Dan Charles
Stories
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Environment
Without Enough Water To Go Around, Farmers In California Are Exhausting Aquifers
California's farmers are unsustainably pumping billions of gallons of water out of the state's underground aquifers to make up for the water missing from rivers. Now the state is moving to stop it.
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Environment
Why Clearing Brazil's Forests For Farming Can Make It Harder To Grow Crops
Clearing natural forests in Brazil in order to grow crops like soybeans has actually made it harder to grow those crops. That's because deforestation makes the weather hotter and drier.
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For The Climate And Fairness, Take Buses And Sidewalks Before Electric Cars
Cleveland is trying to create a less car-centered city, against tough odds. But public transit and walkable neighborhoods can help solve two problems at once: climate change and fairness.
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Health
Bringing Back Trees To "Forest City's" Redlined Areas Helps Residents And The Climate
In Cleveland, as in other cities, a move for "tree equity" is bringing more trees to low-income neighborhoods that often lack them. It also helps neighborhoods stay cooler as the planet heats up.
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Environment
Life Kit: Green Living
The heating, cooling and lighting in buildings account for nearly a third of U.S. greenhouse emissions. NPR's Life Kit has tips for how to shrink the carbon footprint of your house or apartment.
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Environment
North Dakota Officials Block Wind Power In Effort To Save Coal
Across the country, coal plants are shutting down. Wind turbines are going up. But the transition can be rocky. In North Dakota, some officials are trying to defend coal by blocking new wind turbines.
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Environment
New Evidence Shows Fertile Soil Gone From Midwestern Farms
One third of the cropland in the upper Midwest has entirely lost its fertile topsoil, according to a new study. Other scientists doubt that figure, but agree that soil loss is a big problem.
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Science
Scientists Say Fertile Soil Is Missing From Many Midwestern Farms
It's estimated a third of the Upper Midwest's cropland has lost all of its topsoil, which is vital for growing crops. Even if there's a dispute on the number, scientists agree the loss is a problem.
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Environment
Cities' Goal To Lower Climate Emissions Could Be Blocked By Gas Utilities
A growing number of cities want to restrict the use of gas in buildings to reduce climate emissions. But many states are now considering laws to block that with backing from the natural gas industry.
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Environment
As Cities Grapple With Climate Change, Gas Utilities Fight To Stay In Business
Natural gas utilities face a bleak future in a world increasingly concerned about climate change. An NPR investigation shows how they work to block local climate action and protect their business.