Environment
Biden marks his climate legacy during Amazon visit, asserting ‘nobody’ can reverse it
"Some may seek to deny or delay the clean energy revolution that's underway in America, but nobody — nobody — can reverse it," Biden said. But Trump has vowed to roll back those plans.
Animal rescuers evacuate a lion cub from war-torn Lebanon to South Africa
The group Animals Lebanon says it rescued Sara the lion cub from abuse by a Lebanese social media influencer, kept it safe in Beirut and sent it to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.
When will greenhouse gas emissions finally peak? Could be soon
Fossil fuel emissions have increased steadily for almost two centuries. Now, the world may soon reach an important turning point for climate change.
Why this winter could bring more tornadoes to Alabama
Scientists are finding the tornado map of the United States is changing. In recent years, the Tornado Alley of the Great Plains has twisted into the southeast, a region known as Dixie Alley.
Pakistan’s smog is visible from space. This activist is ‘frustrated’ but won’t give up
The government in Lahore has closed schools and public spaces and shut down factories. Environmental lawyer Ahmad Rafay Alam shares his perspective: "frustrated" but still fighting.
A methane pollution fee on oil and gas faces a cloudy future under Trump
The Biden administration issued a new fee on climate-warming methane pollution, but the EPA regulation faces an uncertain future under President-elect Trump
Dutch appeals court overturns landmark climate ruling against Shell
The original 2021 ruling ordered Shell to cut its carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. The appeals court said there is "insufficient consensus" on a specific reduction percentage.
Trump’s reelection casts a shadow over the start of global climate negotiations
Trump’s return to the White House raises questions about whether the country will continue working on global climate initiatives.
Federal regulators waited 7 months to investigate a deadly home explosion above a gassy coal mine
Coalfield residents across the country feel ignored as their homes sink and flammable gas rises from underground mining. In Alabama, U.S. regulators dragged their feet until a former top official called them out for failure to protect the public.
In coastal Louisiana, a sacred mound is returned to the Native American tribe who built it
The Atakapa-Ishak/Chawasha tribe views the land’s rematriation as a joyous occasion — even though it’s disappearing due to coastal land loss.
Judge refuses to dismiss Alabama lawsuit over solar panel fees
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson ruled Monday that a group of homeowners and the Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution can pursue a lawsuit challenging the fees as a violation of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, a 1978 law that promotes renewable energy production.
Coal miner dies at Alabama mine with dozens of recent safety citations
In the past week, the mine was cited for not having proper roof and mine support. The fatality follows a leadership change at the company and a federal lawsuit alleging that leaking methane blew up a home above the mine in March.
Jefferson County released from sewer consent decree
A federal judge on Thursday released Jefferson County from a decades-long consent decree ordering rehabilitation of its sewer system. As part of the agreement, the county committed to completing several additional capital improvement projects by early 2027 that are planned and funded to further reduce sewer overflows.
These 3 farms are an example of Mississippi’s growing network of sustainable agriculture
A group of Mississippi farmers is taking advantage of more federal support for climate-smart agriculture, with plans to grow membership and train others.
Keeping the Coosa safe one bag of river water at a time
Each summer, Coosa Riverkeeper publishes a virtual guide that shows the levels of contaminants at around fifty popular swimming holes on the Coosa River every week.
A new EPA grant is sending millions to the Alabama Black Belt to solve sanitation issues
The team that received the $14 million grant is also partnering with others to help fully address the Black Belt's sanitation issues.
Black and other minority farmers are getting $2 billion from USDA after years of discrimination
More than 23,000 farmers were approved for payments ranging from $10,000 to $500,000, according to the USDA. Most payments went to farmers in Mississippi and Alabama.
In Alabama’s bald eagle territory, residents say an unexpected mining operation emerged
Aside Lake Guntersville, bald eagles are royalty. But locals say a planned chert pit is already changing that status.
Alabama family to add wrongful death claim in lawsuit over home explosion
In a court hearing, lawyers for the Griffice family said their investigation into the March explosion is continuing despite a lack of engagement from state or federal regulators.
‘This ain’t the same sun’: Extreme heat is changing summertime for kids in the South
Driven by climate change, extreme temperatures are forcing parents and camp counselors to change their summer routines to keep kids safe.
Thousands across Alabama live without access to public water
In rural Marion County, some residents do the only thing they can think to do: call their legislator and cry.
How a Mississippi canoe company is raising a new generation of river caretakers
The Mississippi River is an endangered river. For 25 years, a Clarksdale canoe company has worked to teach kids to respect and protect the waterway.
EPA formally denies Alabama’s plan for coal ash waste
The federal agency says the state’s plan was not as protective as federal standards, allowing toxic waste to remain in unlined pits that may contaminate groundwater. Alabama officials say they will appeal.
UAB building among Alabama’s first to feature ‘bird safe’ glass
Advocates hope the new glass will prevent window collisions, a leading causes of bird mortality.
Researchers look into community health impact of wood pellet production in rural Mississippi
Brown University and Tougaloo College students are testing for potential air and noise pollution near the Drax wood pellet plant in Gloster, Mississippi.
Alabama coal company sued for a home explosion is delinquent on dozens of penalties
Crimson Oak Grove Resources has been cited for 204 safety violations since the March 8 blast, many involving “significant and substantial” safety violations.
Alabama coal mine keeps digging after hundreds of fines and a fatal explosion
Following the death of a grandfather, Crimson Oak Grove Resources has left a community afraid for their homes and lives. An expert warns one resident may need to evacuate her home while she still can.
Birmingham is 3rd worst in the Southeast for ozone pollution, new report says
The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report shows some metro areas in the Gulf States continue to have poor air quality.
Once praised, settlement to help sickened BP oil spill workers leaves most with nearly nothing
Thousands of ordinary people who helped clean up after the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico say they got sick. A court settlement was supposed to help compensate them, but it hasn’t turned out as expected.
A ‘gassy’ Alabama coal mine was expanding under a home. After an explosion, two were left critically injured
Oak Grove Mine has a long history of safety violations. In 2006, federal officials evacuated its workers because of dangerous levels of methane, a flammable gas.
Alabamians want public officials to mitigate landslide risk
In Birmingham, residents want two properties shielded from development and turned into parkland. Councilors decided to protect one parcel years ago. The vote never stuck.
From sea to table to sea: How recycled oyster shells are restoring the Alabama coast
Gulf South oyster reefs are fading because of the changing climate. Alabama hopes to reverse this by using recycled shells to grow oyster gardens.
