A CBS News producer shares his surprising shark encounter
CBS News climate producer Chris Spinder got into the water as sharks circled below. In this producer's notebook, he shares what he learned after a minor, but bloody, injury.
Earth Day
What is biodiversity and why is it important? Here's what to know.
This Earth Day, learn about the millions of species of plants and animals and the vital role they all play in the planet's future.
Scientists share how climate change could change daily life
Experts say we're "running out of time" — and without urgent action, the planet will be radically different.
Extreme weather experiences impact views on climate change - CBS News poll
Those who have experienced extreme weather have become more concerned.
Wood pellets may not actually be green renewable energy source, critics say
Pellets are being used to create what some call green energy, but critics argue that the practice is clear-cutting trees.
How to tell if companies are living up to their eco-friendly promises
That "vegan" shampoo in a bottle "made of recycled materials" might not be as eco-friendly as you think.
How to keep your gadgets from choking the planet
Electronic waste is the fastest growing type of trash. Here's how to ensure your devices won't end up in a landfill.
Fewer Americans see climate change as priority than they did a year ago
Climate change is more of a priority for Democrats than Republicans; they divide on approach U.S. should take on energy policy.
Why the U.S. hasn't figured out plastics recycling
It isn't all would-be recyclers' fault.
How the environmental movement won with acid rain
Scientists and policymakers turned what once was considered a "serious environmental problem" into a success story.
Resale is bright light in environmentally costly fashion industry
Combating climate change, apparel brands like Lululemon, Eileen Fisher and Patagonia are making it easier to resell their items.
Aquamation, composting offer eco-friendly burial options
In the three states where body composting is legal, people can have their remains give back to the Earth as their final act.
Five ways to make your home more Earth-friendly
These five changes can help your home curb climate change, on Earth Day and every day.
Experimental Minnesota forest helps predict climate change scenarios
Researchers come to the forest to study how different degrees of global warming might impact the world's northern forests.
The $29 billion plan to save Texas' coast from rising tides
The plan would be the largest infrastructure project in the nation and take up to 20 years to complete.
Interest soars in self-sustaining homes called Earthships
Skyrocketing energy prices and a growing desire to live sustainably amid climate change are fueling demand for the futuristic-looking homes.
10 Earth Day facts that might surprise you
This Earth Day, test your environmental knowledge with these questions to see just how much you know.
Higher gas prices a factor for those considering hybrid/electric car
But more would still buy a gas-powered vehicle.
The costs and benefits of solar energy
When someone starts powering their home with solar energy and stops buying power from their local utility, many like to think they've "gone off the grid." But in many areas, they're not as independent as you might think. Barry Petersen has more.
Protecting the nation's trees and forests
Trees and forests across the United States are facing an increasing number of threats, including climate change and wildfires. Sarah Gibbens, environment writer for National Geographic, joined CBS News' Carter Evans to discuss.
Conservationists grapple with decades of stormwater runoff pollution
The Environmental Protection Agency calls polluted runoff "one of the greatest threats to clean water."
Winds of change
In an effort to catch up with Europe, where offshore wind has been a strong industry for decades, the U.S. is now hoping to expand its offshore wind turbine footprint and power 10 million homes by 2030. Ben Tracy reports.
Greta Thunberg says pandemic proves we can fight climate crisis
Thunberg's new documentary series, titled "Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World," premieres Thursday night on PBS.
Meet the world's first vegan, carbon-neutral pro sports team
The Forest Green Rovers' uniforms are made out of bamboo. Next year's uniforms will be made out of used coffee grounds.
CBS News Poll — Eye on Earth: What do Americans think can be done on climate?
Americans weigh in on climate change objectives and how achievable they seem.
Science
These space missions will take off in 2025
Space agencies worldwide are gearing up missions in 2025 to expand humanity's horizons, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond.
Orca who carried her dead calf for 17 days has a new baby
Tahlequah has a newborn girl, years after she made headlines for carrying her dead calf for 17 days.
2,600-year-old shipwreck is raised from waters off Spain
An ancient shipwreck that dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. has been removed from waters off Spain, two decades after its discovery in 1994.
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Sustainable gift-giving: How to reduce waste
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. creates nearly 6 billion tons more waste in December than in other months. The nonprofit says about 25% of returned products end up in landfills. Sandra Goldmark, a circular economy expert and associate dean at the Columbia University Climate School, joins CBS News to share examples of sustainable, environmentally friendly gifts for everyone on your list.
