Atmos

Climate and Culture

The Fertile Spoil: Notes on Decomposition Welcome to The Overview newsletter, a weekly meditation on nature from Editor-in-Chief Willow Defebaugh.

Still from Ghost of Yotei video game.

Still from Ghost of Yotei video game.

This Year’s Most Anticipated Video Game Is an Homage—and Elegy—to Nature Nature in Ghost of Yōtei is more than a backdrop. This rugged and beautiful scenery is a character with its own powerful story.

Art & Culture Science & Nature

A powerline falls amid a storm.

A powerline falls amid a storm.

Twin Disasters Are Leaving Forecasters in the Lurch Hurricane season and the government shutdown are testing Trump’s cuts at the National Weather Service.

The Understory Democracy

A bee sucks nectar from a flower.

A bee sucks nectar from a flower.

The Most Essential Worker in History Has Never Been Paid Every profit, every paycheck, rests on nature’s invisible labor. From mangroves to rainforests, it’s time to compensate ecosystems.

Science & Nature Anthropocene

The crashing waves of the ocean.

The crashing waves of the ocean.

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson on Why the Ocean Is a Very Big Deal The marine biologist co-hosted Atmos’ Blue Renaissance event during Climate Week NYC. She adapted her remarks for the op-ed below.

Ocean Life Points of View

Volume 11: Micro/Macro

Our universe is an endless series of worlds within worlds. This issue looks at patterns, systems, and size with stories that examine local and global theories of change, the scalability of solutions, invisible lifeforms and giant megafauna, and the role of micro actors in shaping macro systems.

Close-up of a white praying mantis perched near a human eye with glitter, featured on the cover of Atmos magazine, Volume 8, titled

Cover of Atmos magazine featuring a heart-shaped nebula against a star-filled space background. The text reads Atmos, MICRO/MACRO, and a quote about reclaiming the night sky is at the bottom.

A woman in a yellow dress gently embraces a child outdoors, both with eyes closed, conveying comfort and warmth. The image is featured on the cover of Atmos magazine, with trees blurred in the background.

A group of sperm whales swim gracefully underwater in deep blue ocean. The magazine cover reads Atmos, with the theme Micro/Macro and a quote about the ocean’s wonder and stewardship at the bottom.

A winding river cuts through steep canyon walls under a clear sky, featured on the cover of Atmos magazine Volume 11, titled

A tranquil lake with old wooden posts, rocky shore, and a misty, lenticular cloud-capped mountain in the background at dusk; the scene is featured on the cover of Atmos magazine, Volume 11, titled Micro/Macro.

A person holds a large seashell against their bare torso underwater, with sunlight creating ripples and reflections. The cover text reads Atmos: Climate and Culture, Micro/Macro, Volume 11, 2023.

Cover of Atmos magazine, Volume 11, showing stones casting long shadows on a wooden surface with the words MICRO/MACRO at the center. Issue theme focuses on climate and culture, dated 2023.

A tower made out of playing cards.

A tower made out of playing cards.

The Climate Casino: Inside the Markets Betting on Our Planet’s Future What began as a hobby has exploded into a multimillion-dollar market. From heat waves to hurricanes, traders are wagering on the climate.

Art & Culture Anthropocene

Several sheep graze along a pasture filled with solar panels.

Several sheep graze along a pasture filled with solar panels.

‘It’s Such a Blessing’: The Farmers Embracing Solar Arrays From summer squash to sheep’s wool, a variety of agricultural products may grow better beneath an awning of solar panels.

Climate Solutions Future of Food

A blue constellation

A blue constellation

Constellations Below: Lessons From Undersea Bioluminescence Hope, like bioluminescence, reveals itself only when we're moved to action.

The Overview Deep Ecology

A multicolored leaf

A multicolored leaf

‘We Are Part of Nature’: Inside the Rise of Hikrodosing Atmos joins a mushroom-infused microdose hike for an afternoon of psychedelics, reconnection with nature, and crystal harps.

Science & Nature Well Being

“Small Is All”: adrienne maree brown on Unlocking Everyday Magic

Podcast Episode 5

“Small Is All”: adrienne maree brown on Unlocking Everyday Magic

The latest episode of our new podcast explores alchemy, witchcraft as resistance, and the magic of small, everyday acts.

