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Following a dismal global climate report, could Massachusetts push up its net-zero goal?

An alarming new report on climate change raises a difficult question for Massachusetts, already ahead of most states on climate policy. Is it even possible to move faster?

Can dogs talk by pressing buttons? Here’s what science says about the debate.

"Button dogs" are known as such for their perceived ability to communicate by pressing buttons identifiable by pictures, symbols, or locations corresponding to specific words.

Superbug fungus cases rose dramatically during pandemic

US cases of a dangerous fungus tripled over just three years, and more than half of states have now reported it.

This winter, haunting signs of climate change were everywhere

It was a weird and often warm winter in New England, the country, and around the world, with haunting signs of the climate crisis everywhere. Here's a look back at the season.

World on ‘thin ice’ as UN climate report gives stark warning
Humanity still has a chance, close to the last one, to prevent the worst of climate change’s future harms, a top United Nations panel of scientists said Monday.

With new commissioners, Healey aims to reshape an agency seen as critical to climate reforms
This week, in what Governor Maura Healey said is a first move in overhauling the department, her administration named two pointedly climate-friendly commissioners to the three-person commission that leads the DPU.

Latest Headlines in Science

Education is missing from Massachusetts’ climate plans, advocates say

Without a plan for climate education, young people won’t be prepared to take on roles in climate policy when they grow up — or even to simply live in the warming world that they’ll inherit, advocates say.

Why huge masses of seaweed are floating toward Florida and the Gulf

Masses of tangled brown seaweed heading for shore could pose a significant threat to coastal environments and beach communities.

The Willow Project: What to know about the massive Alaska oil-drilling venture Biden approved this week

This week, President Biden approved a massive oil drilling project in Alaska, despite warnings from leading climate scientists that countries must halt fossil fuel expansion to secure a livable future.

Mayor Wu announces steps to cut oil and gas from Boston buildings, creating ‘clear pathways’ to a fossil-free future

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Thursday that the city is adopting a new building code that would discourage fossil fuels, while also designating $10 million to help affordable multifamily buildings become more energy efficient.

Major oil project approval intensifies Alaska Natives’ rift

The Biden administration’s approval this week of the biggest oil drilling project in Alaska in decades promises to widen a rift among Alaska Natives.

Future NASA moonwalkers to sport sleeker spacesuits

Moonwalking astronauts will have sleeker, more flexible spacesuits that come in different sizes when they step onto the lunar surface later this decade.

With new appointments, Healey administration aims to create ‘a 21st century DPU’

The Healey Administration named two new commissioners to the Department of Public Utilities to help lead the Commonwealth’s transition away from fossil fuels.

Wilmer Cutler attorney Bonnie Heiple named MassDEP commissioner

The Healey administration reached into Boston’s legal ranks to pick the state’s new top environmental protection official.