2020 is "effectively tied" for warmest year on record
New data from NASA, NOAA and Berkeley Earth show Earth's fever continues to escalate
Climate Change
Greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. were lowest since WWII
A report by the Rhodium Group says the pandemic resulted in a 10.3% drop in greenhouse gas emissions – but the downward trend might not stick.
Climate change to blame for billions of dollars in flood costs, study says
New research analyzes the economic toll of 3 decades of U.S. flood damage and finds more than one-third of it is due to the warming climate.
Japan to eliminate gas-powered cars, go carbon-neutral in 30 years
Some question whether the naturally resource-poor Asian nation will be able to wean itself off imported oil and gas.
Sea-level rise from climate change could be worse than projected
Top scientists believe that the high-end estimates of sea-level rise are likely not high enough.
Rebuild or retreat? The future of Louisiana's coastline in jeopardy
60 in 6's Enrique Acevedo meets with residents of Louisiana's Gulf Coast who are wondering if their communities can survive as members of a state agency try to reclaim vanishing coastline.
Global rich need to cut their carbon footprint 97%, UN says
Preventing the worst effects of global warming requires dramatic reductions from the people that pollute the most.
Trump administration delays protection for monarch butterfly
The western population of the species, which spends winters in California, has declined by more than 99%, to a record low of fewer than 2,000 butterflies.
U.S. to shatter record for billion-dollar climate disasters in 2020
This is the sixth consecutive year in which the U.S. has experienced 10 or more billion-dollar weather and climate-related disasters.
"Extraordinary" rate of change as the Arctic warms, NOAA says
"The Arctic is living proof that major environmental change need not proceed gradually over generations," one expert told CBS News.
Americans in need of emergency disaster housing surged in 2020
Record-breaking wildfires and a relentless hurricane season — on top of an ongoing pandemic — have left more Americans in need of emergency housing than ever before.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef status lowered to "critical"
The world's largest coral reef is now in "critical" condition — the most urgent designated status.
2020 on track to be one of the 3 warmest years on record
As climate impacts reach unprecedented levels, several nations' new emission reduction targets offer renewed hope.
Tens of thousands without power as new fires erupt in California
Almost 60,000 people in southern California are without electricity and hundreds are fleeing their homes as Santa Anna winds fuel new wildfires.
Severe wildfires burning 8 times more area in western U.S.
An exponential increase in high-severity fires threatens a forest's ability to return to its normal state.
Climate action needs American leadership, U.N. chief says
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that three-fourths of new and emerging human infectious diseases are animal-to-human.
Fire devastates world's largest sand island
The fire as been raging for more than six weeks and is consuming large swaths of Fraser Island's unique forests.
COVID lockdowns' impact on greenhouse gas emissions a "tiny blip"
U.N. weather agency voices hope for lasting change after pandemic, but says reduction in greenhouse gases during lockdowns was just a "tiny blip."
Arctic temperatures are astonishingly warmer than they should be
The entire Arctic Circle was an average of 12 degrees Fahrenheit above normal this weekend.
The record-shattering 2020 hurricane season, explained
Like so many other aspects of 2020, the Atlantic hurricane season hurled one shocking event after another.
The air got cleaner in 2020, thanks to the pandemic
But a climate-driven historic wildfire season held back progress on emissions.
389-day Arctic research mission brings urgent call for climate action
"Trying is not enough anymore. We must take action," warns one scientist who spent more than a year gathering data in the rapidly warming far north.
U.K. leader says new gas cars sales will be banned in a decade
PM Boris Johnson brings forward deadline on sale of new gas and diesel cars and vans as he promises Britons a future full of green jobs.
What Biden can do to "reverse the trajectory" on climate change
If President-elect Joe Biden has his way, the tide is about to turn on climate policy. But how much could he really do without Senate support?
Bezos announces first winners of $10 billion climate-change pledge
Prominent environmental nonprofits dominate the first round of "Bezos Earth Fund" grants, which total $791 million.
Science
Smartwatches can help detect COVID-19 before symptoms show
Your smartwatch may know you have the coronavirus before you do, according to a growing body of research.
These states are doing best (and worst) at vaccinating people
West Virginia is leading the pack, while big states like California and Georgia are struggling, according to CDC data.
Past COVID infection provides at least 5 months of immunity, study shows
Researchers noted that someone who's been infected may still be able to carry the virus and pass it on to others.
2020 is "effectively tied" for warmest year on record
New data from NASA, NOAA and Berkeley Earth show Earth's fever continues to escalate
NASA rover celebrates 3,000 days on Mars with epic panorama
The glorious new image captures the 96-mile-wide Gale Crater and part of Mount Sharp, its central mountain.
Trump administration slashes habitat for imperiled spotted owls
The owl is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and is losing nearly 4% of its population annually.
Ohio researchers discover new strain of COVID-19
"The mutations in the Columbus strain are likely to make the virus more infectious, making it easier for the virus to pass from person to person," Ohio State University said in a statement.
Astronomers observe death of a distant galaxy for the first time
Galaxy ID2299 is losing its ability to form new stars, causing it to die.
