Outdoor Living

4 ways wildfires generate tornadoes, lightning and other extreme weather, sometimes miles from the flames

A fire whirl, or fire tornado, rises from flames near Wofford Heights, Calif., in August 2021.
An atmospheric scientist explains the mechanics behind 4 types of extreme weather fueled by the smoke and the heat of wildfires.

10 surreal natural landscapes every Gen Z traveler should see

EF Ultimate Break reports that Gen Z and Millennial travelers prefer memorable outdoor experiences, highlighting 10 surreal landscapes to explore, from Santorini’s volcanic beaches to Machu Picchu.

Hunters, anglers and nearly everyone else supports the roadless rule

The roadless rule is the single most important regulation that benefits hunting and fishing in America. The rule has been in place for 25 years, a habitat-enhancing force of nature since I started hunting elk some 20 years ago, with nearly universal popularity from the start. As Trout Unlimited President and CEO Chris Wood explained, […]

Could you survive The Oregon Trail? An emergency medicine doctor offers tips on how to not die in the great outdoors

You might not die of dysentery on the trail these days, but there is still plenty of danger outdoors.

Medicine and technology may have advanced, but the dangers of the wilderness remain unchanged. The Oregon Trail game provides timeless tips on how to enjoy nature safely.

Enjoy Nature

Make the most of summer: How area repellents and a few simple habits can help keep mosquitoes from ruining the moment

(BPT) - This summer, Americans are embracing a slower pace, choosing simple outdoor moments closer to home over packed itineraries and expensive vacations. Recent data shows that 42% of homeowners[1] …

How much rain can a hurricane make, and does the storm size matter?

Storms big and small can produce a lot of rain. What matters most is how fast they’re moving, as an atmospheric scientist and educator explains.

Watching, modeling and even playing winter sports help students internalize physics concepts, including acceleration, momentum and friction.

Some of these ‘forever chemicals’ are toxic at very low levels. They can get into water systems and bioaccumulate in fish, ultimately posing risks to people.
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NJ data center emitted staggering amounts of air pollution for nearly a year before regulators intervened

Floodlight reports that a New Jersey data center emitted significant air pollution for nearly a year before regulators intervened, leading to a $1 million fine.
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What the history of blue baby syndrome tells us about today’s fight for clean water

Sentient reports that blue baby syndrome, linked to nitrate pollution from agriculture, shaped water safety regulations. 
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Not every home needs the same backup power. Here's how to determine the best home battery backup for you.

(BPT) - Are you thinking about adding a home backup system to your house in the form of a solar generator or portable power station? If not, it's a good idea to consider sooner rather than …
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What you need to know about the outage forecast before you buy power backup

(BPT) - Excited about Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days? How about finding deals that really matter, like backup power solutions for your home? More than 4 in 10 households have no generator, battery, …
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Could shellfish farming fix Florida's algal bloom problem?

Reasons to be Cheerful reports that shellfish farming could help combat Florida's harmful algal blooms by filtering water and improving quality through nutrient credit trading.
Top Travel Stories
Engine reports that airfares in the U.S. rose nearly 16% from April to June 2026, with Detroit seeing the largest increase at 25%.
Read more.
Vrbo reports that travelers are shifting towards college towns and lakeside destinations, with notable interest in places like Bentonville and Winnipeg.
Read more.
Engine reports new federal per diem rates for lodging took effect on Oct. 1, 2026, with Aurora, CO seeing 96% of hotel rates under the cap.
Read more.
Green Living Stories
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Could plastic-eating robots clean up our oceans?

Reasons to be Cheerful reports on autonomous plastic-eating robots in cities worldwide led by The Ocean Cleanup which aims to remove 90% of ocean plastic by 2040, utilizing interceptors while facing challenges like biodiversity impact and microplastics.
A rescued Florida panther, one of fewer than 300 of the endangered big cats alive today, is released into the wild.

3 iconic animals show the value of the US Endangered Species Act – and the harm in stripping it away

The stories of a whale, a panther and a butterfly help explain why new interpretations of the Endangered Species Act could be catastrophic for species’ survival.
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Power out? Here's how to keep your fridge on

(BPT) - If you've ever endured a power outage for any length of time, you know what a hassle it is. And one of the biggest issues? The loss of food and/or medications in your fridge and freezer. What …
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Canada’s sustainable finance taxonomy: What it is, what is happening, and what’s coming next

Future of Good reports on Canada's sustainable finance taxonomy aimed at ensuring credible "green" investments as the country seeks $115 billion for net-zero targets by 2050.
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The Louisiana fishermen refusing to go down with the ship

Atmos reports on Louisiana fishermen struggling against the impacts of a massive LNG plant in Cameron, which destroys their fishing grounds and livelihoods.
Outdoor adventures and information
Podcast

All about thru-hiking

Backpacker Radio is a podcast all about thru-hiking. Topics include hiking news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.

Podcast

Exploring rural America

The Bear Grease Podcast with host Clay Newcomb delivers compelling storytelling through documentary-style episodes exploring the culture, traditions, and history of rural America.

Podcast

Outside storytelling

Outside’s longstanding literary storytelling tradition comes to life in audio with features that will both entertain and inform listeners. We launched in March 2016 with our first series, …