No. 87, July 3, 2019

Hello Revelator readers,

In Australia koala populations have dropped so badly, due to climate change and other threats, that some experts now say the species might be approaching "functional extinction." But don't give up hope yet — dedicated conservationists are working hard on new ways to save them.

Did you know the U.S. government routinely slaughters more than a million wild animals a year, including endangered species, to help the agricultural industry? Our latest essay shines a harsh light on the little-known USDA program called Wildlife Services.

What are you reading this summer? We've got the scoop on 13 new books covering a wide range of environmental issues, from climate change to plastic to wildlife coexistence. There's even a book or two for kids. Check out our summer reading list.

Subscriber bonus: The Wild 5

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

1. Japan has resumed commercial whaling for the first time in 30 years — even though almost no one in Japan still eats whale meat.

2. EPA enforcement of pollution violations has fallen to the lowest level in decades under the Trump administration — and the number of prosecutions keeps shrinking every month.

3. Oregon's Republican senators fled the state last month rather than vote on a key climate-change bill. Now Gov. Kate Brown says she may use executive powers to push the cap-and-trade legislation.

4. Coal continues its decline. Two Wyoming coal mines closed this week after the owner filed for bankruptcy.

5. As we head into the Fourth of July holiday, here's a reminder that fireworks are an environmental nightmare.

In case you missed it:

Maine's Edwards Dam came tumbling down 20 years ago this week — and in the process kicked off the dam-removal movement.

What should we cover next?

Drop us a line anytime. We welcome your ideas and inside scoops.

Coming up:

Come back to the site on Friday for a look at what's killing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales — and something that might help them. After that, expect new articles and essays about flooding, coyotes, squid and a whole lot more.

Look for our links in next week's newsletter — or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the headlines as they go live. We share other interesting news there, too!

As always, thank you for reading.