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.

Floods are getting more common. Do you know your risk?

Rebecca Hersher

Climate change means more rain and higher seas, which adds up to more flooded homes. Even a small amount of water indoors can cost a lot.
Health

Opinion: Life hacks from India on how to stay cool (without an air conditioner)

Gulrez Shah Azhar

Heat wave researcher Dr. Gulrez Shah Azhar grew up in Uttar Pradesh, India, where temps would hit 120 degrees. He did not have an A/C unit. He shares tips on dealing with the record heat of 2023.
Local

Settlement blocks new federal fracking leases in California

Kathleen Ronayne / AP
Local

California not counting methane leaks from idle wells

Drew Costley / AP

After 21 idle wells were found to be leaking methane — some of them explosive levels of it — in Bakersfield in May and June, the California Air Resources Board told the Associated Press that it’s not tallying leaks from idle wells.
National

These hurricane flood maps reveal the climate future for Miami, NYC and D.C.

Jenny Staletovich

Nick Underwood

Jaclyn Jeffrey-Wilensky

Rosemary Misdary

Jacob Fenston

National Hurricane Center data for Miami, Washington, D.C., and New York City show development happening in at-risk areas, even as climate change brings more frequent and intense storms.
Local

De Anza Point will be redeveloped into marshland and camping space

Maureen Cavanaugh

Harrison Patiño

The decision is part of a larger plan to transform northeast Mission Bay to include a campground, open space and marshland.
Opinion: Blistering summers are the future

Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon takes a look at the world's temperature maps, and asks what summer will mean to future generations.
Local

MTS approves contract to massively expand electric bus fleet

Andrew Bowen

The deal includes the purchase of new buses that run on compressed natural gas.
Local

Solar supporters rally in front of Sempra’s San Diego Headquarters

Erik Anderson

Protesters wanted Sempra Energy officials to stop supporting rule changes that would hike the cost of installing and having rooftop solar.
Local

Yosemite wildfire threatens grove of iconic sequoia trees

The Associated Press

The largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park is still closed as firefighters battle a blaze that threatens the trees and has forced hundreds of campers to evacuate.