Demand for water and energy, natural disasters and measuring carbon dioxide must be prioritised, leading institutions say

Forests may not help mitigate carbon dioxide pollution thanks to an uptick in CO2 emissions from decomposition

As higher levels of carbon dioxide permeate the Earth's atmosphere, scientists have long counted on forests -- which, as individual trees, grow larger in carbon-rich environments -- to soak up some of the excess.

But after nearly a decade and a half of observing forest ecosystems in controlled settings, scientists now see evidence that elevating carbon levels may cause forests to release as much extra carbon as they absorb.

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Cleaned-up sewage is nobody’s first choice for drinking water.

But some parts of the world may not have much choice, especially if they have large or growing populations and limited fresh water. Parched communities from Singapore to the United States are coming to terms with the “toilet to tap” idea, aided by educational campaigns and careful marketing. (Do not call it “toilet to tap,” for starters.)