Climate Change

The urgency of addressing human causes of climate change has long been apparent. To amplify this issue that's paramount to us all, KPBS has launched a Climate Change Desk to step up our coverage of this existential threat including reported stories and interviews with experts and newsmakers.

National

In photos: Flooding in Western Washington state forces thousands to evacuate

NPR Staff

Record flooding in Washington state has forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate after torrential rains this week.
How China, not the U.S., became the main climate solution story in 2025

Julia Simon

Anthony Kuhn

The U.S. has become a "side character" in the global story of renewable energy, experts say. China dominates the sector, with positive implications for the climate and their economy.
Environment

California lawmaker calls for public review of massive Imperial Valley data center project

Kori Suzuki

State Sen. Steve Padilla’s letter comes as Imperial Valley residents and advocates say they were blindsided by plans for the project.
'There's no 911 for us': Inside America's elite urban search and rescue teams

Rebecca Hersher

America's urban search and rescue teams are facing financial and political pressure. However, their work has never been more in demand, as weather disasters become increasingly common.
Economy

Trump administration rolls back fuel economy standards

Camila Domonoske

At the White House this afternoon, President Trump said he was terminating "ridiculously burdensome" fuel economy rules. It's part of a series of changes relaxing or eliminating rules promoting cleaner cars.
Environment

The U.S. produces a lot of food waste. This place wants to address it

Alana Wise

Jaclyn Diaz

Even amid rising grocery prices and increased sensitivity to environmental issues, Americans still trash once-edible food at alarming rates.
Environment

U.N. climate talks end without agreement on phasing out fossil fuels

Michael Copley

Julia Simon

Rebecca Hersher

Dozens of countries had called for a clear "roadmap" to transition away from the use of coal, oil and natural gas. The U.S. did not participate in the negotiations.
International

Fire prompts evacuations at U.N. climate talks in Brazil; 13 suffer smoke inhalation

The Associated Press

Officials say a fire that spread through pavilions being used for U.N. climate talks in Brazil has prompted evacuations on the next-to-last day of the conference.
Environment

Trump administration announces plan for new oil drilling off Southern California's coast

Matthew Daly and Matthew Brown

A plan proposed Thursday by the Interior Department would open up new drilling on federal waters off California and off the coast of Florida for the first time in decades.
Environment

3 massive changes you'll see as the climate careens toward tipping points

Rebecca Hersher

Lauren Sommer

Scientists are increasingly concerned that the planet is headed for massive, irreversible changes due to global warming. In some cases, those changes have already begun.