Ari Daniel Shapiro

The Great Artesian Basin, which provides drinking water to many communities in the Outback, comes to the surface nearly boiling and stinking of rotten eggs, yet it is a life-giving resource in an unforgiving environment.

Australia’s koala population has been hit hard by two rapidly spreading diseases: chlamydia (a sexually transmitted infection) and a retrovirus similar to HIV. Scientists are working to develop vaccines, while lay citizens help care for sick koalas.

Discarded chewing gum is a common eyesore, and removing it from city streets and sidewalks can be costly. A Mexican congressman wants to solve the problem by borrowing a concept widely used in environmental regulation: making the polluters pay.

When it’s spring again, millions of tulips bloom across the Dutch landscape, and new hybrids in a myriad colors are being created every year.

In the waters off Spain’s Mediterranean coast, scientists and fishermen are working together to try to save sea grass, which is a key player in the local marine ecosystem.