Latest Stories — Environment

Editorial package on the Environment page of nationalgeographic.com

Stories: How Volcanoes Helped Forge America’s Newest National Park — Here’s what to know about the new park’s fascinating geologic history—and how this “sky island” shaped the incredible biodiversity of this corner of southeastern Arizona.; Searching the Seabed for Florida’s Ice Age Societies — Thousands of years ago, Florida’s coastline extended as much as 100 miles out beyond its present edge. Artifacts from that early era are now hidden underwater from Texas to Florida—and they could help settle major debates about when humans arrived in America.; A Marine Scientist Explains Why She Eats Octopus—But Not Farmed Salmon — Conservationist Christina Hicks says some fishing practices harm the environment, while others keep oceans healthy.; As Lake Powell Dries Up, Mud Threatens Its Future — Lake Powell’s retreat is revealing a lost world covered in deep piles of sedimentary sludge. A group of adventurers and scientists are teaming up to explore its resurrected canyons, and reveal the fate of this critical reservoir.; Tourist Trash Has Done Weird Things to Yellowstone's Thermal Pools — For over a century, tourists have discarded objects into the park’s hydrothermal features. Park staff try to remove as much as they can. But sometimes, the litter leaves a lasting impact.