"Out of control" fires ravage Brazil's wildlife-rich Pantanal wetlands
"The Pantanal is a region that's used to fires," explains one biologist, "but this many fires isn't normal."
Kentucky under state of emergency as dozens of wildfires rage
Firefighters are battling more than 30 active fires across Kentucky as officials warn the ongoing drought "has made controlling wildfires more difficult."
2023 "virtually certain" to be warmest year recorded, climate agency says
Average temperatures across Earth in 2023 have been dangerously close to the 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold scientists have long warned would bring significant challenges to people worldwide.
Hotter days may increase cheetah conflicts with other big cats, study says
On the hottest days, cheetahs became more nocturnal — increasing their overlapping hunting hours with rival big cats by 16%, the study found.
North Greenland has lost 35% of its ice shelves, study says
The Greenland ice sheet is the second-largest contributor to sea level rise, and as temperatures rise, glaciers in the northern parts of the region are becoming "extremely vulnerable."
Climate tech startup designs new method to reduce clothing waste
Circ has found a solution to the clothing industry's substantial environmental waste and pollution, by separating and recycling cotton-polyester blend clothing.
Why did Hurricane Otis get so strong, so fast?
Hurricane Otis plowed into Mexico's Pacific coast as a deadly Category 5. Just 12 hours earlier, it was a tropical storm.
Scientists discover ancient landscape "frozen in time" under Antarctic ice
"No one's laid eyes on it," the lead author of the study said. "What is exciting is that it's been hiding there in plain sight."
Winter outlook: Wetter South, warmer North and "potential climate extremes"
The oncoming El Niño winter is forecast to bring warmer and drier weather to the northern U.S. and more precipitation than usual to southern states.
150 dolphins die in Amazon lake within a week as water temps soar
Nearly two dozen of the dolphins that were found dead are an endangered species known as "the guardians of rivers."
What is hydrogen energy, and is it a key to fighting climate change?
The Biden administration is banking on the most abundant element on earth to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Here's what to know.
Biden touting creation of 7 "hydrogen hubs" for climate change fight
The idea is to help replace fossil fuels such as coal and oil with cleaner-burning hydrogen as an energy source, but many environmentalists are skeptical.
Deaths mount from flash floods scientists had warned about for years
Scientists have warned for decades that India's Himalayan glacial lakes are disasters waiting to happen. Climate change means they aren't waiting any more.
Company to pay $57 million over "toxic pollution" of D.C. river
The Potomac Electric Power Company is accused of spilling or releasing petroleum and nationally-banned industrial products into the soil and groundwater for nearly a century.
At least 10 dead, 102 missing as India glacial lake burst sparks flood
Officials in India say at least 10 people are dead and 102 missing after a flash flood triggered by a swollen glacial lake bursting its banks.
September 2023 was the hottest ever by an "extraordinary amount"
"Climate change is here" now, said the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service's director, calling the September temperatures "beyond belief."
"Critical state": Swiss glaciers lose 10% of their volume in 2 years
Switzerland's alpine glaciers have lost as much ice in 2 years as they did in the 30 leading up to 1990, a sign of the climate's "critical state," one scientist says.
Science
Science
What to know about the COP28 climate summit
Diplomats from nearly 200 countries will gather in Dubai, U.A.E., starting Thursday for the U.N.'s annual climate talks. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy explains what's on the agenda.
Mars' landscape captured in newly released images
NASA revealed multiple new panoramic images of clouds and dust in Mars' skies, as well as one of its tiny two moons, taken last May.
COP28 climate summit: Who's going, who's not, and will it matter?
The global U.N. climate summit known as COP28 gets underway this week in Dubai. Here's what to know — and why it matters.
World's largest iceberg is "on the move" for first time in 37 years
The iceberg, which once hosted a Soviet research station, split from the Antarctic coastline in 1986, but then became grounded in the Weddell Sea.
Covering the deadly Maui wildfires
As Lahaina's firefighters speak out to "60 Minutes" three months after wildfires ravaged Maui, Jill Cowan, a national reporter with The New York Times, joins CBS News with her experience covering the deadly scene.
Retiree records bat sex, helps solve mystery of species' "super long" penis
The serotine bat does not use its strangely large penis for penetration, but instead as a "copulatory arm" during mating, researchers said.
These squirrels are latest species to become endangered in Washington state
There are just three western gray squirrel populations left in Washington state as more frequent and intense wildfires continue to decimate their habitats, officials said.