Can the Courtroom Save the Climate?

Can the Courtroom Save the Climate?

Can the Courtroom Save the Climate? Injunctions and other legal wins are just the start.

Democracy The Understory

blue hand against a green and black background

blue hand against a green and black background

Could Weakening Environmental Law Actually Strengthen Climate Action? Experts are divided over the SPEED Act, which aims to expedite climate action, counterintuitively, by eroding environmental law.

Democracy Climate Solutions

For Climate Week, Atmos Celebrates the ‘Blue Renaissance’ of the Ocean

For Climate Week, Atmos Celebrates the ‘Blue Renaissance’ of the Ocean

For Climate Week, Atmos Celebrates the ‘Blue Renaissance’ of the Ocean At Climate Week 2025 in New York City, Atmos honored the ocean with a night of art, storytelling, and solutions.

Ocean Life Science & Nature

A person takes a photo of a mountain landscape.

A person takes a photo of a mountain landscape.

Can Tourism Help Save the Places It Endangers? Travel is booming—and straining ecosystems. Activist tourism promises a fix, from reef cleanups to elephant care.

Science & Nature Climate Solutions

The BIOME

Join our membership community. Support our work, receive a complimentary subscription to Atmos Magazine, and more.

Flies cover an illustration of a human body.

Flies cover an illustration of a human body.

How To Be a Better Parasite Lessons on living sustainably from nature’s most exploitative species.

Science & Nature

In Photos: How Urban Encroachment Is Changing Life In Makharda

In Photos: How Urban Encroachment Is Changing Life In Makharda

In Photos: How Urban Encroachment Is Changing Life In Makharda Set in West Bengal, photographer Bharat Sikka’s latest project highlights the changing landscape of an Indian township.

Identity & Community Photography

Miranda Green

Miranda Green

Get to Know Miranda Green, Author of New Atmos Newsletter ‘The Understory’ The award-winning journalist investigates the people, choices, and backstories behind today's climate headlines.

Changemakers Democracy

a group of kids raising fists outside a courthouse

a group of kids raising fists outside a courthouse

The Youth Activists Suing Trump Are Fighting Climate Change and Authoritarianism Lighthiser v. Trump challenges the president’s energy policy while testing the limits of executive overreach.

Democracy Movement Building

In Honor of the Ocean

The ocean sustains life, inspires wonder, and connects us all—celebrating it means honoring the vast blue heart of our planet.

Multicolor water by Michael James Fox

Multicolor water by Michael James Fox

Toxic Waters Ocean explorer Danni Washington dives into the parallels between the poisoning of our world’s waters to the toxicity of systemic racism.

Environmental Justice Ocean Life

A pink flower sparkles in the shadows.

A pink flower sparkles in the shadows.

Six Simple Ways to Spend More Time by the Water In an excerpt from her new book, Wonderment, writer Amber C. Snider outlines six ways to tune into the spiritual power of water.

Ocean Life Deep Ecology

The sunlight hits the surface of a body of water, with seaweed floating on top.

The sunlight hits the surface of a body of water, with seaweed floating on top.

I’ve Been to the Year 3000. Not Much Has Changed, but They Lived Underwater. Even if fossil fuel emissions cease tomorrow, ocean heat and sea levels will continue to climb well past the next millennium.

Ocean Life Anthropocene

For Black Archaeologists, the Atlantic Ocean is an Ancestral Graveyard

For Black Archaeologists, the Atlantic Ocean is an Ancestral Graveyard

For Black Archaeologists, the Atlantic Ocean is an Ancestral Graveyard For Black maritime archeologists the Atlantic Ocean presents an opportunity to excavate ancestral memory and pave future possibilities.

Environmental Justice Ocean Life

Sea Change: Behind Bahama’s Plastic Ban

Sea Change: Behind Bahama’s Plastic Ban

Sea Change: Behind Bahama’s Plastic Ban Kristal Ambrose is the woman behind Bahama's ban on single-use plastics. Her work, however, is only getting started.

The Frontline Changemakers

Youth environmental protest sign by Max Moinan

Youth environmental protest sign by Max Moinan

“Ode To Our Ocean” Amanda Gorman writes "Ode To Our Ocean," a poem that illustrates how connected we are to the ocean—and why we're trying to save it.

