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Wildfires have given parts of the West some of the worst air quality in the world

Aug 27, 2021
Even the East Coast has had air quality issues due to this summer's wildfire smoke.
The San Francisco skyline is only partially visible through smoky conditions in September 2020. Smoke from recent wildfires have caused Nevada and other parts of California to have unhealthy and hazardous air quality.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

To control methane emissions, the EPA seeks better ways to measure them

Aug 23, 2021
Environmental groups argue that the oil-and-gas industry emits nearly twice as much of the greenhouse gas as the agency reports.
The EPA is hosting a workshop on methane-detection technology after experts said emissions have been underestimated.
Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

Emissions offsets ease travel guilt, but do they reduce carbon footprints?

Aug 17, 2021
The voluntary carbon offsets market is unregulated, with no standard pricing. And offsets may not deliver what they promise.
Though eco-conscious flyers may pay to offset their emissions, experts say a better way to reduce your carbon footprint is to fly or drive less.
Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images

How the infrastructure bill aims to tackle climate change

Aug 11, 2021
Among other ways, it would upgrade the power grid and support electric cars and public transit.
The bipartisan legislation includes funding for electric vehicle charging stations and eco-friendly public transit options.
Dan Kitwood via Getty Images

As wildfires rage, infrastructure bill aims to mitigate their impact

Aug 10, 2021
As it stands, the bill would fund several agencies' efforts to predict, control and plan for blazes caused by climate change.
"You can pay kind of a lot to get us where we need to be on the front end of a disaster...or you could pay twice or three times as much to rebuild and recover," said Mark Ghilarducci,  Director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
David Odisho via Getty Images

U.N.'s urgent call for emissions cuts means fewer cars, experts say

Aug 9, 2021
Climate scientists say in the U.S., the transportation sector is the largest source of carbon emissions. Expanding public transit is key, they say.
Investments in public transit could help curb U.S. emissions. Above, a subway train arrives at a Brooklyn station in New York City in November 2020.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Lake Mead business struggles to stay afloat as water drops to historic low

Jul 29, 2021
“It’s a tough season this year,” says Lisa Duncan of Temple Bar Marina. Slips are filled, but the boat launch is closed for now.
The closure of Lake Mead’s Temple Bar boat ramp due to low water levels has impacted revenue at the restaurant, hotel and retail store that Lisa Duncan, manages at Temple Bar Marina, she says.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

More frequent, extreme heat waves linked to workplace injuries

Jul 26, 2021
New research from UCLA shows climate change-induced heat waves pose a growing threat to workers.
People wait to buy ice cream from a Washington, D.C., vender during a June heat wave. A recent study links heat waves to worker injuries, which were highest in low-wage industries that require physical labor.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

As wildfires intensify in the West, scientists look at how they spread

Jul 23, 2021
On a farm in Oregon, they try to figure out what kinds of trees and shrubs produce the most flying embers.
Student Will Heffernan (left) and researcher Sampath Adusumilli clear debris around a burned chamise branch during an experiment measuring the embers produced by vegetation.
Jes Burns/OPB