Environment

Firefighters who work on wildland fires and prescribed burns (shown here) can be exposed to high levels of harmful smoke.

More Wildfires Bring Focus On How All That Smoke May Harm Firefighters

12:18pm June 12, 2019

by Jes Burns

Wildland firefighters face a growing danger from smoke, as wildfires become more frequent and intense. It's a hazard that scientists and fire agencies are only beginning to understand.

Wildlife Biologists Disagree On The Most Effective Way To Control Coyotes

5:18pm June 10, 2019

by Melodie Edwards

The federal government kills thousands of coyotes every year to keep them from preying on livestock and big game. But some wildlife biologists say killing coyotes isn't the best way to control them.

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We Drink Basically The Same Wine As Ancient Romans — And That's Not So Great

4:52pm June 10, 2019

by Susie Neilson

Many of today's most popular wine varieties are extremely genetically similar to wines that may have existed for thousands of years, a new study finds. In the face of climate change, that's risky.

Midwest Flooding Harms Farmer's Yields

5:37pm June 09, 2019

Rain and flooding have made growing conditions difficult for crops like corn. NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Matt Boucher, a farmer in Dwight, Ill., about how the weather has affected his crops.

Floodwaters from the Arkansas River line either side of a road in Russellville, Arkansas, engulfing businesses and vehicles.

'We All Owe Al Gore An Apology': More People See Climate Change In Record Flooding

10:19am June 08, 2019

by Nathan Rott

Research shows that more people are linking climate change to extreme weather events, like the ongoing flooding in America's heartland. Experts are hoping that also inspires action.

Lettuce sprouts amid rows of plastic covering the ground at One Straw Farm, an organic operation north of Baltimore. Although conventional farmers also use plastic mulch, organic produce farms like One Straw rely on the material even more because they mus

Environment

Organic Farming Has A Plastic Problem. One Solution Is Controversial

10:08pm June 07, 2019

by Lisa Elaine Held

Many organic farmers rely on plastic as a form of mulch, but it ends up in landfills. Biodegradable plastic could help, but some worry about its long-term effects on soil health and the environment.

Flooding That Swamped Midwest Flows To Already Soaked Mississippi

5:52pm June 07, 2019

by Alexandra Watts

Mississippi is another state dealing with massive flooding. In fact, the Mississippi River has been above flood stage for more than 100 days — a record length of time going back to 1927.

Many People Living In Flood-Prone Areas Can't Afford Expensive Flood Insurance

4:24pm June 07, 2019

by Rebecca Hersher

Federal flood insurance has become dramatically more expensive in some places, putting it out of reach for many people who live on floodplains.

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Per Espen Stoknes: What Holds Us Back From Facing The Threats Of Climate Change?

10:38am June 07, 2019

by NPR/TED Staff

Psychologist Per Espen Stoknes explains the inner defenses that block most people from recognizing the urgency of climate change. He asks, what is a better way to think and talk about this crisis?

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Sean Davis: What Can We Learn From The Global Effort To Save The Ozone Layer?

10:35am June 07, 2019

by NPR/TED Staff

In 1988, the Montreal Protocol was the first step in a long process to save the ozone layer. Sean Davis explains the impact of the agreement, and the lessons we can apply to the crisis we face today.

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