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.

Class-action lawsuit filed after the Potomac sewage spill

Jeff Brady

A class-action lawsuit has been filed after part of a decades-old sewer line in Maryland collapsed in January, sending raw sewage into the Potomac River. After weather delays, repair work has resumed.
Countries are negotiating rules to mine the deep sea. The U.S. is pushing ahead alone

Lauren Sommer

With growing interest in mining critical metals from the seafloor, countries are now negotiating international rules. The Trump administration is forging ahead on its own, speeding up environmental review for mining the fragile ecosystem.
El Niño is set to take hold this summer, driving up global temperatures

Lauren Sommer

Rebecca Hersher

A potentially strong El Niño weather pattern will likely emerge this summer and persist through the rest of the year. The hottest years on record generally occur in years when El Niño is active.
Environment

Easy-to-use solar panels are coming, but utilities are trying to delay them

Jeff Brady

Utilities are convincing lawmakers around the U.S. to delay bills that would allow people to buy solar panels, plug them into an outlet and begin generating electricity.
Environment

SANDAG breaks ground on long-awaited University Avenue bike, transit project

Andrew Bowen

The University Bikeway will add separated bike lanes, bus boarding platforms and measures to prevent speeding on a deadly stretch of roadway between La Mesa and City Heights.
Environment

2025 saw relatively fewer natural disasters. Will you get a break on home insurance?

Michael Copley

Disaster costs fell in the U.S. in 2025. Still, it was the fourth time in five years that extreme weather inflicted more than $100 billion in annual losses. Industry experts say the growing financial toll will make insurers wary of rushing to cut rates.
International

Millions more people are in the path of rising seas than previously thought

Lauren Sommer

Oceans are rising as the climate changes, threatening coastal cities. A new study shows that much more of the world's population is vulnerable than earlier predictions had estimated.
Science & Technology

Come along with some geese as they migrate back from their southern winter havens

Ayana Archie

Geese's iconic "V" formations and trademark squawks can be seen and heard overhead as they go back and forth to the south through the year. But what does it take for such a long trip?
Politics

Middle East conflicts largely avoided energy facilities in the past. Not in this war

Julia Simon

Recent conflicts in the region have either spared energy infrastructure or caused limited damage. That isn't the case in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
Economy

Amid San Diego's high transportation costs, some manage to find relief

Andrew Bowen

San Diego households spend more on transportation than almost every other metro area in the country. The culprit, experts say, is the automobile.