COP21 VICTORY: The Paris climate conference reached the first global agreement on climate change, with representatives from 195 countries committing to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

SALA-MAN CAVE: A fisherman discovered a rare 114-pound salamander in a cave in southwest China. The mighty amphibian, rated critically endangered, was moved from its grotto getaway into captivity for protection. 

URBAN HEAT: Scientists have developed a new method to estimate groundwater temperature in urban areas using satellite technology. Underground heat islands have huge geothermal potential as a source of sustainable energy in big cities.

DAZED AND CONFUSED: Toxic algae may be to blame for the record numbers of starved and stranded sea lions in California. According to a recent study, a neurotoxin produced by marine algal blooms is causing brain damage and memory loss in sea lions, making it harder for them to find food.

LETTUCE EAT BACON: New research has found that eating lettuce is worse for the environment than eating bacon, at least in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Sound too good to be true? Others think so, too.

This article has been modified since its original posting to include research that refutes the findings in Lettuce Eat Bacon.