Environment

Author Dan Rubinstein paddled from Ottawa to New York City and back to understand how being near water benefits people. His book is called "Water Borne."

Jeremy Greenberg was in charge of coordinating federal help after hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes and other emergencies. He has resigned from leading FEMA's National Response Coordination Center.

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Rural water systems are struggling to meet the EPA's new limits on so-called forever chemicals in drinking water. Now, federal funds to help remove them are in jeopardy under the Trump administration.

Chesapeake Bay is at a turning point. Once severely polluted, the bay has seen major improvements in recent years. But President Trump's proposed budget would slash key programs.

(Image credit: KT Kanazawich for NPR)

Chesapeake Bay is at a turning point. Once severely polluted, the bay has seen major improvements in recent years. But President Trump's proposed budget would slash key programs.

It's being called the largest land return deal in California's history. Yurok Fisheries Department Director Barry McCovey tells NPR's Scott Detrow what it means for the Yurok Tribe and for the land.

Climate.gov is the main source of timely climate-related information for the public. It will stop publishing new information because the Trump administration laid off everyone who worked on it.

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If you're worried about flooding this hurricane season, here are some ways to harden your home with flooding and climate change in mind.

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Seattle, along with other cities, is struggling to balance the need for more housing with the preservation and growth of trees that help address the impacts of climate change.

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Insurance costs are soaring, and coverage is hard to find in some parts of the United States. Communities say insurers are ignoring their efforts to confront the problem.

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Homeowners' insurance isn't just getting more expensive ... it's also getting harder to secure in the first place. Across the country, an increase in climate-related disasters like heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes is creating challenges for both insurers and their customers. One successful strategy taking hold in Alabama and other states: Climate-proofing houses — and incentivizing it with insurance discounts.

Still, not all states or homeowners face similar risks. And insurers aren't legally required to take climate-proofing into account when assessing the insurability of a home. That's why states are experimenting with different programs — and insurance legislation — to find a solution.

This episode is part of NPR's Climate Solutions Week: a series of stories covering real world solutions for building, and living, on a hotter planet.

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Earthaven Ecovillage fared remarkably well after Hurricane Helene. The community had backup power and water systems, as well as food supplies, but members also knew how to work together in a crisis.

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The huge amphibians "will literally just feed on anything that fits into their mouth" — including turtle hatchlings. Clearing thousands of frogs from ponds helped other species stage a comeback.

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American bullfrog populations have exploded around the world with dire consequences for native wildlife. But researchers say they may have found a way to help these species rebound.

Sometimes reducing your home's energy use can be as simple as opening a window or buying tape. Here are five easy ways to have a more climate-friendly home and save on energy bills at the same time.

(Image credit: Illustrations by LA Johnson/NPR)

A booming population and changing climate have strained water supplies in St. George, Utah. Local leaders are betting that recycled wastewater can keep the city's taps flowing.

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Heads of state, mayors, scientists and policymakers have gathered in France to tackle what is being described as a global emergency facing the world's seas.

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Dilly Dally, a loggerhead turtle who survived a run-in with a predator that ultimately cost her a flipper, has been rereleased into the wild.

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Ecologist Doug Tallamy thinks a yard can become a little "national park." He's co-founder of Homegrown National Park, which encourages people to grow native plants in their yards.

More than 200 wildfires are raging across Canada, sending a thick blanket of choking smoke through the U.S. Midwest. Experts says climate change means U.S. residents better get used to it.

(Image credit: Mark Vancleave)