NYTimes - Environment

When the world map of literal power changes, the political hierarchy shifts, too.

The arrangement could signal a fracture in the decades-long effort among nations to reach consensus on how to mine the ocean floor while protecting ecosystems.

The U.S. and other exporters are poised for a windfall, but disruptions to Persian Gulf supplies are also pushing gas-buying countries to consider alternatives like coal, solar and nuclear energy.

Offshore wind is out. Geothermal power is in. And many climate technology start-ups are looking for ways to carry on without federal backing.

The episode, involving a group of sperm whales, adds to evidence that humans aren’t the only species that gets some form of assistance during and after delivery.