Weather

Rain During Monsoon Season Is Becoming Less Reliable, Less Effective

6:05am July 21, 2021

by Michael Elizabeth Sakas

It's monsoon season in the Southwest, a vital source of moisture that keeps pastures and rivers healthy and wildfires in check. But climate change is making it harder to count on the season's rain.

Utah's Great Salt Lake Is Turning Into Dust

5:14pm July 20, 2021

The Great Salt Lake's water level is projected to hit a 170-year low this year. Scientists say that could have dire implications for migratory birds, if the lake's food chain collapses as a result.

National

Bighorn Sheep Count In California Is Canceled After A Volunteer Dies

7:44am July 20, 2021

by Claire Trageser

Extreme heat is causing problems for wildlife researchers. Outside San Diego, a volunteer died from heat stroke and the annual bighorn sheep count is now canceled.

After Fatal Floods, Germans Look At How Climate Change And Infrastructure Contributed

4:44pm July 19, 2021

by Rob Schmitz

A massive cleanup is underway in Germany in areas badly hit by last week's storms, which caused billions of dollars worth of damage and more than 160 deaths.

The Flooding In Parts Of Germany Is The Worst There In 60 Years

5:00am July 19, 2021

by Rob Schmitz

Authorities are assessing the toll of historic floods that devastated parts of western Germany that killed more than 150 people. German Chancellor Merkel described the situation as "terrifying."

A man rows a boat down a residential street after flooding in Liège, Belgium, on Friday.

World News

In A Belgian City Ravaged By Flooding, The Signs Of Disaster Are Everywhere

2:50pm July 17, 2021

by Rebecca Rosman

In Liège, Belgium's third-largest city, water from the Meuse river overflowed into parts of the city center, prompting city officials to call for residents to evacuate the area or seek higher ground.

April Alvarez, field director for Oregon's Farmworker Union PCUN, spoke at a Portland vigil to honor Sebastian Francisco Perez. The 38-year-old farmworker died during the late June heat wave.

As Extreme Heat Kills Hundreds, Oregon Steps Up Push To Protect People

10:44am July 17, 2021

by Monica Samayoa

There are no federal worker protections from extreme heat even as climate change makes deadly heat waves more likely. Oregon has passed emergency rules and is educating the public on how to stay safe.

Flooding has led to the collapse of an entire field in Rhein-Erft-Kreis, a district in western Germany. Officials have said a warming climate is at least partially to blame for floods.

Flood Deaths Are Rising In Germany, And Officials Blame Climate Change

1:19pm July 16, 2021

The worst flooding in decades to affect Germany and parts of Belgium has killed more than 100 people as search and rescue efforts for hundreds of missing continue, officials said.

Environment

How A Group Of Dedicated Volunteers Are Keeping California's Wildfires At Bay

8:38am July 16, 2021

by Gloria Hillard

The Los Angeles Fire Department depends on help from amateur radio volunteers when fire threatens communications infrastructure. NPR looks at how ham radio operators are keeping residents safe.

Environment

Death Toll Continues To Rise In Devastating German Floods

8:36am July 16, 2021

by Esme Nicholson

Dozens of people are dead and dozens more are missing in Western Europe after heavy flooding swept away homes and cars and turned streams into raging rivers.