Science & Environment | Exploring the intersection of urban life, science and the environment

Humans are warming climate, government researchers say

The U.S. government's most comprehensive climate report to date is at odds with the statements made by President Trump and his Cabinet. Christopher Joyce | NPR
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Recent Environment & Science coverage

Kids' Climate Case 'Reluctantly' Dismissed By Appeals Court

Nathan Rott | NPR |

The court said the nearly two dozen young people who were trying to force action by the government on climate change did not have standing to sue. The judges said climate change is a political issue.

Your Urban Drool (aka Polluted Runoff) Isn't Being Cleaned Up Quickly Enough, Says Heal The Bay

Sharon McNary |

Angelenos are used to looking up Heal the Bay's annual beach water quality report card each May as we search out the cleanest places to swim and surf.

Audio

Let's give thanks to this Thanksgiving storm

Jacob Margolis |

We’ve spent a lot of time recently stressing out about bad weather here in Southern California. It’s been too hot, too dry and too smoky. So, we thought it'd be appropriate on Thanksgiving to give thanks to this latest storm, which should leave you feeling good.

Audio

Edison's New Policy Of Public Safety Power Shutoffs Burdens Rural Residents

Sharon McNary |

Large utilities cut off power to millions of Californians over the past two months to reduce the risk that power lines might spark new fires. Nearly 200,000 Southern California Edison customers were blacked out, some for days at a time.

Audio

A New Hope for an Endangered SoCal Species

Lita Martinez |

Somewhere in the ocean off Southern California, there's an effort underway to help the endangered white abalone make a comeback.

Audio

What Exactly Is A Red Flag Warning?

David Wagner |

They're some of the most dreaded words in fire-prone California. By what does the term "red flag warning" actually mean?

Audio

Councilman calls for investigation of Playa del Rey gas field

Sharon McNary |

The Aliso Canyon gas leak broke out near Porter Ranch nearly four years ago. On Tuesday a City Councilman called for an investigation of a different underground gas field after troubling images surfaced on video.

Audio

More Environment & Science

When Climate Change Confronts Chinese Restaurants In the San Gabriel Valley

Josie Huang |

California has set a goal of going carbon-neutral by 2045.

Audio

RIP Pacific Coast Highway

Jacob Margolis |

You may not know this, but oftentimes in newsrooms we write obituaries ahead of time so that they're ready to publish when the person passes away. But what if the obit wasn't for a person, but for a place that's been the home of magical memories for generations?

Audio

The Perseids are back for their 2019 show

Jacob Margolis |

It's August, which means the spectacular Perseids meteor shower is upon us. That said, they're not going to be nearly as bright as they could be given the moon.

Audio

Crumbling cliffs could become more common with climate change

Jacob Margolis |

When you're laying on the beach, beware of the crumbling cliffs above you. They could be deadly.

Audio

Years After The Gas Blowout, Recriminations Continue In Porter Ranch

Sharon McNary |

It’s been nearly four years since the smell and chemicals from a ruptured gas well at an underground storage field forced thousands of Porter Ranch residents to leave their neighborhood for months.

Audio

As Climate Changes, Taxpayers Will Shoulder Larger U.S. Payouts To Farmers

Dan Charles | NPR |

That's good for farmers but bad for taxpayers, who subsidize government-backed crop insurance. The fate of research that forecasts these costs is in doubt as economists and scientists leave the USDA.

Audio

City Urges Residents To Make Neighborhood-Wide Plans For Earthquakes

Gabriel Cortes |

The City of L.A. wants residents to register for workshops that help neighborhoods prepare for earthquakes and other disasters.

Audio

New Law Allows Use Of Personal Carryout Containers

Jessica Flores |

Festival-goers and restaurant patrons will soon be able to bring their own reusable containers to carry out their favorite foods and beverages.

Audio

How A Grocery Store's Plan To Shame Customers Into Using Reusable Bags Backfired

Serena McMahon | NPR |

A Canadian grocery store put embarrassing slogans on plastic bags, such as "Wart Ointment Wholesale" and "Into the Weird Adult Video Emporium" to get customers to use reusable shopping bags.