Insurers pull back wildfire coverage
Increasingly intense wildfires have become more common in California, upending the lives of thousands. Many insurers are dwindling coverage options, leaving several homes in danger. Business Insider senior sustainability reporter Catherine Boudreau joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
U.S.
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Richard Parsons, executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at age 76
Richard Parsons was known as a skilled negotiator, a diplomat and a crisis manager.
NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day sets streaming viewership records
Baltimore's victory over Houston averaged 24.3 million viewers, while Kansas City's win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 million, according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen.
Passenger without ticket gets onto Delta flight from Seattle to Honolulu
A plane passenger taken into custody after boarding a Delta flight from Seattle to Hawaii without a boarding pass.
Judge rules that accuser in rape suit against Jay-Z, Combs can remain anonymous
A judge ruled that a woman who says she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs when she was 13 can proceed anonymously, for now, in her lawsuit against the rap moguls.
A hippopotamus for Christmas: Baby pygmy hippo born at Virginia zoo
Christmas came early for pygmy hippo parents at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia.
MoneyWatch
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Former Suzuki Motors CEO Osamu Suzuki dies at 94
Osamu Suzuki, the charismatic former boss of Japanese mini-vehicle maker Suzuki Motor Corp., has died.
Richard Parsons, executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at age 76
Richard Parsons was known as a skilled negotiator, a diplomat and a crisis manager.
NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day sets streaming viewership records
Baltimore's victory over Houston averaged 24.3 million viewers, while Kansas City's win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 million, according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen.
ChatGPT recovers after being hit by outages, OpenAI says
The OpenAI issue was caused by an "upstream provider," according to the artificial intelligence organization.
What to know about after-Christmas sales from Amazon, Walmart and more
Bargain hunters are busy amid seasonal discounts and "going out of business" sales by at least two retailing chains.
Politics
More Politics
Trump picks Miami-Dade commissioner as ambassador to Panama
Cabrera is county commissioner of District 6, which represents parts of Coral Gables, Hialeah and the City of Miami.
Biden heads to St. Croix for final holiday as president
President Biden's final holiday in office will take place largely out of the public eye.
What to know about the Panama Canal's history amid Trump comments
Here's what to know about the United States' involvement with building and operating the Panama Canal.
Marianne Williamson launches bid for DNC chair
Marianne Williamson sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and 2024.
Trial of man accused in Trump assassination attempt in Florida pushed back
Ryan Wesley Routh is being held in Miami awaiting trial in Fort Pierce.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Is multitasking a myth? Here's what research shows.
Busy lives have many of us juggling multiple tasks at once, but is that really multitasking? Here's what expert Linda Stone has learned about the myth of multitasking.
Why some children are turning to GLP-1 drugs
A growing number of young people are receiving prescriptions for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Janet Shamlian examines why.
Pet food brand issues recall over bird flu contamination
A voluntary recall was issued for a line of raw and frozen pet food after a cat died of bird flu.
FDA raises urgency of Costco egg recall
The FDA has raised the level of a Costco egg recall, warning of the risk of severe illness or death due to potential salmonella contamination. Over 10,000 cartons of Kirkland brand organic eggs sold at stores across the South are affected. Customers are urged to discard or return eggs marked with Julian code 327 and a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2025.
Expert tips to support your immune system
With flu levels rising, Dr. Rabia De Latour shares ways to support your immune system and stay healthy during the holidays.
World
More World
Former Suzuki Motors CEO Osamu Suzuki dies at 94
Osamu Suzuki, the charismatic former boss of Japanese mini-vehicle maker Suzuki Motor Corp., has died.
Scientists say people hit with 41 extra days of dangerous heat this year
Researchers say human-caused climate change dealt people an average of nearly six weeks of extra extreme heat in 2024, while also fueling more destructive storms.
Dozen skeletons found in hidden graves in Mexico near U.S. border
Authorities have found 12 skeletons buried in clandestine graves in Mexico's northern Chihuahua state near the U.S. border, officials say.
Experts doubt Russian claims of bird strike in Kazakhstan plane crash
Experts say evidence in the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan points to a possible midair explosion, not an encounter with a flock of birds.
South Korea's acting president impeached by opposition lawmakers
South Korea's opposition-controlled National Assembly voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo despite vehement protests by governing party lawmakers, further deepening the country's political crisis.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day sets streaming viewership records
Baltimore's victory over Houston averaged 24.3 million viewers, while Kansas City's win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 million, according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen.
