International

"Long recognized as a laggard on climate, Australia does little to burnish its image with a meek plan to reduce emissions."

"Last September, the remote community of Point Lay on Alaska’s North Slope became the focus of headline news when a staggering 35,000 walruses crowded onto the shore nearby. And now, some scientists are saying a similar event could happen this summer — in fact, any time now."

"A proposed regulation would prohibit imports from foreign fisheries that do not meet U.S. standards for protecting whales and dolphins under the Marine Mammal Protection Act."

"Scientists have identified a new problem for amphibians, which are already shrinking in numbers: A parasite is infesting tadpoles worldwide."

"A global oil glut has tanked prices and cut profits — so why won’t Shell give up on the north?"

"Humpback whales don't just sing songs — they compose with the whales around them, singing a song that evolves over time. Scientists didn't know that until they started recording whale sounds in the 1960s and spent years listening."

"Millions of people around the world are experiencing a scorching summer, as records are broken and thermostats climb this week in parts of Europe. Temperatures in Paris and Brussels exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit at a time of year when 70-degree weather is the norm, according to Accuweather.com."

"Dolphins tend to strike a deep emotional chord in many people who encounter them. Famous for their intelligence and physical ability, there have been reports that the marine mammals have come to the rescue of humans at sea."

"United Nations' Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon applauded the Obama administration's power plant rule at a visit to the White House on Tuesday."

"PARIS -- Glaciers worldwide have shrunk to levels not seen in 120 years of record-keeping, with melting accelerating in the first decade of the 21st century, according to a study released yesterday."