Blueberries In Danger: Temperatures In Maine Spike To Scorching 90s
Temperatures are reaching into the 90s in Maine as the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S bakes in unseasonably hot weather.
Environment
The Ship Sinking Off Sri Lanka Looks Like A Lasting Environmental Disaster
Waves of plastic pellets are washing up on beaches in Sri Lanka. Marine biologist Asha de Vos says the microplastics are spreading in the water and scientists don't yet understand the full effects.
Sri Lankan Marine Biologist Explains The Environmental Repercussions Of Burning Barge
A ship off the Sri Lankan coast has been burning, leaking acid and plastic pellets. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Sri Lankan marine biologist Asha de Vos on the environmental impact of this disaster.
A Single California Fire Killed 10% Of The World's Giant Sequoia Trees
At least 10% of the world's giant sequoia trees were destroyed in one California wildfire in the Sierra Nevada last year.
Right Whales Are Shrinking In Numbers— New Study Shows They're Also Shrinking In Size
North Atlantic right whales now grow about three feet shorter than they did 40 years ago. Research suggests a leading cause is the damage human activity inflicts on the critically endangered mammals.
Endangered Right Whales Are Shrinking. Scientists Blame Commercial Fishing Gear
A new study concludes that endangered right whales born today will end up smaller than adult whales in the past. Researchers say stress from getting caught in fishing gear stunts the mammals' growth
Environmental Disaster Fears Grow As Chemical-Laden Ship Starts Sinking
NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to journalist Omar Rajarathnam about the cargo ship sinking off the coast of Sri Lanka, sparking fears of an environmental disaster.
Farmers Are Feeling The Pain As Drought Spreads In The Northwest
It's as dry as it's been in a century in parts of Washington and Oregon. Some farmers are watching their crops fail, while others are selling cattle because they don't have the grass to feed it.
Sri Lanka Faces An Environmental Disaster As A Ship Full Of Chemicals Starts Sinking
Beaches are coated with plastic pellets, and a container full of nitric acid has leaked. Sri Lankan authorities are now making preparations for an oil spill.
White House Suspends Drilling Leases In Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
The Biden administration began reversing the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's coastal plain to oil drilling, by suspending leases issued in the final days of the Trump administration.