Scientists say weather extremes from drought to heavy rains will have an effect on Midwest drinking water. (mniebuhr/Getty Images) A weather phenomenon thought to be caused by global climate change, dubbed "weather whiplash," will likely deteriorate the quality of drinking water across the Midwest and drive up the cost for consumers, a new study says. Weather whiplash is a term used to describe the abruptvacillation between drought and heavy rains in an area, triggered by. These extremes are thought to...

At a Glance A USGS biologist spotted a small algae bloom on Florida's Lake Okeechobee this week.Some scientists are concerned that it might mean a repeat of last year's disastrous algae bloom that closed beaches along Florida's coast.But others say it's too early to tell. Scientists are concerned that a small, blue-green algae bloom spotted this weekin Florida's Lake Okeechobee could mean a repeat of last summer's emergency that killedmarine life and closed beaches along the state'sAtlantic coast. Barry Rosen,...

At a Glance Colombia's president says climate change was to blame for a landslide that killed at least 270 over the weekend.Other officials believe deforestation was also a factor in the deadly slide. As the town of Mocoa, Colombia, continues to find bodies from a devastating flood and landslide that killed at least 270 over the weekend, the country's president has said climate change is fully to blame for the disaster. Juan Manuel Santos said one-third of the area's average...