From This Collection

U.N.'s urgent call for emissions cuts means fewer cars, experts say

Aug 9, 2021
Climate scientists say in the U.S., the transportation sector is the largest source of carbon emissions. Expanding public transit is key, they say.
Investments in public transit could help curb U.S. emissions. Above, a subway train arrives at a Brooklyn station in New York City in November 2020.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images

Lake Mead business struggles to stay afloat as water drops to historic low

Jul 29, 2021
“It’s a tough season this year,” says Lisa Duncan of Temple Bar Marina. Slips are filled, but the boat launch is closed for now.
The closure of Lake Mead’s Temple Bar boat ramp due to low water levels has impacted revenue at the restaurant, hotel and retail store that Lisa Duncan, manages at Temple Bar Marina, she says.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

More frequent, extreme heat waves linked to workplace injuries

Jul 26, 2021
New research from UCLA shows climate change-induced heat waves pose a growing threat to workers.
People wait to buy ice cream from a Washington, D.C., vender during a June heat wave. A recent study links heat waves to worker injuries, which were highest in low-wage industries that require physical labor.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

As wildfires intensify in the West, scientists look at how they spread

Jul 23, 2021
On a farm in Oregon, they try to figure out what kinds of trees and shrubs produce the most flying embers.
Student Will Heffernan (left) and researcher Sampath Adusumilli clear debris around a burned chamise branch during an experiment measuring the embers produced by vegetation.
Jes Burns/OPB

Plug-in vehicles might cost more upfront, but should save money in the long run

Jul 20, 2021
Electric cars can save drivers thousands of dollars on maintenance over the life of the vehicle.
Some consumers may be put off by the purchase prices of electric vehicles, but lower maintenance may outweigh those costs.
John MacDougall/AFP via Getty Images

More electric vehicles promised, but are fleet owners ready?

Jan 29, 2021
There isn’t a lot of experience or trust on which to base calculations about durability and cost savings for electric vehicles.
Consumers may need more concrete data on the benefits of electric vehicles before they commit.
Jewel Samad/AFP via Getty Images

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Man-made attempts at saving wildlife

Jan 31, 2008
With warming polar regions endangering habitats for polar bears and penguins, scientists and others are experimenting with ways to protect the animals from extinction. Janet Babin reports.

Engineering solutions to climate change

Jan 30, 2008
If we can't stop global warming, can we adapt to it? Some ideas seem far out -- like generating a giant cloud or launching a huge umbrella to block the rays of the sun. Nate DiMeo reports the proposals are risky to try, but not trying may be risky as well.

Dutch plan for flooding: Higher ground

Jan 29, 2008
In the Netherlands, 60% of the population lives below sea level, thanks to dikes and pumps. But global warming is making it harder to keep up. Rico Gagliano reports how a new kind of water defense is changing the Dutch landscape and the way some farmers do business.