The Hidden Threat of Atrazine: A Call to Action Against a Pervasive Herbicide

 By Theodora Filis

Introduction

Atrazine, a widely used herbicide in American agriculture, has been contaminating water supplies and posing significant threats to the environment and public health for decades. Although its primary application is in cornfield farming, atrazine’s toxic effects extend well beyond farmland, raising serious concerns among scientists, environmental advocates, and communities across the country.

The Dangers of Atrazine

Classified as a hormone disruptor, atrazine has been shown in numerous studies to cause substantial health problems. Recent research by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has declared atrazine a probable carcinogen, echoing the findings about glyphosate in 2015. The reclassification of glyphosate sparked regulatory reviews and legal actions against major corporations such as Bayer, highlighting the increasing awareness of chemical safety risks in agriculture.

Despite its well-documented dangers, atrazine continues to be used extensively on millions of acres of U.S. farmland. This widespread use exposes farmers, farmworkers, and nearby communities to potential health risks and raises important questions about the effectiveness and enforcement of environmental regulations.

Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems

One of the most concerning aspects of atrazine’s use is its damaging impact on wildlife. Scientific studies indicate that even minimal exposure to atrazine can lead to serious consequences, such as demasculinization of frogs, reproductive issues in fish, and destruction of aquatic plant life. These effects threaten biodiversity and disrupt the natural balance essential for healthy ecosystems.

Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released a draft assessment of atrazine, concluding that it does not pose an extinction risk to any protected species. However, many scientists question this conclusion, noting that it seems inconsistent with independent research highlighting the chemical’s negative effects on wildlife and ecosystems.

Industry Influence and the Need for Accountability

Critics argue that the FWS’s findings reflect a broader problem of industry influence over environmental policy. Syngenta, atrazine’s manufacturer, has a history of funding studies that support the herbicide’s continued use and pressuring regulatory agencies to dismiss independent research. This situation raises serious concerns about scientific integrity and the safety of public water supplies.

Organizations such as the Center for Food Safety have been actively challenging the regulatory approval of atrazine. After years of legal battles, these groups remain committed to holding agencies accountable for their failure to protect the environment and public health. Recently, they submitted expert comments opposing the FWS’s draft assessment, accompanied by more than 10,000 public comments from community members. This collective action demonstrates the strength of grassroots advocacy in confronting corporate interests.

The Road Ahead: Legal and Community Actions

Efforts to restrict atrazine use continue in both courts and communities. The Center for Food Safety has filed lawsuits against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), arguing that it has not done enough to safeguard water quality and vulnerable species from harmful chemicals.

As the fight against atrazine persists, the importance of public involvement and scientific integrity becomes even clearer. Donations and active community participation are essential to sustain these campaigns, empowering legal teams to challenge powerful corporate actors and enabling researchers to advocate for environmental justice.

Conclusion

Atrazine’s widespread use in agriculture poses serious threats to water supplies, wildlife, and human health. With recent evidence confirming its probable carcinogenicity, the need for stronger regulations and collective action has never been greater. Achieving a safer, healthier environment will require perseverance, public support, and a firm commitment to science and justice. Together, we can work toward a future that prioritizes the protection of our planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants.

Understanding the Current Climate Crisis: Insights from Recent Reports

As we approach the end of 2025, data reveals a stark reality: the climate crisis is not a distant threat; it is an urgent challenge affecting our environment and our lives. Recent findings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) indicate alarming trends, suggesting that 2025 could be one of the hottest years on record, with severe impacts already felt across various regions.

Historical Temperature Records

According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2025 is projected to be the second- or third-warmest year globally, following 2024 and possibly tying with 2023.

Notably, November 2025 ranked as the third-warmest November ever recorded, with an average surface air temperature of 14.02°C (57.24°F). This trend of rising temperatures is mainly driven by human-induced climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

Unseasonably Warm and Dry Conditions

Reports from NOAA confirm that the U.S. experienced its third-warmest fall on record during meteorological fall (September to November) and the Southeast's driest fall since 1978. The Plains and western U.S. saw significant temperature anomalies, with several states—Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington—experiencing their warmest falls on record.

The effects of these temperature changes are significant. For example, Georgia received less than half of its seasonal average rainfall, contributing to widespread drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that approximately 41.4% of the contiguous U.S. is currently experiencing drought, with notable worsening in the Southeast, southern Plains, and upper Mississippi Valley.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead to the end of 2025, forecasts suggest that the eastern U.S. might see above-average rainfall, which could help ease some drought conditions. However, the central Plains and Florida Peninsula may continue to face or worsen drought. These shifts highlight the unpredictable nature of climate patterns, emphasizing the importance of communities staying informed and prepared.

The Urgency for Action

The reality is clear: the impacts of climate change—including more intense hurricanes, drought-driven wildfires, rising sea levels, and extreme heat—are transforming our daily lives. The good news is that we have the knowledge and tools to reduce these impacts. Still, clarity amid the overwhelming flow of climate information remains essential.

The ABC News Climate and Weather Unit is committed to sharing valuable insights and actionable information to help individuals and communities navigate the complexities of climate change. By understanding the facts and staying informed, we can support efforts to reverse climate trends and protect the planet for future generations.

Data from 2025

As a vital reminder of the urgent need to combat the climate crisis, as we experience record-breaking temperatures and shifting weather patterns, it’s clear that unified efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions are crucial. By staying informed and engaged, we can work together to face the challenges of climate change and build a more sustainable future.

Understanding Cold Spells Amid Rising Global Temperatures

One common misunderstanding about climate change is that occasional cold weather or cold spells contradict the reality of a warming planet. In reality, although global average temperatures are rising, this doesn't mean every region will always experience warmth. Weather and climate are different: weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate describes long-term patterns and trends.

Climate change disrupts traditional weather patterns, sometimes leading to extreme temperature swings, including periods of intense cold. For instance, shifts in the jet stream — a fast-moving air current in the atmosphere — can cause Arctic air to move farther south than usual, resulting in unexpected cold snaps in regions that typically have milder weather. These events are part of the broader instability caused by a warming climate.

Because many people associate climate change only with heat, the occurrence of cold weather can create a false impression that the climate crisis is exaggerated or not happening. However, these cold extremes are often signs of the same disruptions causing heatwaves, droughts, and severe storms. Recognizing that climate change leads to greater variability—not just warming—is crucial for understanding the full scope of the challenges we face.

Summary

As 2025 nears its end, global and U.S. climate data reveal record-breaking warmth and severe drought, underscoring the urgent threat posed by climate change. Driven by greenhouse gas emissions, rising temperatures have led to extreme weather patterns, including both intense heat and unexpected cold spells. The unpredictable nature of these changes highlights the need for communities to stay informed, prepared, and united in efforts to reduce emissions and build a sustainable future.