Author Archives

Emma Smith

Emma Smith is a science journalist and adventurer based in New York City. She covers wildlife, oceans, biodiversity, conservation, and the intersection of health and humans. You can find her work in Sierra Magazine, Mongabay, the Revelator, Think Global Health, and others. She has a B.A. in journalism from the University of Montana.

A mountain goat on top of the 7,510-foot summit of Mount Aeneas

Glacier’s iconic mountain goats are losing their foothold

Environment

Emma Smith • September 9, 2026

With key alpine resources in flux, the species faces an uncertain future

As Long COVID clinics close their doors, thousands of patients are now unable to access care.

Long COVID clinics are quietly closing, leaving thousands of patients without specialized care

Health

Emma Smith • January 9, 2026

Patients, providers and advocates say they are worried about the future of treatment

The remnant skeletons of a Caribbean reef in Bonaire where almost all the coral has died due to a combination of heat stress, disease and declining water quality. This structure will slowly erode and flatten over time.

Coral reefs may succumb to erosion on a warmer planet

Environment

Emma Smith • December 1, 2025

Researchers project that coral reefs will not keep up with rising sea levels, reducing their ability to protect coast lines

A bird, like those threatened by selenium in Montana, perches on a small wooden bird house in a grassy field.

Selenium contamination from Canadian coal mines may threaten Montana birds

Environment

Emma Smith • November 18, 2025

Researchers warn that selenium pollution from Elk River Valley coal mines is seeping into Montana waterways