The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be above normal, NOAA meteorologists said Thursday in their annual forecast.
Why it matters: The outlook comes as the Trump administration explores downsizing or dismantling FEMA, the federal agency tasked with responding to storms and other natural disasters.
Senate Republicans voted to move forward with repealing California's EV mandate — ignoring opinions from the Government Accountability Office and Senate parliamentarian.
Why it matters: Democrats have called it the "nuclear option," warning Republicans are setting a new precedent for what kind of rules can be undone by Congress.
Bayer is fighting to keep the popular agricultural herbicide Roundup available for farmers in the U.S., but could "reach the end of the road" and pull out of the market amid mounting challenges, CEO Bill Anderson said at an Axios event on Wednesday night.
Why it matters: Anderson said the chemical, known as glyphosate, has been repeatedly found safe and is "table stakes" for feeding the world.
Global forest loss hit the highest level on record last year, per detailed University of Maryland and World Resources Institute tracking data.
Why it matters: The CO2 emissions from fires — the largest single cause of forest loss last year — are very high. And losing forests lessens CO2 absorption.
The Bezos Earth Fund is unveiling the first recipients in its grant program to harness AI for biodiversity protection, sustainable proteins, improving power grids and more, according to details shared exclusively with Axios.
Why it matters: While AI's energy suck gets tons of attention, the Bezos program explores how AI can further climate and ecological work.
President Trump's campaign to dismantle FEMA is on the verge of a high-stakes stress test, as the U.S. hurtles toward peak disaster season under uniquely dangerous conditions.
Why it matters: Extreme weather is growing deadlier and more destructive. But instead of strengthening the systems that help states respond, the Trump administration is gutting FEMA, banning climate change research and urging governors to go it alone.
Washington, D.C. is once again home to the country's best city park system, a new ranking finds.
Why it matters: City parks serve as community meeting spots and civic spaces, offer room for exercise and fresh air, and can draw in new residents — but they require investment, attention and protection.
