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).

In March, the World Meteorological Organization released the 2025 edition of the State of the Global Climate Report for the 2023/2024 year. The report highlights key indicators—such as atmospheric carbon dioxide, ocean heat content, and global mean sea level—pertaining to global climate. Below are some key findings from the report.

We only have one planet—Earth—called home, though it’s easy to take for granted the alignment of factors that make sustaining life here possible. As the search for extrasolar planets (exoplanets) advances, below are some facts of potentially habitable exoplanets and how they compare with Earth.