Axios

Companies and countries are doubling down on their efforts to establish themselves on and around the Moon, where geopolitical lines are being drawn.

Why it matters: The International Space Station has been at the center of geopolitical power in space for decades, but that is changing as the station winds down and the Moon emerges as a high-stakes destination for nations and companies.

Young Chinese scientists recruited back to China through a government talent program went on to publish more scientific papers than their counterparts who remained overseas, according to a new analysis published in the journal Science.

Why it matters: The U.S., China, and other nations are competing to attract top talent to fuel innovation and cement their science and tech leadership.

The recovery of Earth's ozone layer, the vital atmospheric shield that protects the planet by absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, is back on track, according to a new report from a panel of United Nations-backed scientists.

Why it matters: The report found that recent rogue emissions of CFC-11, an ozone-destroying chemical that was primarily being released from factories in northeastern China, have significantly declined since 2018, putting the ozone layer on course to recover within four decades.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking President Joe Biden to make an emergency declaration in response to a series of deadly storms, as the National Weather Service warned the "most potent system" would arrive Monday.

The big picture: The latest in a barrage of destructive atmospheric rivers that've caused widespread power outages since late last month began unleashing more powerful winds and heavy rains on California Sunday night — prompting Sacramento County to issue evacuation orders for Wilton-area residents, with flooding "imminent."

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent, intense and "increasingly less natural," Australia's Climate Change minister Chris Bowen said Monday in response to the latest round of historic flooding to hit the country, per the Guardian.

Driving the news: Bowen told reporters in Sydney there's "absolutely" a link between global warming and the recent flooding in Western Australia's Kimberly region — which saw remote communities along the Fitzroy River cut off as floodwaters in the town of Fitzroy Crossing peaked at a record 51.87 feet.