Inside the Smithsonian's tropical forest lab
The Smithsonian is one of the best-known museums in the United States, and an affiliated lab is a hidden gem. Located in Panama, the Tropical Research Institute is a unique scientific outpost located in one of the busiest waterways in the world. CBS News' Ben Tracy reports.
"Significant" hoard of Bronze Age treasure unearthed in Wales
The items include a hoard of bronze artifacts such as axes, spearheads, rings and a sword scabbard.
SpaceX Super Heavy-Starship cleared for Saturday launch attempt
The test launch of SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship rocket will come nearly seven months after an initial test flight ended in a spectacular failure.
"Out of control" fires ravage Brazil's wildlife-rich Pantanal wetlands
"The Pantanal is a region that's used to fires," explains one biologist, "but this many fires isn't normal."
White House: Climate change threatening lives
Climate change is threatening nearly every aspect of the lives of Americans in every part of the U.S., according to a new government report. CBS News national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy takes a closer look at some of the key takeaways.
New report on more extreme weather, disasters
The fifth National Climate Assessment report was published Tuesday as President Biden unveiled new funding to combat the effects of climate change on infrastructure and susceptible communities. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy looks at the report's findings.
Dire forecast in latest climate report
The National Climate Assessment, a comprehensive federal effort to summarize the effects of climate change on the United States, says that by 2050 coastal flooding will happen five to 10 times more often than it does now. The new report also details the risk climate change poses to the U.S. energy supply. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy has more.
NASA telescopes capture "Christmas tree" view of universe
Sparkling and colorful images of faraway galaxy clusters recently released by NASA show one of the most detailed views of the universe ever taken.
U.S.
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Mark Cuban says he's leaving "Shark Tank" after one more season
Cuban has appeared on "Shark Tank" since 2011 as a permanent investor, or "shark."
California doughnut shop owner reflects on childhood in internment camp
Jim Nakano, who opened The Donut Man in 1972, was sent to a Japanese internment camp when he was just 2 years old.
National Christmas Tree toppled by strong winds near White House
Heavy winds on Tuesday afternoon knocked down the National Christmas Tree outside the White House. It was upright again a few hours later, the National Park Service said.
Ohio police clear 8 officers in shooting death of Jayland Walker
Akron police chief Steve Mylett wrote in an internal review that the shooting of 25-year-old Black man Jayland Walker in June 2022, "while certainly tragic," was "objectively reasonable."
Texas Supreme Court hears arguments to clarify abortion ban
Supreme Court Justice Brett Busby said the job of the court is to "decide cases," and not to "elaborate and expand laws in order to make them easier to understand or enforce."
MoneyWatch
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Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman Charlie Munger dies at 99
Warren Buffett said Berkshire Hathaway could not have been built without Munger's "inspiration" and "wisdom."
Sports Illustrated owner denies using AI, fake writers to produce stories
Famed sports content publisher used artificial intelligence to write stories under fake author bylines, report claims.
Tesla releases the Cybertruck this week. Here's what to know.
The Cybertruck arrives at a time when automakers are lowering the price of their EVs to appeal to more buyers.
Shein's IPO could raise billions. Here's what to know.
A stock sale "will shine a spotlight on the business model and financials" of the fast-fashion giant about which little is known, said one analyst.
"Zoom fatigue" may affect the brain and heart, study finds
Get drained from Zoom meetings? You're not alone — and a recent study showed video calls can prompt physical signs of stress in the body. Here's how to avoid "Zoom fatigue."
Politics
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Texas Supreme Court hears arguments to clarify abortion ban
Supreme Court Justice Brett Busby said the job of the court is to "decide cases," and not to "elaborate and expand laws in order to make them easier to understand or enforce."
Paul Whelan attacked by fellow prisoner at Russian labor camp, family says
Paul Whelan's family said a fellow prisoner hit him in the face and broke his glasses after he asked him to move out of the way.
Network founded by Koch brothers endorses Nikki Haley for president
Americans for Prosperity Action plans to spend millions to try to unite Republicans behind Nikki Haley's presidential bid.
Sherrod Brown focuses on abortion access in Ohio Senate reelection race
"I support abortion access for all women," Brown said in a recent text to voters, adding that his three GOP opponents "would overturn the will of Ohioans by voting for a national abortion ban."
