Topic: Jane Lubchenco

Conditions in Atlantic ripe for big 2011 hurricane season, US says

2011 will be another above-average year for Atlantic hurricanes, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Plan your evacuation strategy now, warns FEMA.

Oil spill report sketches anatomy of a flawed US response in Gulf

A presidential commission assessing the US response to the Gulf oil spill identifies flaws in the White House reaction. It finds that the government acted at times either incompetently or without candor.

Static kill plugs Gulf oil spill leak, but much work remains

Static kill: BPs efforts to plug the leak seem to have worked, but it's still too early to declare victory, officials say.

Gulf oil spill: Where has the oil gone?

Since BP capped its ruptured well, the Gulf oil spill has shrunk dramatically. The Gulf itself is breaking down the oil at top speed, but past spills indicate the effects could linger for decades.

BP oil spill spreads toward Pensacola, as wildlife toll rises

The BP oil spill is moving eastward, threatening beaches like Pensacola, Fla., as oil balls wash ashore and Gulf animals die at unusually high rates.

Active hurricane season ahead: too soon to tell oil spill's impact

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its hurricane season forecast Thursday, acknowledging that oil released by the BP Gulf oil spill could come into play if not cleaned up.

US analysts expect at least seven Atlantic hurricanes this season

The US government weather analysts announced Thursday they expect at least seven Atlantic hurricanes this season, with a handful of Category 3 storms being produced.

EPA scolds BP in Gulf oil spill: dispersant is too toxic, change it

After saying last week that it had no authority to tell BP which disperant to use for the Gulf oil spill, the EPA on Thursday told BP to switch dispersants to one that is less toxic.

Gulf oil spill targets Florida beaches as it nears loop current

New forecasts suggest that the loop current could carry the Gulf oil spill to Florida beaches within the next eight to 10 days. After that, it could reach the Atlantic Ocean.

Gulf oil spill: Has BP 'turned corner' with siphon success?

BP says its siphon is collecting one-fifth of the oil leaking into the Gulf of Mexico. But questions linger over BP's use of underwater dispersants in the Gulf oil spill.

In Gulf oil spill, how helpful – or damaging – are dispersants?

The one BP is using to break up the Gulf oil spill has been approved by the EPA. But it's an older mixture that contains toxic ingredients, and it's not among the top tier of recommended dispersants.

Death of coral reefs could devastate nations

As studies predict that vital coral reefs are headed for extinction worldwide, experts say hunger, poverty, and political instability could ensue.

What's behind record flood predictions?

Heavy autumn rains, a wet winter, and an El Niño-induced wet spring could bring record floods to parts of the US, forecasters say.

As Climate Change debate wages on, scientists turn to Hollywood for help

Politicians and the public question global climate change evidence, so scientists look to Hollywood and websites for a new voice. Lights, camera, science!

Obama, science, and a new team in Washington

Obama radio address: Technology key to planet's survival

Ocean 'dead zones' growing

Dead zones – areas of oxygen-depleted bottom waters – are spreading at an alarming rate in coastal waters, killing off huge amounts of marine life, a new study has found.