A recent study by researchers at the University of Plymouth, UK, has found that a portion of the world’s oceans have darkened from 2003 to 2022. This is concerning because marine life depends on light for hunting, migration, and reproduction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been publishing annual reports on world health statistics since 2005, with a focus on health-related sustainable development goals (SDGs) since 2016. WHO’s 2025 report focuses on global healthy life expectancy (HALE), prevalence of infectious diseases, and health risk factors (such as malnutrition, tobacco use, and air pollution). Below are some key findings from the report. Data in tabulated form is also available.

Whether a resident or visitor to the US, air pollution—including particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and the like—is a concern given its potential health and environmental impacts. The American Lung Association released its annual "State of the Air" report that highlights particulate matter and ozone pollution data in the US, by county and city from 2021 to 2023. Below are key findings from the report.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought—held each year on June 17—was designated in 1994 by the UN. The day “raises awareness and promotes solutions to desertification, land degradation and drought.” Desertification, or land degradation in dry areas often leading to deserts, has potential impacts on biodiversity, human poverty, reduction of soil fertility and agricultural production, and increase in water scarcity.

It’s that time of year when flowers bloom and pollen fills the air, causing many to suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis).