Environment

A mix of barley, peas and flax grows in a field at Casey Bailey's farm near Fort Benton, Mont. Bailey sells this crop to Montana dairy farmer Nate Brown, who has been feeding it to his goats.

Environment

Diversifying Crops Is Good For The Planet. But Can It Be Good For Farmers' Wallets?

1:50pm October 23, 2019

by Rachel Cernansky

Fertilizer runoff is fueling the toxic algae bloom in the Gulf of Mexico. Farmers could help by growing crops in rotation to reduce the need for fertilizer. But it's unclear who will buy them.

A firefighter participates in a controlled burn in a forest outside El Perelló in Catalonia, Spain, on Sept. 27. NPR followed a special unit into the woods in Spain to see how they burn for prevention.

A Forest Expert Team In Spain Fights Fire With Fire — Literally

1:14pm October 23, 2019

by Aaron Labaree

This year, the European Union has had almost triple the average number of wildfires. NPR follows a special unit into the woods in Spain to see how they let them burn for prevention.

Questions Raised Over Whether The Cannabis Industry Is Contributing To Air Pollution

5:40pm October 22, 2019

by Michael Elizabeth Sakas

There's new concern that the growing cannabis industry may be contributing to air pollution. But it's a tricky thing to study, since pot is still illegal under federal law.

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Fraud Case Against Exxon Could Impact Efforts To Curb Climate Change

5:40pm October 22, 2019

NPR's Audie Cornish talks with InsideClimate News reporter Nicholas Kusnetz about a fraud case against ExxonMobil. The trial begins Tuesday and the outcome could impact efforts to curb climate change.

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PG&E says it may impose a blackout on 16 California counties on Wednesday because weather conditions could favor wildfires.

More California Blackouts To Avert Wildfires May Start Wednesday, PG&E Says

5:32pm October 22, 2019

by Paolo Zialcita

The utility giant warned over 200,000 customers in 16 California counties that gusty winds and low humidity may bring more proactive power shutoffs starting Wednesday.

for salmon but delivering less water for cities and farmers. State officials say water users along the Tuolumne River have agreed to voluntary concessions that would improve salmon habitat instead of the mandated increase in water flows. (AP Photo/Jae C.

Trump Plan Weakens Protections For California Fish, Diverts Water To Farms

5:19pm October 22, 2019

by Lauren Sommer

The move fulfills a Trump campaign promise to help California's farmers. But it ignores the warnings of federal biologists who were sidelined.

New York's attorney general is suing Exxon Mobil, accusing the company of defrauding shareholders. Above, an Exxon refinery in St. Bernard Parish, La., is seen in 2015.

Exxon Is On Trial, Accused Of Misleading Investors About Risks Of Climate Change

3:23pm October 22, 2019

by Laurel Wamsley

New York's attorney general argues that Exxon used shady methods of calculating carbon costs, affecting its share price and defrauding shareholders. Exxon says the lawsuit is politically motivated.

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Environment

Trial To Begin: Did Exxon Mislead Investors On Climate Change?

7:29am October 22, 2019

by Laurel Wamsley

A civil trial against Exxon Mobil Corp. opens Tuesday in New York, based on accusations that the oil and gas giant misled shareholders about the risks it faces from climate change.

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Earlier this month, California utility PG&E shut down power for about 800,000 customers in north and central California. The move was meant to prevent wildfires caused by their equipment during high winds.

Are Blackouts The Future For California?

7:28pm October 21, 2019

by Lauren Sommer

Residents are wondering whether widespread power outages are the future and whether they're the only way to prevent wildfires. New technology may help prevent them if utilities are willing to invest.

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An e-bike resembles a regular bicycle, with its batteries and electric motor integrated into the bike's frame. Enthusiasts see e-bikes on national park trails as a great thing, but some traditional riders and environmentalists see big problems ahead.

Environment

National Parks Trying To Get A Handle On E-Bikes

5:43pm October 21, 2019

by Mark Arehart

Electric assisted bicycles are on trails in the national parks. Enthusiasts think that's a great thing, but some traditional riders and environmentalists see big problems ahead.

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