Axios

A jury in Oregon determined Wednesday that electric utility PacifiCorp must pay punitive damages over destructive wildfires in the state in 2020.

Why it matters: The case could see the utility that's owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway have to pay billions of dollars in damages in the class action lawsuit — though PacifiCorp said after a jury found it liable on Monday that it "plans to pursue appeals."

Scientists have uncovered an El Niño-induced phenomenon that could help conservationists better protect coral reefs against lethal marine heatwaves.

Why it matters: The early development of El Niño, which boosts the impacts of climate change, is raising concern over what the ocean and atmosphere cycle will mean for already-embattled marine ecosystems.

The space industry is heading toward a period of consolidation that could shake up the space economy in the short term but create a leaner, more nimble industry in the process.

Why it matters: After companies merge, go under and are acquired, the industry could be better positioned for growth, experts say.

An assortment of climate scientists, meteorologists and others are expressing alarm at recent changes in key climate indicators.

The big picture: Global surface air and ocean temperatures have spiked sharply in recent months, along with record low Antarctic sea ice, extreme heat events around the world, as Canada's heat and wildfire crisis grips North America.