Environment

'Good' Fires Can Help Slow Wildfires, But The Forest Service Is Too Busy To Use Them

4:44pm August 09, 2021

by Lauren Sommer

Federal agencies are doubling down on stopping extreme wildfires. They're also limiting the use of fire to help with fire prevention, which is concerning some fire scientists.

Firefighters Erik Padilla (left) and Joe Young extinguish hot spots last week while protecting Lake Almanor West homes from the Dixie Fire in California's Plumas County.

The Dixie Fire Is The 2nd Largest In California History And Is Only 21% Contained

4:23pm August 09, 2021

by Bill Chappell

The massive fire has now been burning since mid-July in Northern California. Sheriff's deputies are still looking for four people who lived in the town of Greenville, which was largely destroyed.

Following the Dixie Fire, flames burn in a tree in the Canyondam area of Plumas County, Calif., Friday, Aug. 6.

Environment

Dixie, Bootleg, Goose. How Wildfires Get Their Name

3:37pm August 09, 2021

by Josie Fischels

Across the United States,108 wildfires are burning, mainly in the west. What they're called is important, just as it is with hurricanes and other disasters.

Cars drive down the 110 Freeway toward downtown Los Angeles, California in April 2021. President Biden has pledged to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.

What The U.S. Can Do About The Dire Climate Change Report

2:15pm August 09, 2021

by Rachel Treisman

Allison Crimmins, who heads the National Climate Assessment, says the U.N.'s landmark report confirms the need for "significant, sustained action" to reduce emissions.

News Brief: Climate Report, Taliban Gains, Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Trial

10:42am August 09, 2021

A landmark new report finds that climate change is accelerating. Taliban fighters took control of three Afghan cities on Sunday. The maker of Oxycontin, Purdue Pharma, returns to court Monday.

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People evacuate from a wildfire north of Athens, Greece, on Friday. A climate-driven heat wave helped create conditions for the fire to burn out of control. Scientists warn that humans are running out of time to curb greenhouse gas emissions and avoid cat

A Major Report Warns Climate Change Is Accelerating And Humans Must Cut Emissions Now

10:15am August 09, 2021

by Rebecca Hersher

The U.N. has released the most comprehensive global climate science report ever. It is unequivocal: Humans must stop burning fossil fuels or suffer catastrophic impacts.

Environment

The U.N. Climate Change Report Is Out. What Should The White House Do?

7:20am August 09, 2021

NPR's Noel King talks to climate scientist Allison Crimmins about the findings of the United Nations' landmark climate report, and what it means for U.S. policy actions.

Severe thunderstorms struck eastern Nebraska Saturday, bringing torrential rains and flash flooding to the region.

Environment

Heavy Rains Lead To Flash Flooding In Eastern Nebraska

7:21pm August 08, 2021

by Dustin Jones

Water flooded downtown streets and some 18,000 residents experienced power outages as heavy rains, high winds and hail battered Omaha, Neb.

How A Meteorologist Does His Job When Climate Change Is Politicized

4:54pm August 08, 2021

NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with meteorologist Matthew Cappucci about the challenges of communicating about climate science during the weather report.

A burned residence rests in heavy smoke on Friday after being burned by the Dixie fire in Greenville, Calif. The fire is now the second-largest in recorded state history.

California's Dixie Fire Is Now The 2nd Largest In State History

3:18pm August 08, 2021

by Dave Mistich

Northern California's Dixie Fire, which has destroyed hundreds of buildings and entire communities, is now considered the second largest in state history.