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.

Scientists explore whether to add a "Category 6" designation for hurricanes

Rebecca Hersher

Climate change is making powerful hurricanes more common. That may require adding a new official designation for the more intense storms, a new study suggests.
A famous climate scientist is in court with big stakes for attacks on science

Julia Simon

One of the world's most prominent climate scientists is suing a right-wing author and a policy analyst for defamation, a case with big stakes for attacks on scientists.
Environment

Another atmospheric river has soaked California. What role has climate change played?

Alejandra Borunda

Vanessa Romo

California is in the grips of an atmospheric river that's causing flooding all over the state. Climate change might be intensifying storms like it — but scientists are still working out the details.
Environment

San Diego has lingering issues with stormwater

Erik Anderson

San Diego has spent a lot of time, effort and money cleaning up Chollas Creek in efforts to avoid the flooding that ravaged Southcrest neighborhoods on Jan. 22, but not everything is getting fixed.
International

Forest fires raging in central Chile have killed more than 100 people

The Associated Press

The fires have been burning with the highest intensity around the city of Viña del Mar, where a famous botanical garden founded in 1931 was destroyed by the flames on Sunday.
Environment

How mapping 'heat islands' can help cities prepare for extreme heat

Britny Cordera

Oklahoma City and several other cities last year worked with NOAA to map neighborhoods to find out how heat impacts neighborhoods. The data can help cities prepare and adapt to a warmer world.
Hollywood has been giving out climate change-focused awards for 33 years. Who knew?

Chloe Veltman

Now in its 33rd year, the Environmental Media Awards might be the most celebrity-studded awards ceremony you've never heard of.
Science & Technology

'Hot droughts' are becoming more common in the arid West, new study finds

Nathan Rott

Scientists looked at trees to better understand the interplay between temperatures and droughts in the Western U.S. Human-caused climate change is exacerbating both.
Why the war in Ukraine is bad for climate science

Rebecca Hersher

The invasion of Ukraine hampered collaboration with Russian climate scientists. That's bad news for our collective ability to understand, and prepare for, a hotter planet.
Health

From 'gender apartheid' to 'climate mobility,' here are buzzwords to watch this year

Andrew Connelly

2024 will be awash in new (and sometimes familiar) buzzwords that point up the polycrises (another buzzword) around the planet. Here's a guide for the perplexed.