OIL-FREE ATLANTIC: The Obama administration is dropping plans to allow oil drilling off the Southern Atlantic Coast, thanks to opposition from the Pentagon and almost a hundred coastal communities.

CO2 SETTLING: The EIA announced that, for the second year in a row, the global economy grew but carbon emissions did not. 2014 was the first time in 40 years that stalled carbon emissions were not tied to economic recession.

FLORIDA PESTICIDES: Florida is accused of failing to properly investigate whether farm workers poisoned by pesticides were discouraged from speaking out. An EPA review is underway.

PLASTIC EATERS: Scientists in Japan have discovered a species of bacteria that can feed on plastic. The microorganisms are able to break apart large molecule chains that are too long for most bacteria.

PIGEON AIR PATROL: In London, a flock of pigeons equipped with special air-monitoring  “backpacks” are being used to track nitrogen dioxide levels. Each year, 9,500 of the city’s residents die prematurely from long-term exposure to polluted air.