What can one person do about climate change? Part 3: Dig in the dirt

Rachel McDevitt

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Rachel McDevitt reports on energy, the environment, and climate change for StateImpact Pennsylvania at WITF.

Rachel covers Pennsylvania state government’s policy on climate change, its effects on people, and lawmakers’ approach to the industries that generate many of Pennsylvania’s greenhouse gas emissions. Her work through the collaborative Climate Solutions puts special focus on communities and individuals working to address the effects of climate disruption.

Her stories have aired nationally on the NPR shows Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, and Science Friday.

Rachel joined WITF in 2014 as a Radio Pennsylvania reporter before becoming the local host of All Things Considered in 2017. The western Pennsylvania native started her journalism career with the CBS affiliate in Bridgeport, West Virginia. Rachel holds a degree in Communications and Spanish from Temple University.

Jeremy Long / WITF

A butterfly lands on a butterfly weed plant at The Bower on June 20, 2023.

August 25, 2023 | 5:00 AM

Agriculture and other land use are responsible for between 25-30% of global emissions.

You can chip away at that by growing some of your own food or planting flowers, shrubs, and trees. One tree can absorb thousands of pounds of carbon over its lifetime.

Native plants also provide important habitat for insects and birds that may be threatened by climate change.