Environment

K.K. DuVivier stands by a smart meter that sends electricity back to her utility, Xcel Energy. The Denver home gets credits from Xcel for power that's added back to the grid.

As Rooftop Solar Challenges Utilities, One Aims For A Compromise

5:05pm April 24, 2017

by Grace Hood

As more homeowners install solar they're using less energy from their utilities, which in turn hurts their business. One utility in Colorado has forged a deal that may be a model for other states.

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Hacking Lake Erie: Tech Competition Seeks Solutions To Water-Related Problems

5:05pm April 24, 2017

by Elizabeth Miller

A technology competition seeks solutions to Lake Erie's biggest problems, including harmful algae blooms and aging water systems. Teams in cities around the region are competing for thousands of dollars in prize money and consulting services to create apps and other tools.

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Paul Greenberg looks out at an anchoveta fleet in Peru. The fish is mostly ground up for use as feed on animal and fish farms.

What Fish Is Good For Me And The Planet? New Documentary Explores

4:55pm April 24, 2017

by Natalie Jacewicz

In order to investigate how eating fish affects our health as well as the oceans, author and fisherman Paul Greenberg spent a year eating fish every day.

#NPRpoetry Naturally Goes Outside For Some Earth Day Inspiration

5:53pm April 23, 2017

This weeks #NPRpoetry Twitter submissions celebrate Mother Earth.

Reinford Farms has 700 dairy cows. As you can imagine, they produce a lot of ... um... material to be converted into electricity.

Waste Not, Want Not: Why Aren't More Farms Putting Poop To Good Use?

8:00am April 23, 2017

by Alan Yu

Digesters convert livestock manure into electricity. Farmers can use it to power their operations or even sell some back to the grid. But some have found the technology too pricey to maintain.

Cattle owned by Fulani herdsmen graze in a field outside Kaduna, northwest Nigeria in February 2017.

Clashes Over Grazing Land In Nigeria Threaten Nomadic Herding

6:37am April 23, 2017

by Julia Simon

Nomadic herders who live across West Africa are having to travel further and further south for their cows to graze. Some are letting cows graze on cropland, leading to deadly conflicts with farmers.

Out Of The Lab And Into The Streets, Science Community Marches For Science

6:27pm April 22, 2017

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Thousands of scientists and their supporters took to the streets to advocate for public support for science and technology today in Washington, D.C., and other cities around the country.

Bill Nye the Science Guy arrives to lead scientists and supporters down Constitution Avenue during the March for Science on Saturday in Washington, D.C. The event is being described as a call to support and safeguard the scientific community.

In A New 'Anti-Science' Era, Bill Nye 'Saves The World' With Same Optimism

5:11pm April 22, 2017

"The Science Guy" dons his lab coat and bow tie uniform yet again, this time, in a a new political context. In his new Netflix series, Nye tackles climate change deniers and beyond.

The "talking piece" is held by whoever has the floor at the moment to share their feelings on climate change with the Good Grief group.

First Step To 'Eco-Grieving' Over Climate Change? Admit There's A Problem

8:14am April 22, 2017

by Judy Fahys

Psychologists say anxiety over climate change is making some people feel overwhelmed. To talk through their worries, a group in Utah is meeting weekly and the idea has drawn interest in other states.

Chew On This For Earth Day: How Our Diets Impact The Planet

8:00am April 22, 2017

The foods we choose to put on our plates — or toss away – could have more of an ecological impact than many of us realize.