Environment

Countries still way behind on UN biodiversity targets, research shows

In late 2022, nearly 200 countries signed on to the "30 by 30" goal, pledging to mobilize at least $200 billion a year to reverse decades of biodiversity loss.

Sea lions gather near the shore at the Punta San Juan reserve, where a decline in the population of guano birds, sea lions, and penguins has alarmed scientists, in Marcona, Peru June 21, 2025.
This aerial photograph shows the wreckage of a World War II German warship, one of dozens sunk by retreating Nazi forces in September 1944, emerging from the low waters of the Danube River near Prahovo, Serbia, on August 11, 2026.

Global water reserves decline as river discharge falls to 35-year low in 2025, WMO report shows

Israeli soldiers clean tar off the Palmachim beach following an offshore oil spill which drenched most of the Israeli coastline, February 22, 2021

'Sponge of the sea': Israeli researchers develop aerogel that captures, breaks down oil spills

Ran (top) and Nidal (bottom), two young green sea turtles, during breakfast in the rehabilitation pool at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center.

Five sea turtles return to nature after rehabilitation, Israel Nature and Parks Authority announces


Israel prepares for effects of 'Godzilla' El Niño with Health Ministry drills

El Niño typically peaks around December, but Israelis could see more rain and flooding in early autumn because of the strength of this year's weather event.

View of floods in the central city of Yavne, as storm Byron hits Israel, December 11, 2025

No. 42: Will Scharf and Lee Zeldin: Shaping law and policy from inside the Trump administration

Scharf, as the new White House counsel, and Zeldin's role as the first Jewish administrator in EPA history, hold influential law and policy roles in the Trump administration.

(L-R, clockwise): Lee Zeldin, William Scharf

Nepal monitoring two lakes, flood risk to remain until they're fully drained, official says

Nepalese authorities are relying on satellite imagery to track flood conditions, with additional plans to install cameras and sensors.

A drone view of firefighters conducting search and rescue operations at a damaged road leading to Gyirong Port after a mudslide, in Gyirong county, Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region, China August 28, 2026.

Over 90,000 affected by Himalayan landslide, Red Cross says, as Nepal declines foreign rescue help

Notably, Nepal's foreign ministry said it does not need foreign assistance for search-and-rescue operations following the devastating flash flood that swept through several towns.

People move through a mud covered road following flash floods and a mudslide in Trishuli, Nuwakot district, Nepal, August 28, 2026.

12 years after the oil spill: What is happening in the Avrona Nature Reserve now?

Following Israel's massive 2014 EAPC oil spill, complex rehabilitation begins at Avrona Nature Reserve, evacuating 30,000 tons of contaminated soil.

Alongside its toxicity, the oil created a hard, impermeable layer on the ground. The Avrona oil spill disaster.

Tourism surge drives up trash levels on Lake Kinneret shores

After years of war-related quiet, bathers return to Lake Kinneret alongside mounds of trash, prompting locals to clean the shores themselves.

“We are constantly trying to initiate clean-up campaigns to make an impact and educate, especially the younger generation”.

August disguised as fall: Thunderstorms, extreme heatwave expected as Israel nears end of summer

The unusual forecast follows heavy rainfall in eastern Israel on Saturday, when large amounts of rain fell within a short period, causing flooding and flash floods.

People walk in the rain in Jerusalem, August 15, 2026.

Israeli arrested for allegedly lighting barbecue at rented villa, sparking wildfire in Crete

According to the reports, the villa owner warned the guests when they arrived that, due to the high fire risk, using a barbecue was completely prohibited in the area.

A wildfire burns in a canyon near Asomatos village on the island of Crete, Greece, July 30, 2026.

Race to reach trapped survivor offers hope in Colombia quake zone

285 have been killed, nearly 4,000 were injured, and 400 others are still missing from a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday.

A man cries as he embraces a rescue worker in the aftermath of an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia, August 13, 2026.

Two slicks appear in Gulf as huge oil spill off Oman threatens disaster

One slick appeared off the southern tip of Weshm Island, while a smaller one was spotted near Sirri Island in the center of the Gulf.

A satellite image shows Qeshm Island following suspected oil spills at sea, off the coast of Iran, August 10, 2026.