Environment

Firefighters try to battle the flames ravaging homes Monday in Los Angeles, as the Getty Fire threatens lives and structures around the city.

Getty Fire Threatens Homes, Snarls Traffic In LA As Blazes Rage On Farther North

3:27pm October 28, 2019

by Colin Dwyer

The Getty wildfire erupted overnight, partially closing I-405 — the nation's busiest freeway. But that's not California's only worry, as the Kincade Fire continues to menace Sonoma County.

Firefighters surveyed the Soda Rock Winery as it burned during the Kincade Fire and flames raced through Healdsburg, Calif., on Sunday.

Wind-Fueled Wildfires Push California Governor To Declare State Of Emergency

11:15pm October 27, 2019

by Laurel Wamsley

Gov. Gavin Newsom is freeing up state aid as high winds fuel two major fires across the state. The Kincade Fire in Sonoma County has burned 30,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders for some 180,000.

Pope Francis Condemns Exploitation Of Amazon Forest At Synod

5:31pm October 27, 2019

by Sylvia Poggioli

The Vatican has wrapped up a synod — a special gathering of bishops — for the Amazon region.

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Mandatory Evacuations In Northern California As Wildfires Rage

5:27pm October 27, 2019

by Eric Westervelt

Nearly all of Sonoma County in California is under mandatory evacuation as a wildfire rages. Severe winds are creating hazardous conditions in some areas.

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California Wildfires Latest

10:47am October 27, 2019

by Eric Westervelt

About 50,000 people have been told to evacuate their homes in Northern California amid power outages and extreme fire weather: dry winds with gusts up to 80 miles per hour.

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Fourteen-year-old Jaysa Mellers speaking during the panel discussion among youth climate activists at the Drawdown Learn Conference.

Giving Schools — And Students — The Tools They Need In The Fight To Save The Planet

7:01am October 27, 2019

by Anya Kamenetz

A recent conference on climate change focused on the ways teachers, scientists and activists can help the next generation shape a comprehensive approach to the fight against global warming.

Hurricane Harvey's devastating flooding caught many homeowners by surprise, and prompted support for more disclosure about flood risk.

In Texas, Home Sellers Must Now Disclose More About The Risk Of Flooding

7:00am October 27, 2019

by Mose Buchele

In many places there's no requirement to tell a home buyer if a house is at risk of flooding, even as climate change increases that risk. Some hope a new Texas law will be a national model.

The Kincade Fire burns through the Jimtown community of Sonoma County, Calif., on Thursday.

Nearly 1 Million Customers To Lose Power In Planned PG&E Power Outages

12:06am October 27, 2019

Pacific Gas and Electric says dry and windy conditions drove the utility to expand its power blackout zone by 90,000 customers across Northern and Central California to prevent the risk of wildfires.

Environment

Italy Winemakers Look To Adapt To Climate Change

6:01pm October 26, 2019

by Sylvia Poggioli

Winemakers in some of Italy's most prominent regions are adapting to climate change to protect the quality of their world-famous wines.

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Spike In Air Pollution In U.S.

7:58am October 26, 2019

There's been a spike in air pollution in the U.S. over the past two years — a reversal of previous trends. NPR's Scott Simon talks to Chris Frey, a former Trump administration science adviser.