House begins latest effort to expel George Santos after damning ethics probe
The House will try for a third time this year to expel New York Rep. George Santos after the Ethics Committee released a scathing report detailing his alleged lawbreaking.
HealthWatch
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"Zoom fatigue" may affect the brain and heart, study finds
Get drained from Zoom meetings? You're not alone — and a recent study showed video calls can prompt physical signs of stress in the body. Here's how to avoid "Zoom fatigue."
Surge in respiratory illnesses among children in China swamping hospitals
Health experts say there is no immediate cause for international concern regarding the surge in respiratory illnesses, which include pneumonia.
How to talk to kids about puberty
Pediatrician Cara Natterson and puberty expert Vanessa Kroll Bennett join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their book "This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained." They explain how puberty has evolved over the last few decades and the modern challenges today's tweens and teens face. In the book, Natterson and Kroll Bennett offer scientific explanations and provide advice on talking to kids about these complex topics.
China sees spike in respiratory illnesses
Chinese hopsitals are seeing a new surge in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia mostly in children. CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer reports on the new wave of sickness.
Australia to ban import of disposable vapes as youth addiction soars
Vapes were "not sold as a recreational product, especially not one targeted to our kids, but that is what it has become," Australia's health minister said.
World
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Paul Whelan attacked by fellow prisoner at Russian labor camp, family says
Paul Whelan's family said a fellow prisoner hit him in the face and broke his glasses after he asked him to move out of the way.
Pope Francis cancels trip to Dubai climate conference due to illness
The pope, who was slated to speak Saturday at COP28 in Dubai on climate issues, has been fighting a case of lung inflammation.
COP28 climate summit: Who's going, who's not, and will it matter?
The global U.N. climate summit known as COP28 gets underway this week in Dubai. Here's what to know — and why it matters.
5th group of hostages released after Israel, Hamas extend cease-fire
Twelve more hostages who were held in Gaza were released on Tuesday, according to the Red Cross and the IDF, as a temporary cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas continued into a fifth day.
CIA director returns to Qatar in push for broader hostage deal
The CIA director is visiting Doha, hoping to build on an existing agreement between Israel and Hamas that resulted in the release of dozens of hostages.
Entertainment
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Mark Cuban says he's leaving "Shark Tank" after one more season
Cuban has appeared on "Shark Tank" since 2011 as a permanent investor, or "shark."
Kurt and Wyatt Russell talk working together
Actor Kurt Russell and his son, actor Wyatt Russell, join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their new sci-fi show "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters."
Say She She's unique "discodelic" sound
CBS News' Anthony Mason talks to Say She She, a disco-inspired soul trio made up of Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, Piya Malik and Nya Gazelle Brown. They share their special origin story and how they shaped their unique sound, and get a surprise from one of their music heroes: Nile Rodgers of Chic.
"Late Show" episodes canceled as Stephen Colbert recovers from surgery
Late night host Stephen Colbert is recovering from surgery for a ruptured appendix, he said on Monday.
Director Baz Luhrmann talks new limited series
Award-winning director Baz Luhrmann joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new limited series "Faraway Downs," recut from his 2008 movie "Australia" starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman.
Technology
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Technology
Google to start deleting inactive accounts
Starting this week, Google will be deleting inactive accounts as part of its updated security policy. Betty Lin-Fisher, a consumer news reporter for USA Today, joined CBS News to talk about the purge.
Amazon using AI to help with delivery
Amazon says its 2023 Black Friday sales were the highest in the company's history. Amazon executive Beryl Tomay joins CBS News to discuss how artificial intelligence and robots are helping get packages to your doorstep.
How AI is changing breast cancer screenings
Some doctors are using AI to assist in reading mammograms and breast sonograms. According to a recent study, doctors who use AI can detect up to 20% more cancers. CBS chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook takes a look at how the new tool can help save lives.
Cyber Monday shipping gets boost from AI
Americans spent a record amount shopping over Thanksgiving weekend, which means a difficult road ahead to ship all those items. Kris Van Cleave looks at how AI is being used to help streamline the process.
How AI is bringing new options to breast cancer screenings
AI is bringing new options to breast cancer screenings, but doctors say it won't replace what they do — instead, it's a tool that research shows can help detect more cancers.
Science
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Science
What to know about the COP28 climate summit
Diplomats from nearly 200 countries will gather in Dubai, U.A.E., starting Thursday for the U.N.'s annual climate talks. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy explains what's on the agenda.
