From the archives: A nuclear apocalypse is far more likely than a zombie outbreak. By Rupert Goodwins.

If the world manages to keep warming by the century’s end below 1.5º C – an extremely ambitious target – over a third of the ice volume in Asia’s high mountains will still be lost. By T.V. Padma.

For rich countries, prolonged loss of electricity is a low-probability event. But the scale of the potential impact is mind-concentrating.

Charting the wild progress of literature’s genre-of-the-moment. By Yvonne Shiau.

Throughout our planet’s history, massive volcanic eruptions have devastated life. Could one bring an end to human civilisation? By David Cox.

What kind of books do you write when you believe civilization is doomed? By Laura Miller.

All around the world, scientists are building repositories of everything from seeds to ice to mammal milk — racing to preserve a natural order that is fast disappearing. By Malia Wollan.

R.E.M.

An unregulated borewell economy thrives through the dry summers in Osmanabad district of Marathwada, with agents and rig owners cashing in on the desperation of farmers to find water at any depth, any cost. By Parth M.N.

Critics say his appointment sends an unmistakable sign about the direction of the investigation. By Sam Levine. [Autoplay]

Agency head reported to desire “back-and-forth critique” of published research. By Scott K. Johnson.

Illinois can no longer afford to tax itself out of fiscal holes. By Kristen McQueary.

Breaking ground— and betting big—on a doomsday community for the rich. By Sonia Smith.

Goodbye Armageddon. Hello, Arma-mentum. By Dan Cluchey.

Surveys in German nature reserves point to a dramatic decline in insect biomass. By Gretchen Vogel.

Stephen Hawking is one of many scientists who see the possible near-term demise of our species. Spend that 401k! By Phil Torres.

The powerful civilization was hammered into oblivion by drought and floods, underscoring the connections between climate and people. By Stefan Lovgren

A new study of the relationship between climate change and clashes among the Classic Maya explicitly links temperature increases with growing conflicts. By Rossella Lorenzi.

More people are better educated than ever before, and knowledge is easier to come by. So why do we so often scorn those who plainly know more than we do? By Tom Nichols.

Let this past year be a kick in your ass, not a boot on your throat. By Drew Brown.