Climate Change
Why a tiny bit of oil can be a big deal
More than three-quarters of U.S. wells make just 6% of the country's oil. They're called marginal wells because of their small output. But they're a big deal to oil producers and environmentalists.
Trump wants states to handle disasters. States aren’t prepared
President Trump says he's thinking of getting rid of the country's disaster response agency, FEMA. States say they can't replicate what FEMA does on their own.
Jury says Greenpeace owes hundreds of millions of dollars for Dakota pipeline protest
Experts say the verdict has relevance for free speech issues nationwide.
Switching from gas to electric? Here are 3 appliances that are easy to install
Changing from gas to climate-friendly electric appliances often involves expensive retrofits. A growing list of companies offer stoves, heat pumps and water heaters that make it easier and cheaper.
Heat can age you as much as smoking, a new study finds
Exposure to heat can alter the way your DNA works, according to a new study. The effects could lead to long-term health outcomes.
Peruvian farmer goes head to head with German energy giant in climate test case
A Peruvian farmer is going head to head with German energy giant in a climate law test case.
Editor’s Note: EPA says it will roll back climate rules. That could prove complicated
Announcing big changes to environmental rules doesn't undo facts on the ground overnight. Instead, EPA's announcement is the first step in what is likely to be a lengthy process to remake the rules and policies it targeted.
Butterfly numbers have fallen by nearly a quarter since 2000
Butterflies of all kinds of species, in all parts of the country, have declined by one to two percent since 2000.
Layoffs and potential closures of key facilities raise worries about NOAA’s future
The Trump administration may end leases for some of NOAA's offices while the agency terminates several advisory committees at the important weather and climate agency.
This Colombian ‘hotel for cows’ could help reduce deforestation in the Amazon
Clearing land for cattle and cows is the single biggest driver of rainforest loss in the Amazon. This "hotel for cows" in Colombia offers a solution.
Trump administration layoffs hit NOAA, agency that forecasts weather, hurricanes
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration houses key groups like the National Weather Service. Experts warn the consequences of employee cuts could be drastic.
Greenpeace faces a $300 million lawsuit after Dakota Access Pipeline protests
The company behind the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline is suing Greenpeace for at least $300 million for damages the oil pipeline company says it suffered from protests in 2016 and 2017.
Exclusive: Trump administration drops work on stronger building codes for disasters
To help homes survive more intense disasters, FEMA has been developing recommendations for stronger building codes. The Trump Administration has pulled them back.
Trump officials signal potential changes at NOAA, the weather and climate agency
Federal workers at the home agency for the National Weather Service are concerned about a potential overhaul by Trump officials focused on cutting government costs.
January wasn’t expected to break global temperature records. But it did.
The planet has been shattering heat records for the past two years. That was expected to ease in January—and the fact that it didn't has climate researchers worried.
EPA employees who work on environmental justice are put on leave
In an email obtained by NPR, employees at EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights were told they were on administrative leave, effective immediately.
Trump picks Neil Jacobs to head NOAA, a scientist with ‘Sharpiegate’ ties
President Trump has nominated Neil Jacobs to head NOAA. Some former NOAA employees are concerned about Jacobs' scientific integrity after his prior involvement in "Sharpiegate."
As Trump vows to embrace fossil fuels, U.S. climate policy won’t change quickly
President Trump's first weeks in office included executive orders that aim to stop or roll back former President Biden's ambitious climate agenda and redirect the country's attention to fossil fuels.
Rats! Climate change is helping increase their populations in cities
Winters are getting warmer and shorter as the climate changes. That's helping rat populations grow in several U.S. cities.
Here’s how climate change fueled the Los Angeles fires
Extreme conditions helped fuel the fast-moving fires that destroyed thousands of homes. Scientists are working to figure out how climate change played a role in the disaster.
Birmingham’s new resilience chief looks to protect residents from climate change
“Fundamentally, to me, it's about survival,” says Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop, Birmingham’s new chief resilience and sustainability officer about fighting climate change.
Here’s how Trump’s pause on wind projects could threaten jobs and climate goals
A Trump executive order temporarily pauses leases and permits for offshore and onshore wind projects. Wind advocates say an offshore wind freeze could threaten states' climate goals and jobs.
This scientist studies climate change. Then the Los Angeles fire destroyed his home
Climate scientist Ben Hamlington works on understanding the impacts of climate change. Losing his house in the Eaton Fire has given that work new meaning.
Trump’s energy emergency is a gift to fossil fuel firms. It’s likely headed to court
President Trump signed a "national energy emergency" that gives his administration new powers to boost fossil fuel development around the country.
Trump is withdrawing from the Paris Agreement (again), reversing U.S. climate policy
President Trump issued a barrage of orders Monday targeting Biden-era initiatives on global warming. The decisions come on the heels of the hottest year ever recorded.
Readers share wishes for 2025: Be kind to each other and Earth! Learn from birds!
We asked our readers to make a wish for 2025. If even one of these wishes comes true, the world will definitely be a better place!
Is the air quality index actually useful right now?
The air has improved in the LA region as firefighters get blazes under control, but there are questions about how safe the air actually is.
What L.A. did right before the fires — and why it wasn’t enough
Los Angeles has wildfire policies that are far tougher than many of those in Western states. The destruction from the recent fires shows there are still major gaps to address.
Pistachio moguls and reservoirs: False water claims spread about California fires
Influencers and politicians are spreading false narratives about water and the L.A. wildfires. These include the idea that farm moguls took firefighting water and an empty reservoir is part of a plot.
7 global buzzwords for 2025: From ‘techquity’ to ‘climate displacement’ to ‘belonging’
What words will be buzzing about in the global health and development hive in the year ahead? Our experts have nominations for your consideration.
2024 was the hottest year on record. The reason remains a science mystery
The official numbers are in: 2024 is the hottest year on record. Climate change is the main culprit. But there might be something else going on, too.
Winter Storm Cora brings cold and snow to the Southern U.S.
A major winter storm is expected to be the biggest in years as cold air moves in from the Arctic bringing snow and frigid temperatures across 20 Southern States.
