Climate
You're Not Ready
The Texting Network for the End of the World
Everyone knows what it’s like to lose cell service. A burgeoning open source project called Meshtastic is filling the gap for when you’re in the middle of nowhere—or when disaster strikes.
Andrew Couts and Dhruv Mehrotra
Hurricane Season
FEMA Has Canceled Its 4-Year Strategic Plan Ahead of Hurricane Season
Molly Taft and Vittoria Elliott
Emissions
Dismantling NOAA Threatens the World’s Ability to Monitor Carbon Dioxide Levels
Eric Morgan and Ralph Keeling
Regulations and Solutions
The Best Portable Power Stations
Whether you're going off-grid or safeguarding against blackouts, these beefy, WIRED-tested batteries can keep the lights on.
Simon Hill and Scott Gilbertson
How to Prepare for a Climate Disaster in Trump’s America
Here’s how to find reliable information and keep safe during the summer heat and hurricane season following the unprecedented cuts at federal agencies.
Molly Taft
Analysts Say Trump Trade Wars Would Harm the Entire US Energy Sector, From Oil to Solar
US renewables stand to lose big in a trade war, but the sting extends to oil and other energy industries, say researchers from Wood Mackenzie.
Dan Gearino
Want to Claim the Solar Tax Credit? Get Installing Now
For anyone in the US who can afford to go solar, “now would be the time,” because House Republicans want to end federal tax credits that make it affordable.
Tik Root
Oceans and Waterways
The Best Reusable Water Bottles That Aren’t Stanley Cups
Stay hydrated in style and cut down on single-use plastic with our favorite bottles—now updated with information on lead.
Boutayna Chokrane
The EPA Is Giving Some Forever Chemicals a Pass
Last year, the Biden administration set limits on PFAS in drinking water systems. Donald Trump’s EPA is planning to dramatically soften that rule.
Molly Taft
Smeg’s New SKC01 Soda Maker Offers Beauty and Bubbles
Bring some Italian style to your acqua frizzante, even if it is made out of plastic.
Chris Haslam
This Artificial Wetland Is Reusing Wastewater to Revive a Lost Ecosystem
Las Arenitas is an artificial oasis that recycles used water from the border city of Mexicali to regenerate ecosystems in the Colorado River delta.
Geraldine Castro
Extreme Heat
13 Good N95, KF94, and KN95 Face Masks to Buy Right Now
Wildfire season is coming. Here are the best disposable face coverings we’ve tested—and where you can find them.
Lisa Wood Shapiro
FEMA Isn’t Ready for Disaster Season, Workers Say
Instability, cuts, and a looming sense of dread have FEMA employees unsure the agency is ready for hurricanes, fires, and floods. “We are being set up for a really, really bad situation," says one.
Molly Taft
Wildfires Are One of Hurricane Helene’s Lasting Legacies
A number of fires broke out in the Southeastern US last week. Hurricane-downed trees may have helped fuel the flames, experts say.
Kiley Price
The Extreme Weather Conditions That Drove the Carolina Wildfires
The wildfires in the Carolinas have followed months of whiplash weather—drought, followed by hurricane-fueled floods, and then more drought.
Lauren Lowman and Nick Corak
More Stories
Global Warning
The Climate Crisis Threatens Supply Chains. Manufacturers Hope AI Can Help
Chris Baraniuk
Heat Stress
As Summer Approaches, Federal Cuts Threaten Program to Keep Vulnerable People Cool
Naveena Sadasivam
Takeover
This DOGE Engineer Has Access to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Tim Marchman and Matt Giles
Digital Culture
How an Indie Studio Got 400-Plus Games Into a $10 Bundle to Help LA Fire Victims
Megan Farokhmanesh