Environment

Muguntuul Oyutan, 11, walks to school with her sister and friends in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Mongolia is the world's most sparsely populated nation, and an increasing proportion of its citizens reside in the capital.

Losing The Eternal Blue Sky In Mongolia

4:51pm August 05, 2019

Its environment and population are enduring major shifts as the country goes big on mining and as effects of climate change set in. See Mongolia's changes close up in this immersive photo essay.

Climate Policies Of 2020 Democrats

12:49pm August 03, 2019

by Jeff Brady

Climate change has emerged as a key issue among the Democratic presidential candidates, several of whom have detailed plans.

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Bangladeshi commuters use boats to cross the Buriganga River in the capital Dhaka in 2018. In July, Bangladesh's top court granted all the country's rivers the same legal rights as humans.

Should Rivers Have Same Legal Rights As Humans? A Growing Number Of Voices Say Yes

8:02am August 03, 2019

by Ashley Westerman

"Environmental personhood" was once considered a fringe issue, but several countries have granted rivers within their borders legal person status. Bangladesh became the latest in July.

The Dangers Of Environmental Activism In The Philippines

7:58am August 03, 2019

The Philippines is the deadliest country for environmental activists, according to a watchdog group. NPR's Scott Simon speaks to environmental activist Leon Dulce about the violence in that country.

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Two scoops of Perfect Day's vegan ice cream, made with synthetic whey proteins. Protein from whey, a byproduct of cheese-making, is often used to give frozen desserts a creamy texture. Perfect Day makes its whey proteins using microbes.

Dairy Ice Cream, No Cow Needed: These Egg And Milk Proteins Are Made Without Animals

7:54pm August 02, 2019

by Maria Godoy

Some startups are making synthetic versions of animal proteins for use in foods from smoothies to baked goods. The goal: to reshape the food supply without the environmental footprint of livestock.

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At the Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary, the Milky Way galaxy shines bright enough at night to cast shadows.

This Remote Corner Of Nevada Is One Of The Darkest Places In The World

3:41pm August 02, 2019

by Noah Glick

Because of light pollution, most people in the U.S. don't know what a full night sky looks like. But the Massacre Rim area in Nevada has recently been designated a Dark Sky Sanctuary.

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Polar Photographer Shares His View Of A Ferocious But Fragile Ecosystem

1:42pm August 02, 2019

by Terry Gross

Paul Nicklen has spent decades documenting the Arctic and the Antarctic. He often finds himself in frigid waters, just a camera's length away from deadly predators. Originally broadcast June 6, 2017.

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Environment

What The Melting Of Greenland's Ice Sheet Means For Sea Levels

5:24pm August 01, 2019

The Greenland ice sheet is in the middle of one of its greatest melting events ever. NPR's Audie Cornish talks with climate scientist Twila Moon about what that means for sea levels and beyond.

Major retailers report sharp drops in sales of single-use plastic bags, after a fee was instituted in 2015.

Plastic Bag Sales Fell By 90% At England's Large Retailers In Past 4 Years

4:56pm August 01, 2019

by Bill Chappell

Major retailers in England issued 7.6 billion single-use plastic bags before a fee was instituted in 2015. In the most recent 12-month period, they cut that to 549 million.

Environment

China's New Recycling Policy Could Give U.S. An Opportunity To Rethink Its Process

4:20pm August 01, 2019

by Sarah Gonzalez

More recycling isn't always good for the environment. Now that China is buying less recyclables, cities are shoving their water bottles and cardboard boxes into the trash pile. And it might be OK.