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Eva Stebel, water researcher, pours a water sample into a smaller glass container for experimentation as part of drinking water and PFAS research at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Center For Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to propose restrictions on harmful "forever chemicals" in drinking water after finding they are dangerous in amounts so small as to be undetectable, but experts say removing them will cost billions.
March 15, 2023 | 11:55 AM

EPA proposes first limits on toxic ‘forever chemicals’ for public drinking water

While states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey have already set PFAS limits for public water systems, the EPA proposal is more restrictive and would apply nationwide.
By Zoë Read/WHYY
Community members attend a meeting at East Palestine High School on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. Norfolk Southern did not attend the meeting, citing concerns of a growing physical threat to employees. Now, residents are turning to lawyers to get answers they say they can't get from the company.
February 23, 2023 | 12:01 PM

East Palestine residents seek legal advice after train derailment

By Abigail Bottar and Taylor Wizner/ Ideastream Public Media
January 10, 2023 | 10:03 AM

Climate change makes heat waves, storms and droughts worse, climate report confirms

By Rebecca Hersher/NPR
People embark a ferry during an evacuation from Kochyli beach as wildfire approaches near Limni village on the island of Evia, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of Athens, Greece, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. Thousands of people fled wildfires burning out of control in Greece and Turkey on Friday, including a major blaze just north of the Greek capital of Athens that claimed one life, as a protracted heat wave left forests tinder-dry and flames threatened populated areas and electricity installations.
Updated: 2021-08-19 10:56:39

A major report warns climate change is accelerating and humans must cut emissions now

The U.N. has released the most comprehensive global climate science report ever. It is unequivocal: Humans must stop burning fossil fuels or suffer catastrophic impacts.

By Rebecca Hersher/NPR
Updated: 2021-04-22 15:51:55

Biden makes new pledge for U.S. greenhouse gas emissions: A 50% cut

That aggressive 2030 goal will be formalized in a document called a "nationally determined contribution," or NDC.
By Scott Detrow/NPR
In this Nov. 9, 2020, file photo President-elect Joe Biden speaks at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del. Biden says he wants to “restore the soul of America.”
November 23, 2020 | 1:11 PM

Why the oil industry doesn’t fear Biden

The oil industry sees the president-elect as open to compromise — and likely constrained by a Republican Senate.

By Camila Domonoske, NPR
Bruce Mansfield coal-fired power plant in Shippingport, Pa., which was retired early in November 2019.
April 14, 2020 | 3:51 PM

Carbon emissions are falling, but still not enough, scientists say

By Lauren Sommer, NPR
Photo illustration shows Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren and Andrew Yang.
September 18, 2019 | 12:12 PM

Climate issues: Where 2020 Democrats stand on the Green New Deal and more

Climate change — or, more precisely, fighting climate change — has quickly become one of the top priorities among Democratic voters.

By Danielle Kurtzleben, Lexie Schapitl and Alyson Hurt/NPR