Ocean Life

Ocean Conservation for La Gente

Ocean Conservation for La Gente

Ocean Conservation for La Gente For Latine Heritage Month, The Frontline highlights Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, founder of Latine-focused marine conservation group Azul.

The Frontline Identity & Community

In Honor of the Ocean

The ocean sustains life, inspires wonder, and connects us all—celebrating it means honoring the vast blue heart of our planet.

Multicolor water by Michael James Fox

Multicolor water by Michael James Fox

Toxic Waters Ocean explorer Danni Washington dives into the parallels between the poisoning of our world’s waters to the toxicity of systemic racism.

Environmental Justice Ocean Life

A pink flower sparkles in the shadows.

A pink flower sparkles in the shadows.

Six Simple Ways to Spend More Time by the Water In an excerpt from her new book, Wonderment, writer Amber C. Snider outlines six ways to tune into the spiritual power of water.

Ocean Life Deep Ecology

The sunlight hits the surface of a body of water, with seaweed floating on top.

The sunlight hits the surface of a body of water, with seaweed floating on top.

I’ve Been to the Year 3000. Not Much Has Changed, but They Lived Underwater. Even if fossil fuel emissions cease tomorrow, ocean heat and sea levels will continue to climb well past the next millennium.

Ocean Life Anthropocene

For Black Archaeologists, the Atlantic Ocean is an Ancestral Graveyard

For Black Archaeologists, the Atlantic Ocean is an Ancestral Graveyard

For Black Archaeologists, the Atlantic Ocean is an Ancestral Graveyard For Black maritime archeologists the Atlantic Ocean presents an opportunity to excavate ancestral memory and pave future possibilities.

Environmental Justice Ocean Life

Sea Change: Behind Bahama’s Plastic Ban

Sea Change: Behind Bahama’s Plastic Ban

Sea Change: Behind Bahama’s Plastic Ban Kristal Ambrose is the woman behind Bahama's ban on single-use plastics. Her work, however, is only getting started.

The Frontline Changemakers

Youth environmental protest sign by Max Moinan

Youth environmental protest sign by Max Moinan

“Ode To Our Ocean” Amanda Gorman writes "Ode To Our Ocean," a poem that illustrates how connected we are to the ocean—and why we're trying to save it.

Ocean Life

Ocean Conservation for La Gente

Ocean Conservation for La Gente

Ocean Conservation for La Gente For Latine Heritage Month, The Frontline highlights Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, founder of Latine-focused marine conservation group Azul.

The Frontline Identity & Community

A feather that has been cut into three even sections lies vertically on a smooth wooden surface.

A feather that has been cut into three even sections lies vertically on a smooth wooden surface.

Breaking the Spell of Ecological Dissociation The antidote to ecological dissociation is deep healing and a reconnection to the soul of the world.

The Overview Deep Ecology

As Israel Escalates in Gaza, Artists Rally for Survival and Justice at Together for Palestine Concert

As Israel Escalates in Gaza, Artists Rally for Survival and Justice at Together for Palestine Concert

As Israel Escalates in Gaza, Artists Rally for Survival and Justice at Together for Palestine Concert The benefit concert drew global stars to raise funds for Palestinian-led aid groups and climate justice organizations.

Art & Culture Identity & Community

A satellite dish

A satellite dish

Big Gov Wants to Take Away Your Climate Data Lies, damned lies, and (climate) statistics

The Understory Democracy

a man in a football jersey holding a football in his right hand

a man in a football jersey holding a football in his right hand

High School Football Isn’t Ready for More Extreme Heat Climate change is raising the risk of heat strokes in states where high school football is most popular, new data analysis shows.

Art & Culture Identity & Community

When the World Stops Smelling Like Itself

When the World Stops Smelling Like Itself

When the World Stops Smelling Like Itself Climate change is erasing the aromas of daily life. Farmers say the loss is already here—from Grenada’s cocoa to Egypt’s jasmine—and affecting relationships between all living things.

Science & Nature Anthropocene

This Brick Is the World’s Most Boring Climate Solution

This Brick Is the World’s Most Boring Climate Solution

This Brick Is the World’s Most Boring Climate Solution Thermal batteries promise round-the-clock renewable heat, offering a faster path to decarbonizing carbon-intensive industries.

