At a Glance The increased speed and fragility of sea ice off Alaska's coasts is having an adverse effect on polar bears.A new study documents how they have to expend more energy to stay within their preferred habitat. The movement of sea ice off Alaska's coasts is accelerating due to global warming, with unfortunate consequences for polar bears, according to a new study. Because most sea ice shifts throughout the year, polar bears are constantly on the move in order...

Wind turbines are seen on Ince Salt Marshes near chemical and manufacturing plants on the River Mersey estuary on Nov. 7, 2016, in Runcorn, England. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) At a Glance Europe's windy conditions this week created a surplus of renewable energy, officials said.The energy-generating winds were produced from a fairly strong low-pressure system.Around 2 percent of Europe's total energy supply was being provided by offshore wind. The wind has been fierce in Europe over the past several days. So...

A power plant on Missouri side of Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. (Denise Panyik-Dale/Getty Images) At a Glance Factories that produce air pollution, along with soot and heavy metals, tend to be built near downwind borders.Local and state politics play a role.In choosing a site, corporations want to find locations where they will get less political blowback, study notes. Toxic, air-polluting factories have been systematically builtat state borders so neighboring downwind states receive the brunt of the pollution, a recent...