Protecting the Planet: Our impact on animals
In this episode of “Protecting the Planet,” CBS News senior environmental correspondent Ben Tracy explores how animals are being affected by climate change and human-created pollution in their habitats.
Environment
California company repurposing downed trees
California has made efforts to clear downed trees from forest floors to help prevent wildfires. One company is taking those trees and repurposing them into useful items for the community. CBS Sacramento's Elizabeth Klinge has the details.
Colombia's hippo population problems
Colombia is proposing sending some of its growing hippopotamus population to India and Mexico. Four of the animals, which aren't native to the region, were imported from Africa in the 1980s by drug lord Pablo Escobar for his private zoo, and they have been multiplying ever since. Independent journalist Audrey Huse joined CBS News to discuss.
Wolverine spotted outside its normal range in Oregon for first time in over 30 years
Two fishers spotted the mammal near Portland's Columbia River.
U.N. warns we must act on climate change
The world must take action to "defuse the climate time bomb," the United Nations secretary-general said as the U.N. released its latest report. "Prime Time" host John Dickerson discusses the warning with Mark Hertsgaard, co-founder and executive director of Covering Climate Now.
Red tide and seaweed threaten Florida beaches
Holly Smith, the mayor of Sanibel, Florida, joins CBS News' Tony Dokoupil and Lilia Luciano to discuss the environmental issues that are posing threats to beaches across the Sunshine State. These include a red tide and a massive seaweed blob. She also discusses her city's recovery following Hurricane Ian.
Wet weather in West will bring drought relief
NOAA's U.S. spring outlook predicts more wet weather will help improve the severe drought across the Western United States. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy joins CBS News to discuss.
EPA proposes first national limits on "forever chemicals" in drinking water
The planned regulation would establish legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to occur in drinking water.
3/7: CBS News Mornings
Search intensifies for kidnapped Americans in Mexico; Homebuyers grapple with higher borrowing costs.
2/17: CBS News Mornings
Officials monitoring air, water quality due to toxic materials from train derailment in Ohio; Delta Air Lines rolls out free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights.
2/28: CBS News Mornings
Russia intensifies Bakhmut offensive in eastern Ukraine; New report shows apartment rental prices drop across the U.S.
Making climate-friendly food choices
More consumers are making food choices with sustainability in mind, cutting back on meat and seeking out more environmentally friendly options. CBS News' Michael George introduces us to a climate-conscious eater who coined his own term for reducing meat consumption.
Energy-saving smart windows could help combat climate change
Smart windows have a microscopic coating connected to computer chips and can be controlled by an app.
West Virginia train derailment leaks diesel, oil into protected river
The portion of the New River impacted by the train derailment is part of a national park, and is believed to be older than the Appalachians.
35 detained after "coordinated attack" at Atlanta's "Cop City"
A protest at a police training center that opponents call "Cop City" turned violent on Sunday, authorities say.
Red tide is back in Florida. Here's what to know about the toxic bloom.
Medium to high concentrations of the organism that causes red tide have been found in more than 100 samples along Florida's Gulf Coast. Here's how it impacts humans, pets and marine life.
14-foot-long python found dead on side of road on Long Island
The python's size is roughly the same height as a single-story home.
Tesla to build "gigafactory" in Mexico
Tesla announced plans to build a factory in Monterrey, Mexico -- its third plant outside the United States. New York Times business reporter Jack Ewing joined CBS News' Vladimir Duthiers and Anne-Marie Green to discuss what the move means for the company and what its environmental impact could be.
Greta Thunberg joins activists' protest against a wind farm in Norway
The country's supreme court ruled construction of the turbines a violation of Indigenous Sami people's rights, but didn't say what should be done about it.
Erin Brockovich addresses derailed Ohio train
Erin Brockovich, known for her 1990s battle against a company that contaminated the local water supply, appeared at a town hall in East Palestine, Ohio. She told residents to keep fighting for answers and called for transparency from train operator Norfolk Southern. Roxana Saberi reports.
Ohio train derailment leaves estimated 43,700 animals dead
Officials originally said they believed 3,500 aquatic animals had been killed. With the toll estimated to be more than 12 times that amount, officials say they're unsure how long recovery will take.
Venice's famous canals are drying up
Not long ago, Italian officials raised concerns about severe flooding in Venice. Now, the city's famous canals are drying up. Environmentalists say drought conditions and tidal changes are to blame, with the extremes exacerbated by climate change CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay joined anchors Lana Zak and Errol Barnett to discuss the impact.
Ohio train derailment contaminates thousands of pounds of soil, water
The train cars that went off the rails earlier this month in East Palestine, Ohio, were carrying several hazardous materials known to have potentially damaging health effects.
Restoration project turns trash into treasure
Louisiana's lakes and marshes provide protection from storms and hurricanes, but have seen significant erosion in recent years. Two students found a way to turn everyday waste into a solution. Michelle Miller reports.
What is vinyl chloride?
The Feb. 3 Ohio train derailment resulted in the release of toxic chemicals into the environment. But one of those – vinyl chloride – is particularly hazardous, and is associated with a higher risk of some forms of cancer. It can also be used to create a gas that was used as a weapon in WWI. Here's what to know.
Newsom signs California redistricting plan
The new map would shift five of California's Republican House seats to be more favorable to Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Erik Menendez denied parole after decades in prison
California officials have denied Erik Menendez parole after he spent decades in prison for killing his parents in 1989.
Judge halts "Alligator Alcatraz" construction over environmental concerns
A federal judge ordered an indefinite halt to further construction or expansion at "Alligator Alcatraz," in a a setback for the Trump administration and Florida officials.
Eyewitness says American subcontractors at Gaza aid sites fired at Palestinians
An eyewitness told CBS News that American subcontractors at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites shot at Palestinians, a claim GHF denies.
Missouri appears likely to redraw congressional map during Trump's redistricting push
Texas and California have already begun congressional redistricting efforts for political advantage.
New York court throws out $527 million penalty in Trump civil fraud case
A New York appellate court threw out the $527 million penalty in the civil fraud case against President Trump and others on Thursday, ruling that the fine was "excessive."
Alina Habba serving unlawfully as N.J.'s top federal prosecutor, judge rules
Alina Habba, President Trump's former personal lawyer, has been serving as New Jersey's U.S. attorney "without lawful authority" since early July, a judge said.
Trump hands out burgers and pizza to federal law enforcement amid D.C. police surge
President Trump visited a crowd of federal law enforcement officers on Thursday.
Cracker Barrel loses almost $100 million in value after new logo release
Cracker Barrel stock plunged as much as 15% after the restaurant chain released a new logo that removes its long-time image of a man leaning against a barrel.