Judge rules that accuser in rape suit against Jay-Z, Combs can remain anonymous
A judge ruled that a woman who says she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs when she was 13 can proceed anonymously, for now, in her lawsuit against the rap moguls.
"Baby Driver" actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies after falling from a moving vehicle
Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor known for his performance in the 2017 film "Baby Driver," died Dec. 21 in Alabama, authorities said.
Beyoncé's halftime show the highlight of a lackluster NFL Christmas slate
Beyoncé surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform "Sweet Honey Buckiin," and Post Malone joined her for "Levii's Jeans."
Angel Blue on Met role debut in "Aida" and Opera journey
Angel Blue, who was recently named Classical Music's "Vocalist of the Year," is set to perform the title role in "Aida" at the Metropolitan Opera. Known for her Grammy-winning performances, Blue will take the stage in New York beginning on Dec. 31. She joins "CBS Mornings Plus."
Technology
More Technology
ChatGPT recovers after being hit by outages, OpenAI says
The OpenAI issue was caused by an "upstream provider," according to the artificial intelligence organization.
AI features dominating tech heading into 2025
New artificial intelligence features appeared across the tech landscape this year, from the latest iPhone to chatbots like Google's Gemini. Adam Auriemma, the editor-in-chief at CNET, joins CBS News 24/7 with more.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Researchers develop robot to help people walk
A robotic exosuit may seem like science fiction, but a team of South Korean researchers is turning the concept into reality. CBS News' Leah Mishkin explains how the new tech is helping people with disabilities walk on their own.
Holiday shoppers on the lookout for big TVs
TVs are some of the most popular items to fly off store shelves during the holidays. But this year, experts say shoppers are going bigger than ever. CBS News' Jeff Wagner explains.
Science
More Science
These space missions will take off in 2025
Space agencies worldwide are gearing up missions in 2025 to expand humanity's horizons, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond.
Orca who carried her dead calf for 17 days has a new baby
Tahlequah has a newborn girl, years after she made headlines for carrying her dead calf for 17 days.
2,600-year-old shipwreck is raised from waters off Spain
An ancient shipwreck that dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. has been removed from waters off Spain, two decades after its discovery in 1994.
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Crime
More Crime
Dozen skeletons found in hidden graves in Mexico near U.S. border
Authorities have found 12 skeletons buried in clandestine graves in Mexico's northern Chihuahua state near the U.S. border, officials say.
Japan's "Black Widow" death row inmate dies at 78
Japanese death-row inmate Chisako Kakehi, dubbed the "Black Widow" after she used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers, has died in a detention center at age 78, officials say,
Florida pizza delivery worker allegedly stabs pregnant customer after $2 tip
A pizza delivery worker, upset over a tip, allegedly repeatedly stabbed a pregnant woman at a Florida motel, a sheriff's office says.
Trump assassination attempt news
Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump near his Florida golf course, could have his trial delayed as his lawyer mounts a legal defense. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the latest developments.
3 shot, 1 stabbed in Christmas night dispute at Phoenix airport, police say
Gunfire at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Christmas night left three people wounded, police say. Another was stabbed. One was in critical condition.
Space
More Space
These space missions will take off in 2025
Space agencies worldwide are gearing up missions in 2025 to expand humanity's horizons, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond.
Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Weather impacts holiday travelers
Across the country, some major airports face weather delays as Christmas travelers head home. With storms sweeping the South, Texas is expected to be hit the hardest. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry has the latest.
Virginia toy library takes on the toy waste issue
The Toy Nest in Falls Church, Virginia, is a toy library that works on a membership program. The moms who buy-in say it allows them to cut down on toy waste, while saving money and adding variety. Natalie Brand explains how the novel idea works.
The negative repercussions of multitasking
Research suggests the human brain is not wired to multitask on complicated tasks, and experts say it can cause more damage to our wellbeing than we realize. Dr. Jon LaPook explains.
Trump's "border czar" on migrant detention plans
Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump's incoming "border czar," told the Washington Post in an interview this week that Trump's new administration plans to revive the controversial practice of detaining migrant families and giving undocumented parents the choice of leaving their U.S.-born children behind or having the children deported with them. Lilia Luciano reports.
How shippers handle the holiday gift return rush
At a FedEx shipping hub in Anchorage, Alaska, employees can sort up to 80,000 packages a day during the holidays. And as they're dealing with a last wave of Christmas gifts getting ready to ship out this week, they're also dealing with a new wave of gifts that are being returned. Kris Van Cleave takes an inside look at the process.