'The obsession with endless growth can only end in tears': your questions on extreme weather this summer answered

Extreme weather supercharged by the climate crisis is fuelling an explosive wildfire season in Europe and extreme rainfall across Asia this summer. Jonathan Watts said, "The climate and nature crises are the greatest threats humanity has faced." Many media organisations downplay this, even as global heating makes these events worse.

A man spent 52 winters recording snowfall by hand in Colorado. His notebooks now help scientists track climate change

Billy Barr spent 52 winters recording daily snowfall by hand in Colorado’s Gunnison National Forest. He started these observations in 1974 from his off-grid cabin. Scientists now use his detailed notes to track climate change. Ian Billick said, "Barr has created a baseline of understanding" for many important studies.

Whale sightings 'vanish' as starving seabirds wash ashore: Is our ocean ecosystem in 'crisis'?

In late June, humpback whale sightings in southwest Western Australia fell 60% below normal. A week later, birdwatchers on the east coast spotted weak Southern Ocean seabirds thousands of kilometres away. Researchers said these events show that marine heat waves are pushing marine life off course and disrupting food webs.

This 'climbing' fish is a natural wonder—and seeing it hunt in the trees is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The tambaqui fish in the Amazon Basin jump to eat fruit from trees during the flood season between December and May. These fish swim among submerged branches to reach food. Scientists say, "these fish are some of the Amazon's most important seed dispersers," helping the forest grow and survive.

The battle for water on Berlin's doorstep

Tesla and Red Bull are expanding as Brandenburg grows drier. A planned copper mine is raising new concerns about water scarcity in Germany. As groundwater levels fell, farmers and foresters faced pressure. Now, the region faces a tough choice on who gets priority for water between industry and local communities.

Country diary: Down an old lead mine, an explosion of colour | Susie White

Susie White explored the abandoned Tynebottom mine in Garrigill, Cumbria, discovering vivid mineral colours and rare cave pearls. She joined a group of artists to study the site for an upcoming exhibition. The group pushed through hidden entrances to see stalactites and calcified fungi before they finally headed back home.

A $10,000 gamble in the 70s created a 'living shield'—now 3,500 hectares of forest protect Kalgoorlie forever.

Kalgoorlie used a $10,000 grant to plant saplings and stabilise mine waste in the 1970s. This effort created 3,500 hectares of forest that still shield the city from dust storms today. Long-time local Doug Daws said, "people would hear the wind approaching and rush to shut every window and door."