Homeowners in Vermont weigh whether to repair or take a buyout after floods
After summer storms flooded many Vermont communities, homeowners are deciding whether to repair their buildings or accept a buyout.
Environment
They logged on to watch the famous fat brown bears. They saved a hiker's life instead
Viewers of the Katmai National Park bear cameras caught more excitement than they may have hoped for last Tuesday when a hiker wandered into view, mouthing the words "help me."
The world is still falling short on limiting climate change, according to U.N. report
The outlook for climate change is better now than a few years ago, but countries have a long way to go to avoid dangerous climate impacts, according to a new report.
A traffic jam in the drought-stricken Panama Canal may affect global supply chains
A drought is causing a slowdown in shipping traffic at the Panama Canal. It's introducing new problems for the global supply chain.
Future of controversial Dakota Access pipeline's river crossing remains unclear
Federal officials released a draft environmental review of the pipeline, but said they're waiting for more input before deciding the future of the line's river crossing in North Dakota.
Sucking carbon dioxide out of the sky is moving from science fiction to reality
Occidental Petroleum is investing in billion-dollar projects to suck carbon dioxide out of the sky. The effort is raising hopes — and eyebrows.
Airborne antibiotic resistance, farms supporting biodiversity and how black holes eat
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Short Wave hosts Regina Barber and Aaron Scott about antibiotic resistance spreading through air, how farms can support biodiversity, and the eating habits of black holes.
The new business of wildfire preparedness could grow to be massive
Wildfires are a worsening danger — and a big business opportunity. From high-tech alarms to home retrofits, the industry around preparedness is nascent, fairly small, barely regulated, growing fast.
Superbugs catch a ride on air pollution particles. Is that bad news for people?
Antibiotic resistant microbes from the soil, from aquaculture, from sewage and from hospitals can hook onto air pollution particles. A new study looks at the implications.
In a charred moonscape, a band of hopeful workers try to save the Joshua tree
After flames destroyed 1.3 million Joshua trees in Mojave National Preserve, biologists began replanting seedlings. But many have died, and now another fire has torched more of the iconic succulents.