COVID-19 vaccinations across U.S. near 1 million doses a day
Yet even with the faster pace of inoculations, tens of millions of doses of vaccine sit unused.
Astronomers discover oldest, most distant supermassive black hole
The supermassive black hole at the center of one of the universe's brightest objects is 1.6 billion times more massive than the sun.
Greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. were lowest since WWII
A report by the Rhodium Group says the pandemic resulted in a 10.3% drop in greenhouse gas emissions – but the downward trend might not stick.
U.S. reports deadliest week yet in fight against COVID-19
Los Angeles is reporting a more than 1,000% increase of COVID-19 deaths in the last two months, officials said.
2 gorillas at San Diego Zoo test positive for COVID-19
A third gorilla also has symptoms and several more are believed to have been exposed.
Reward offered after manatee spotted with "Trump" drawn on back
The aquatic mammal was spotted around noon Sunday during a manatee swim tour in shallow water in Homosassa Springs.
Why the world's insects are dying a "death by a thousand cuts"
Two well known ones — honeybees and Monarch butterflies — best illustrate insect declines, experts say.
World
More World
COVID-19 variant first found in U.K. could be dominant in U.S. by March
Research shows it could experience "rapid growth" in the early part of this year.
How the U.S.-Canada border closure impacts small towns and businesses
The hardships of the border closure due to COVID-19 span the entire 5,500-mile border.
How much do people around the world trust the COVID vaccines?
CBS News foreign journalists give a glimpse of trust, and mistrust, in coronavirus vaccination plans in 9 countries, and what's behind them.
Coronavirus death toll tops 2 million worldwide
The United States, with about 4% of the world's population, has reported about one-fifth of all reported deaths globally.
Entire Dutch government resigns over child welfare scandal
Investigations into child welfare payments wrongly labeled thousands of parents as fraudsters.
U.S.
More U.S.
Washington, D.C., locks down as inauguration events kick off
Vehicles checked. Roads blocked. The National Mall shut down.
He wanted me dead." Stalking victim on former relationship with killer
Did her stalker target a stranger to get revenge?
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Sotomayor slams "unprecedented rush" in federal executions
"The Federal Government will have executed more than three times as many people in the last six months than it had in the previous six decades," Sotomayor dissented. "...This is not justice."
State Capitols boarded up, fenced off and patrolled by troops
Governors have declared states of emergency, closed capitols to the public and called up troops ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Politics
More Politics
Washington, D.C., locks down as inauguration events kick off
Vehicles checked. Roads blocked. The National Mall shut down.
State Capitols boarded up, fenced off and patrolled by troops
Governors have declared states of emergency, closed capitols to the public and called up troops ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Biden introduces key members of his science team
The president-elect is elevating the post of science adviser to Cabinet level — a White House first.
Armed capitol rallies "will continue" as planned, Boogaloo group member says
An administrator for the website that originally announced the armed protests said the group intends to carry on as planned
U.S. races to catch up with other countries in COVID sequencing research
The U.S. is estimated to lag behind more than 30 nations in its sequencing effort.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
"Helps the soul": Chorus finds a way to perform from cars
Using their car radios and some tech savvy, the Luminous Voices chamber choir in Calgary found a way to sing together from a distance.
Canadian choir sings together in separate cars
The Luminous Voices Chamber Choir in Calgary, Canada, improvised a way to sing together while social distancing in their cars, thanks to the help of technology. The choir even pulled off a concert this way in December. Adriana Diaz has more.
Tim Minchin performs "Apart Together"
Musical satirist Tim Minchin ("Matilda: The Musical") joined "Saturday Sessions" to share music from his new studio album, "Apart Together." From Sydney, Australia, Minchin performs the song "Apart Together."
Tim Minchin performs "Airport Piano"
Musical satirist Tim Minchin ("Matilda: The Musical") joined "Saturday Sessions" to share music from his new studio album, "Apart Together." From Sydney, Australia, Minchin performs the song "Airport Piano."
Tim Minchin performs "The Absence of You"
Musical satirist Tim Minchin ("Matilda: The Musical") joined "Saturday Sessions" to share music from his new studio album, "Apart Together." From Sydney, Australia, Minchin performs the song "The Absence of You."
Technology
More Technology
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Smartwatches can help detect COVID-19 before symptoms show
Your smartwatch may know you have the coronavirus before you do, according to a growing body of research.
How manufacturers make it impossible to repair your gadgets
Americans are throwing away $40 billion a year unwillingly upgrading items we can't fix, a consumer group claims.
It could be years until full benefits of 5G are unlocked
5G has been front and center at the annual CES, held virtually this year.
Grubhub to deliver Girl Scout cookies during pandemic
Fear not, you can still get your Tagalongs and Thin Mints in a pandemic-safe way this year — through Grubhub.
Science
More Science
Smartwatches can help detect COVID-19 before symptoms show
Your smartwatch may know you have the coronavirus before you do, according to a growing body of research.
These states are doing best (and worst) at vaccinating people
West Virginia is leading the pack, while big states like California and Georgia are struggling, according to CDC data.
