Environment

Climate scientists who scrutinized the U.N. accord are urging citizens to keep a sharp eye on each nation's leaders to make sure they follow through on pledges to reduce emissions.

Scientists See U.N. Climate Accord As A Good Start, But Just A Start

5:18pm December 15, 2015

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Many analyzing the deal hammered out in Paris say it's way better than no plan at all. But proof, they warn, will be in the execution of efforts to cap global temperature rise at 2 degrees C or less.

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The infrared photos on the right and left show the methane plume, which is not visible to the naked eye as shown in the middle photo.

Natural Gas Leak in California Raises Health, Environmental Concerns

5:09pm December 15, 2015

by Merrit Kennedy

A month and a half after detecting the leak in its Aliso Canyon storage facility, Southern California Gas Co. still hasn't been able to stop it.

Climate Change Plays 'Fairly Insignificant' Role In Current Warm Weather

4:37pm December 15, 2015

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks to Mike Halpert, NOAA's deputy director of the Climate Prediction Center, about the odd weather caused by El Nino and if climate change has a role.

Global Businesses Show Cautious Support For Climate Deal

4:15pm December 15, 2015

by John Ydstie

Business groups around the world are studying the climate change agreement reached in Paris over the weekend. Many support the idea of taking steps to limit carbon emissions but are worried about how reductions will be implemented and enforced.

People Across The U.S. React To Unseasonably Warm Weather

4:15pm December 15, 2015

All Things Considered hears from people around the country about the unseasonable weather.

Shell's Jack Pine Mine near Fort MacKay, Alberta. The largest trucks, called "heavy haulers," can hold 400 tons of oil sands material. It takes 2 tons to produce one barrel of oil.

Between Cheap Gas And Carbon Caps, Oil Sands Face Uncertain Fate

7:57pm December 14, 2015

by Jeff Brady

Canada's potentially lucrative oil sands business faces serious economic challenges. It has some concerned about its future as environmental critics look for ways to keep the oil in the ground.

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Economic, Environmental Concerns Threaten Future Of Oil Sands

6:45pm December 14, 2015

by Jeff Brady

Alberta, Canada, has the third largest oil reserves in the world, but the potentially lucrative oil sands business faces serious economic challenges.

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Global Leaders Move To Cut Emissions In Wake Of Climate Deal

6:45pm December 14, 2015

NPR has reaction from Russia, China and Brazil on the climate deal reached over the weekend in Paris.

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Negotiators In Paris Sign Off On Ambitious Climate Deal

6:40pm December 14, 2015

by Christopher Joyce

Over the weekend in Paris, representatives from 196 countries signed an agreement that aims to curb climate change. What's in it, and what happens next?

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Ford CEO Outlines Plans To Compete With Ride-Hailing Services

4:57pm December 14, 2015

Ford Motor Company plans to roll out a fleet of hybrid cars, and it's also developing new ride-hailing services. This is Ford's latest effort to not just sell cars, but drive people and gain entry into the ride-hailing economy dominated by Uber and Lyft. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with the Ford CEO Mark Fields about the company's move into other markets and the future of the auto industry.