A new report investigates the causes of extreme weather and climate events that occurred around the world in 2013, finding evidence for both human and natural influences.

The global water cycle is tied closely to climate change, agricultural practices, land use, and the environment—sometimes through complex, multi-way interactions. NSF and USDA together have awarded $25 million in research grants to find out what this means for the sustainability of Earth’s water resources.

A study published recently in the journal Nature contends that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will decrease the amount of zinc and iron in certain staple crops like wheat, rice, and soybeans.

In front of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) national headquarters building in Reston, Va., two genetically identical lilac bushes are rooted in the earth. To casual observers, they are fragrant adornments to the landscaped property. But to ecologist Jake Weltzin and geographer John Jones—USGS scientists who study plant and animal life-cycle events—they are “Li” and “Lac,” two small but important pieces of a developing climate change indicator system.