Environment

Streets in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, were inundated Tuesday after Hurricane Matthew made landfall in the country's southwest.

'The Situation ... Is Truly Catastrophic'; Hurricane Matthew Slams Into Haiti

4:48pm October 04, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

The Category 4 storm dumped rain on southwestern Haiti on Tuesday morning and lashed the island with maximum sustained winds of up to 145 mph. The hurricane is continuing north toward Cuba.

European Parliament Approves Paris Climate Agreement

4:32pm October 04, 2016

by Christopher Joyce

Nearly 200 nations agreed last December to the most ambitious deal to slow climate change ever. It looks very likely that the requisite number of countries will actually ratify the deal this week to make it official. That will set in motion the difficult process of making sure both rich and poor countries deliver on their promises to cut emissions of greenhouse gases.

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With EU Vote, Paris Climate Agreement Is Poised To Become Binding

3:41pm October 04, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

The European vote to ratify it effectively ends debate over the climate deal. Once the EU turns over paperwork to the U.N. later this week, the plan will officially come into force.

Caribbean Nations Feel Hurricane Matthew's Lash

10:12pm October 03, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

Authorities warn of "life threatening" wind and flooding in Haiti and have issued warnings for parts of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica. The U.S. Navy evacuated families from its base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

State Of Emergency Declared For NC Counties As Hurricane Matthew Approaches Carolinas

5:58pm October 03, 2016

by Keri Brown

Safety officials are preparing for Hurricane Matthew, which could hit the Carolinas this weekend.

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Bees Added To U.S. Endangered Species List For 1st Time

5:15pm October 03, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Seven species of the yellow-faced bee, which is the only bee native to Hawaii, have been designated as endangered. They're known for their yellow-to-white facial markings.

A Revolution That Didn't Happen: Personal Rapid Transit

4:30pm October 03, 2016

by Joe Palca

In 1975, the Personal Rapid Transit in Morgantown, W. Va., was expected to usher in a new age of public transit nationally. It didn't. Still, the aging system is getting a $100-million upgrade.

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The smokestack of a factory on the outskirts of Gauhati, India, on Sunday.

India Ratifies Paris Climate Change Agreement

5:31pm October 02, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

Sixty-two countries have now joined the plan. Together, they account for about 52 percent of global emissions, which is a little short of the 55 percent threshold to make the agreement binding.

An inmate firefighter examines a burning structure while battling the Loma fire near Morgan Hill, Calif., on Wednesday.

After Record Heat, California Fires Burn Into The Fall

11:20am October 02, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

A wildfire near San Jose, Calif. has destroyed a dozen homes, and threatens more than 150 structures. Meanwhile, the massive Soberanes fire is still burning two months after it began.

Environment

Sweden Proposes Tax Breaks For Repairs

8:57am October 02, 2016

The proposed legislation would provide tax breaks that encourage people to get things repaired rather than throw them away. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Finance and Consumption Minister Per Boland.