Mars' landscape captured in newly released images
NASA revealed multiple new panoramic images of clouds and dust in Mars' skies, as well as one of its tiny two moons, taken last May.
COP28 climate summit: Who's going, who's not, and will it matter?
The global U.N. climate summit known as COP28 gets underway this week in Dubai. Here's what to know — and why it matters.
World's largest iceberg is "on the move" for first time in 37 years
The iceberg, which once hosted a Soviet research station, split from the Antarctic coastline in 1986, but then became grounded in the Weddell Sea.
Covering the deadly Maui wildfires
As Lahaina's firefighters speak out to "60 Minutes" three months after wildfires ravaged Maui, Jill Cowan, a national reporter with The New York Times, joins CBS News with her experience covering the deadly scene.
Crime
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Alex Murdaugh sentenced to another 27 years for financial crimes
Disgraced South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh has been sentenced for stealing $12 million from his clients and family law firm, in addition to the life sentence he is serving for the murders of his wife and son.
Note found in girl's bedroom outlined plan to kill trans teen, U.K. court told
Brianna Ghey was stabbed 28 times in the head, neck, back and chest in a park in northwest England earlier this year.
Vermont shooting investigated as hate crime
The man accused of shooting three college students of Palestinian descent in Vermont has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. CBS News national correspondent Errol Barnett is tracking the investigation and has more on the case.
Student killed in stabbing at North Carolina high school gym
Officials haven't released the name of the 15-year-old student who died. A 14-year-old suspect was in custody.
Controversy at Young Thug RICO trial
Prosecutors are trying to use the lyrics of Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, against the rapper in his racketeering trial in Atlanta. That tactic has been condemned by many legal experts and other musicians. CBS News national correspondent Jericka Duncan is following the trial.
Space
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Mars' landscape captured in newly released images
NASA revealed multiple new panoramic images of clouds and dust in Mars' skies, as well as one of its tiny two moons, taken last May.
North Korea launches spy satellite into orbit, state media says
North Korea attempted to launch a surveillance satellite into orbit two other times this year without success.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship rocket but test flight falls short
Seven months after a catastrophic failure, SpaceX launched its Super Heavy-Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built, but once again ran into problems.
SpaceX to launch second Starship test flight
The most powerful rocket ever built is set to attempt its second test flight Saturday. The FAA has cleared SpaceX's Starship for launch. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood examines what sets the rocket apart from other recent launches.
How to view the Leonids meteor shower this week
The Leonid meteor showers are fast – streaking by at 44 miles per second, according to NASA. Still, some stargazers can see them at their peak this week.
Latest Galleries
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Matthew Trussler murder: Inside the case
Matthew Trussler was found dead at the home he shared with his fiancée Melissa Turner. See the evidence that led to authorities piecing together his death.
Catching a killer clown
Marlene Warren answered the door to her Wellington, FL, home and was fatally gunned down by a mysterious clown. Despite eyewitnesses, circumstantial evidence, and the identification a suspect early on, it would take more than 30 years for her killer to face justice.
Notable Deaths in 2023
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Becky Bliefnick texted about fear of her estranged husband
The Illinois mom wrote, "If something ever happens to me, please make sure the number one person of interest is Tim." Take a look at the evidence that led to Tim Bliefnick's arrest.
The crime scene evidence that convicted Alex Murdaugh
Inside South Carolina's "trial of the century" — how investigators built their case
Latest Videos
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Latest Videos
Giving back on Giving Tuesday
Last Thursday's leftovers are in the fridge, and the Cyber Monday packages are on the way. Now, it's time for Giving Tuesday. CBS News' John Dickerson shares examples of generosity he's witnessed in the past few days.
What to know about the COP28 climate summit
Diplomats from nearly 200 countries will gather in Dubai, U.A.E., starting Thursday for the U.N.'s annual climate talks. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy explains what's on the agenda.
Supreme Court to hear federal authority case
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday on a case that could impact the independent authority of every federal agency in the U.S. CBS News legal contributor and Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson joins to unpack what's at stake.
Could Santos survive another expulsion vote?
Congress is preparing to vote again to possibly expel New York Rep. George Santos after a blistering House Ethics Committee report. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane explains why this round could play out differently from previous expulsion efforts.
Rosalynn Carter honored at tribute service
The nation said goodbye Tuesday to former first lady Rosalynn Carter. Family, friends and dignitaries were in attendance for the service at the Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta. Mark Strassmann has more details.