Environmental Studies

A new study reports that higher air pollution levels are associated with slower finishing times across the six World Marathon Majors, including Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Tokyo. The findings suggest poor air quality measurably affects elite and amateur runners' performance on race day, adding an environmental dimension to debates over race scheduling and urban air standards.

The International Press Institute has published a report examining gaps in public access to climate and environmental information across six African countries. The study maps how well citizens can obtain data on climate issues, highlighting shortcomings in transparency and information availability. It adds to ongoing debate about environmental accountability and press freedom in the region.

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio report that primary teeth of children with autism show a broad range of chemical exposures, suggesting teeth can serve as a record of environmental exposures during early development. The findings add to ongoing research into environmental factors associated with autism, though the study does not establish that the chemicals caused the condition.

Federal regulators have finalized the environmental impact study for the proposed expansion of the Sabine Pass liquefied natural gas export facility on the Louisiana-Texas coast. The completion of the environmental review is a key step toward a final decision on the expansion, which would boost US LNG export capacity. The project is significant for global energy markets amid ongoing demand for American natural gas.

New research suggests that major climate shifts triggered rare, rapid bursts of evolution in bird species, driving the diversity seen today. According to the findings, periods of environmental change pushed birds into adaptive surges rather than gradual transformation. The study is drawing attention as an example of how climate change can reshape life on Earth over deep time.

A new study finds that shoppers value healthier and more environmentally friendly foods when asked, but their actual purchases still favour meat. The findings point to a persistent gap between consumers' stated preferences and their real buying behaviour, with taste, price and habit continuing to outweigh health and sustainability concerns at the point of sale.

Volunteers known as 'Rat Rangers' in Washington, DC are leading evening walks through alleys to teach residents that better sanitation is the key to rodent control. Around two dozen neighbors learn about rat biology and the damage caused by poison. The group formed after a 2024 study found rodenticides in local wildlife, prompting a push for non-chemical solutions.

Clemson University researchers are launching a project that will use artificial intelligence to study how plant cells respond to stress. The initiative aims to apply machine learning tools to understand cellular reactions to environmental pressures, potentially aiding agricultural research and crop resilience. Details on funding and partners were not included in the announcement.

A new study examines radon pollution in New Mexico's oil-producing regions, with a particular focus on natural gas flares as a source of concern. The research adds to ongoing scrutiny of air quality and health risks in the Permian Basin area, where oil and gas development has expanded rapidly. Findings are drawing attention to the environmental and public health impact of drilling operations.

Residents of Bengaluru are calling for an environmental impact assessment of the proposed Hebbal tunnel project before it moves forward. The demand, reported by Deccan Herald, reflects concern that the large infrastructure work could affect the ecologically sensitive Hebbal lake area and surrounding neighbourhoods, and citizens want environmental safeguards studied ahead of construction.

Georgetown County is weighing a dredging project at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, that could deliver an economic boost by improving navigation for boats and supporting tourism and fishing. Officials say they first want a full picture of the environmental consequences, including effects on wetlands and marine habitats, before committing to the work.

West Bengal's higher secondary students took the Environmental Studies semester-3 exam on September 29, 2026, with answer keys and question paper solutions circulating among students and teachers preparing for evaluation. Live coverage of the EVS paper drew strong engagement from Class 12 candidates under the WBCHSE semester system, who are checking answers and assessing how they performed ahead of results.

The Pinelands in Burlington County, New Jersey, will be the focus of a new climate change study. The research is expected to examine how the region's unique pine barrens ecosystem is being affected by shifting climate conditions. Local officials and environmental advocates are watching closely, as the Pinelands is a protected area of ecological significance in the state.

Students preparing for the Higher Secondary third semester Environmental Studies exam are sharing suggested questions and model papers ahead of the 2026-2027 assessment cycle. Coaching centres are circulating expected question papers for Class 12 semester 3 EVS, and learners are using them to focus revision on likely topics as the semester exams approach.

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center scientists deliberately flood a forest in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, every summer as part of a long-running experiment. By pumping water into the wetland forest, researchers simulate sea-level rise to study how coastal ecosystems and carbon storage respond to climate change. The unusual project draws attention for its hands-on approach to understanding what rising seas will do to Maryland's tidal forests.

A new study concludes that the proposed Clark Ranch development near Park City, Utah, would permanently displace some wildlife in the area. The finding adds an environmental dimension to local debate over the project, as residents and officials weigh the development's housing and economic benefits against its lasting impact on animal habitats in the region.

A Tulane University researcher has been awarded a $3.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study how heat and wildfire smoke exposure may be linked to autism risk. The funding will support research into environmental factors that could contribute to the condition, a topic of growing scientific and public interest as climate change intensifies heatwaves and wildfires across the United States.

French utility EDF has deployed a floating platform designed to carry out environmental studies at sea. The platform is intended to support marine monitoring work, likely in connection with offshore energy projects. Details about its location, duration and specific research objectives have not been disclosed. Environmental monitoring of this kind is commonly required ahead of offshore wind developments.

A new study reports that pastoralist communities in Uganda are increasingly relying on wild plants to cope with food shortages. Researchers say the shift highlights how climate pressures and declining livestock livelihoods are pushing herders to forage for alternative food sources. The findings raise concerns about food security and nutrition in Uganda's pastoral regions, where drought and environmental change continue to disrupt traditional ways of life.