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.

KPBS Midday Edition

Supervisor Vargas Talks About Environmental Justice At The County

Erik Anderson

San Diego County Supervisors voted to create an office of environmental and climate justice by fall. District 1 supervisor Nora Vargas pushed to make that happen.
National

As Western Wildfires Worsen, FEMA Is Denying Most People Who Ask For Help

Sean McMinn

April Ehrlich

An investigation into FEMA claims after 2020's historic wildfires in Oregon and California reveals wide fluctuations in approval rates and denials of people who met aid criteria.
Environment

As Wildfires Rage, Biden Is Raising Federal Firefighter Pay

The Associated Press

The Biden administration said Wednesday it is hiring more federal firefighters — and immediately raising their pay — as officials ramp up response efforts in the face of a severe drought that is setting the stage for another destructive summer of intense wildfires across the West.
KPBS Midday Edition

The Need For Shade Trees On A Warming Planet

Maureen Cavanaugh

Brooke Ruth

A new article in National Geographic outlines both the necessity of shade for a warming planet and the unequal distribution of shady, tree-lined streets in our cities, including in San Diego.
KPBS Evening Edition

San Diego Researcher Studies Lake Collapse On Antarctica Ice Shelf

Erik Anderson

A San Diego researcher has helped an Australian colleague figure out how a massive ice-covered lake on an Antarctic ice shelf disappeared.
Environment

Drought Woes In Dry US West Raise July 4 Fireworks Fears

Lindsay Whitehurst / Associated Press

Many Americans aching for normalcy as pandemic restrictions end are looking forward to traditional Fourth of July fireworks. But with a historic drought in the U.S. West and fears of another devastating wildfire season, officials are canceling displays, passing bans or begging for caution.
National

Bringing Back Trees To 'Forest City's' Redlined Areas Helps Residents And The Climate

Dan Charles

Ryan Kellman

In Cleveland, as in other cities, a move for "tree equity" is bringing more trees to low-income neighborhoods that often lack them. It also helps neighborhoods stay cooler as the planet heats up.
KPBS Evening Edition

New Habitat Preserve In North San Diego County Helps California Gnatcatcher

Erik Anderson

79 acres of newly protected land will preserve habitat that used to cover Southern California.
Environment

What's The Best Way To Help The Climate And People, Too? Home Improvement

Dan Charles

Ryan Kellman

President Biden wants to spend $200 billion renovating old homes or building affordable new ones. It's a move that would fight climate change in a way that makes people's lives better.
Health

Here are 5 tips to help you stay safe and cool in extreme heat

Ari Shapiro

Christopher Intagliata

Elena Burnett

Heat waves today are not the same as 60 years ago. The warming climate is making them more intense and they're lasting longer. Here are five ways you can beat the heat and stay cool.