Climate Solutions Science & Nature

Close-up photo of brown human eye

Close-up photo of brown human eye

Unpacking the Science and Mysticism of Intuition Whether a link to the unconscious or knowing of the body, a connection to the divine or nature, intuition can take many forms.

The Overview Deep Ecology

The Hidden Cost of The Cosmetic Surgery Boom: Medical Waste

The Hidden Cost of The Cosmetic Surgery Boom: Medical Waste

The Hidden Cost of The Cosmetic Surgery Boom: Medical Waste The industry’s reliance on energy-intensive operating rooms and fossil-fuel-derived materials adds to health care’s carbon footprint.

Art & Culture Anthropocene

A graphic of RFK Jr, surrounded by several miniature earths.

A graphic of RFK Jr, surrounded by several miniature earths.

MAHA Has a Climate Change Blind Spot RFK Jr.’s new health plan targets toxins but ignores climate change, the world’s biggest health threat.

The Understory

A man stands among dry grass in front of a white house getting sprayed in the face with a hose.

A man stands among dry grass in front of a white house getting sprayed in the face with a hose.

New Study Links 174 Companies to Deadly Heat Waves A first-of-its-kind study directly ties corporate emissions from oil, gas, and coal producers to rising heat waves worldwide.

Science & Nature Anthropocene

A storm-torn street.

A storm-torn street.

The Legal Fight to Make Corporations Cover Climate Losses The Philippines has introduced the world’s first climate reparations bill, a test case for making fossil fuel giants cover disasters.

Democracy

a white horse grazing in front of a mountain

a white horse grazing in front of a mountain

One Wildfire Solution? Letting Herbivores Run Wild As climate change makes the world hotter and drier, wildfires are proliferating. Can rewilding be the solution?

Science & Nature Biodiversity

Young male skateboarder lying on ground with head on skateboard.

Young male skateboarder lying on ground with head on skateboard.

Pakistan’s First Skatepark Serves as a Great Equalizer Amid smog and searing heat, photographer Tami Aftab shows how Lahore’s young people are reclaiming joy and freedom on four wheels.

Photography Identity & Community

A star being born in NASA photograph.

A star being born in NASA photograph.

A Star Is Born Humanity has always searched the stars for answers, whether through navigation, prophecy, or clues to our wider universe.

The Overview Deep Ecology

Collage of woman lying in landfill, wearing MAGA hat, with bird flying overhead.

Collage of woman lying in landfill, wearing MAGA hat, with bird flying overhead.

The New Politics of ‘Clean’ Fashion A movement once rooted in climate activism has found traction with progressives and conservatives alike.

Ethical Fashion Identity & Community

Split image with black and white photo at top of Donald Trump walking on a golf course with wind turbines in the background; at bottom, we see a section of tree trunk.

Split image with black and white photo at top of Donald Trump walking on a golf course with wind turbines in the background; at bottom, we see a section of tree trunk.

Trump’s Blockage of Offshore Wind Was Years in the Making Trump has a longstanding vendetta against offshore wind. It started with his golf course.

Democracy The Understory

Rotating image gif of trees, deforestation, and Ikea sign

Rotating image gif of trees, deforestation, and Ikea sign

Bounties, Mafias, and the Climate Cost of IKEA’s Fast Furniture An insatiable thirst for cheap, ready-to-build furniture has been linked to illegal logging and assassinations of forest defenders.

Science & Nature Indigeneity

A contrail in the sky.

A contrail in the sky.

How Did Climate Conspiracy Theories Go Mainstream? It’s a big club, and you ain’t in it.

Art & Culture

Remote airstrip in the Amazon rainforest

Remote airstrip in the Amazon rainforest

Some Conservation Groups Want To Legalize Cocaine—Here’s Why The war on drugs has created an illegal cocaine market responsible for the degradation of the Amazon and the rights of Indigenous people.

Science & Nature Anthropocene

A brown leaf shaped as a heart.

A brown leaf shaped as a heart.

Everything Is Romantic: Embracing an Ecology of Love Romanticism is, at its heart, an invitation to recognize love as a force much bigger than us—a force of nature.

The Overview Deep Ecology