No. 57, Dec. 6, 2018

Hello Revelator readers,

There are still amazing animals left to discover in the world. This week researchers announced the discovery of a previously unknown two-foot-long salamander species native to the American Southeast. The existence of this massive creature has actually been rumored for years, but now it's finally been found — perhaps just in time. Read all about the gigantic reticulated siren salamander and the potential threats it faces.

Do journalists do a good enough job covering the threats of climate change? Our latest essay comes from veteran reporter Daniel Grossman, who writes that it's time to sound the alarm more loudly than ever. Just as importantly, he also shows why it's vital that we look at potential solutions with a critical eye.

What are you reading this month? Check out our list of the eight best environmental books coming out in December, covering everything from polar bears to sea otters to Abraham Lincoln's environmental legacy. Oh, and actor Ryan Gosling appears on the list as a contributor to a powerful book about the Congo.

An update:

We've talked a lot this past year about how Florida fishing laws have failed threatened sharks. Well, here's some good news: Florida just proposed some important solutions.

Subscriber bonus: The Wild 5

Let's go a little deeper. Here are five additional stories we're watching this week.

1. Global climate talks kicked off in coal-friendly Poland. Here are the key questions that world leaders will tackle.

2. Meanwhile back in the United States the drumbeat for a New Green Deal is getting louder.

3. A new report details how the Trump administration has systematically worked to suppress science, deny climate change and silence its own agency staff.

4. A recent move by the U.S. Supreme Court has watchers wondering if the court will weigh in on an issue with huge implications for the Clean Water Act.

5. Speaking, as we were, of amazing new creatures, meet Weewarrasaurus pobeni. The fossilized remains of this newly named dinosaur were just discovered in Australia preserved in opal.

What should we cover next?

Drop us a line anytime. We welcome your ideas and inside scoops as we gear up for 2019.

Coming up:

Come back to the site tomorrow for a look at two new threats to the incredibly important (but little known) "roadless rule."

Beyond that, we're hard at work on several new stories and essays, covering everything from wolves to bees to sustainable cities.

Look for links in next week's newsletter. If you don't want to wait that long, follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest headlines as they go live. And while you're on social media, we hope you'll share our stories with your friends.

That's it for this week. As always, thank you for reading.