California Was Set To Spend Over $1 Billion to Prevent Wildfires. Then Came COVID-19
Communities were counting on historic levels of funding to prepare for climate change-driven disasters. Now, efforts are on hold.
Environment
Farmers Find Ways To Save Millions Of Pigs From Being Euthanized
When COVID-19 infections forced pork companies to close processing plants, some farmers predicted that it would force them to euthanize millions of hogs. The actual number has been much lower.
Trump Waives Environmental Reviews, Citing Pandemic Economic Emergency
A White House executive order aims to expedite infrastructure projects to boost economic recovery. It lets federal agencies waive environmental protections, but critics question its legality.
New Executive Order To Waive Environmental Protections For Federal Agencies
President Trump is signing an executive order that lets federal agencies waive environmental protections. The move aims to expedite infrastructure projects to help the economy recover.
Russian Power Plant Spills Thousands Of Tons Of Oil Into Arctic Region
More than 20,000 tons spilled in a remote Arctic region, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to declare a state of emergency. The company says thawing permafrost may have caused the spill.
Trump Administration Limits States' Power To Stop Oil And Gas Pipelines
In recent years, climate activists and states have used the Clean Water Act to block pipelines and other fossil fuel projects. A new EPA rule makes that harder,
Hurricane Season Collides With Pandemic As Communities Plan For Dual Emergencies
In Florida, officials fear widespread confusion when stay-at-home policies conflict with evacuation orders, and they worry about the coronavirus spreading in crowded shelters.
Climate Change And Deforestation Mean Earth's Trees Are Younger And Shorter
A new study finds rising temperatures and climate-driven disasters are helping transform the very makeup of the world's forests. This has major implications for biodiversity and more warming.
Trump Environmental Rollbacks Roll On Despite Pandemic. Opponents Cry Foul
The Trump administration is rushing to finalize some of its biggest environmental rollbacks ahead of November's election. Some affected groups say they're too distracted by the pandemic to engage.
How The Crisis Is Making Racial Inequality Worse
Among the bottom fifth of income earners, who are more likely to be black and Latino, about 35% of them lost their jobs.