Climate & Environment

‘The poor are in a very bad state’: Climate change accelerates California’s cost-of-living crisis

In ways subtle and extreme, the warming climate is hitting those with the least the hardest.

People are pictured from behind, standing in line at a food truck that has a pink donut painted on its side. In the foreground of the photo is a green and white truck with the words "humanitarian food aid" painted on its door.

The year the US doubled down on critical minerals

In 2025, the list of metals became a top priority under Trump. But what even are they?

A man with white hair holds up his right hand as he speaks into a nicrophone

Clean energy is surging despite political attacks. But a slowdown may be looming

The U.S. is forecast to add a lot less power from renewables than analysts previously expected.

Listen 2:36

Christmas is over. Here's what to do with your holiday trash

Household waste increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years. Rules vary by municipality on what you can recycle and what needs to go into the trash.

Listen 2:11

‘Beefy’ monarch butterflies are leaving the coast. How scientists (and you) can track them

The Western Monarch Count is underway, a community science project that aims to understand population changes for the orange butterflies.

Two monarch butterflies mating on the dirt.

Bald eagles, bears and foxes are dying from rat poisoning. Here's how you can protect them

A recent report finds that, despite legislation limiting such chemicals, dozens of species are still being poisoned. And we have rat prevention tips.

Listen 0:39

An image of a mother kit fox and baby coming out of their den in the ground in a grassy field.

‘A flood on steroids’: Hydrologist explains the mechanics, dangers of debris flows in SoCal

Atmospheric river threatens to unleash deadly debris flows through LA’s wildfire scars. Officials warn: “Get out of the way.” Evacuations are underway.