Past COVID infection provides at least 5 months of immunity, study shows
Researchers noted that someone who's been infected may still be able to carry the virus and pass it on to others.
2020 is "effectively tied" for warmest year on record
New data from NASA, NOAA and Berkeley Earth show Earth's fever continues to escalate
NASA rover celebrates 3,000 days on Mars with epic panorama
The glorious new image captures the 96-mile-wide Gale Crater and part of Mount Sharp, its central mountain.
Health
More Health
COVID-19 variant first found in U.K. could be dominant in U.S. by March
Research shows it could experience "rapid growth" in the early part of this year.
U.S. races to catch up with other countries in COVID sequencing research
The U.S. is estimated to lag behind more than 30 nations in its sequencing effort.
How much do people around the world trust the COVID vaccines?
CBS News foreign journalists give a glimpse of trust, and mistrust, in coronavirus vaccination plans in 9 countries, and what's behind them.
The hurdles of vaccinating the homeless community
Distrust in the medical system, a lack of primary care and a two-dose regimen for those without permanent housing are high hurdles.
Funeral home staff overwhelmed by waves of COVID-19 deaths
As the U.S. death toll nears 400,000, many funeral homes are straining to keep up with demand for their services.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
When might you get Biden's $1,400 stimulus check?
President-Elect Joe Biden's proposed $1.9 trillion relief bill could face some hurdles, analysts say.
Funeral home staff overwhelmed by waves of COVID-19 deaths
As the U.S. death toll nears 400,000, many funeral homes are straining to keep up with demand for their services.
Biden pay push could lift over 1 million workers out of poverty
Federal minimum wage has been frozen at $7.25 for more than a decade, the longest period without a raise since 1938.
NRA files for bankruptcy
The NRA said it is moving to Texas from New York, where the state's attorney general has filed a lawsuit alleging financial crimes.
These states are doing best (and worst) at vaccinating people
West Virginia is leading the pack, while big states like California and Georgia are struggling, according to CDC data.
Crime
More Crime
He wanted me dead." Stalking victim on former relationship with killer
Did her stalker target a stranger to get revenge?
Capitol rioter known as "QAnon Shaman" will be jailed until trial
Prosecutors say rioter Jacob Chansley, known as the "QAnon Shaman," is a dangerous conspiracy leader who should be detained.
Texas cop shoots and kills Black man during mental health check
Patrick Warren Sr.'s family was expecting a mental health professional to respond when they called for help.
Was a woman targeted because she resembled her killer's ex?
Texas Ranger James Holland believes a young woman's stalker was a serial killer in the making
Restaurant manager uses concealed sign to help rescue abused boy
She noticed he was bruised and a man with him didn't let him order food. Then she sprang into action. One detective described the abuse the boy had suffered as torture.
Space
More Space
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Blue Origin launches New Shepard test flight
Blue Origin says "we're getting very, very close" to launching passengers to space.
NASA rover celebrates 3,000 days on Mars with epic panorama
The glorious new image captures the 96-mile-wide Gale Crater and part of Mount Sharp, its central mountain.
Astronomers observe death of a distant galaxy for the first time
Galaxy ID2299 is losing its ability to form new stars, causing it to die.
Astronomers discover oldest, most distant supermassive black hole
The supermassive black hole at the center of one of the universe's brightest objects is 1.6 billion times more massive than the sun.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
The evidence that convicted Charles Bryant
An inside look at the investigation into the murder of Jackie Vandagriff.
Newest dog breeds: From tiny toys to massive mastiffs
Have you heard of the Belgian Laekenois? The Cesky terrier? Sloughi? You have now.
How U.S. presidents aged in office
How it started and how its going in America's highest office.
Troubling clues fuel a family's quest for justice
Christian Andreacchio's death was declared a suicide by police but his parents disagree - saying it's more than parental intuition that leads them to believe their son was murdered.
The most anticipated TV shows of 2021 (and when they might be coming back)
Will "The Crown" return in 2021? Will "Survivor"? Here's how COVID-19 is affecting the production and return of your favorite streaming and TV shows.
Popular
More Popular
Popular
Hindsight is 2020: An Unprecedented Election
When a pandemic, a racial reckoning, and rampant misinformation converged, Americans were faced with an election unlike any other. This CBSN documentary follows voters around the country as they grapple with who they're voting for, how they're voting and the issues supercharging the stakes.
Pelosi speaks to "60 Minutes" about Capitol riot
Two days after her own office was ransacked by Trump supporters, the speaker of the House talks to Lesley Stahl about what she experienced that day and more.
Trump's phone call with Brad Raffensperger
Last weekend, President Trump called Georgia's secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, imploring him with veiled threats and lies to change the outcome of the November election. Raffensperger talks to Scott Pelley of "60 Minutes" about why he didn't give in.
Angus King: The "60 Minutes" interview
Jon Wertheim talks with Maine Senator Angus King, one of two independents in the Senate, about not being hitched to a party in a time of extreme polarization.
The Murder of Jackie Vandagriff
After a chance encounter at a bar a college student is murdered. Was it because she resembled the killer’s ex? CBS News chief investigative and senior national correspondent Jim Axelrod reports for "48 Hours."