Environment

Model 3 sedans sit on display outside a Tesla showroom. For California to reach its ambitious climate change goals, every vehicle sold by 2040 in the state will have to be a zero-emissions vehicle.

Gov. Brown's Biggest Climate Foe Isn't Trump. It's Car-Loving Californians

5:51am September 13, 2018

by Lauren Sommer

Gov. Jerry Brown of California wants the state to radically cut carbon emissions. But to meet those goals, every new vehicle sold in California by 2040 will have to be a zero-emission model.

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The champagne grape harvest in northeastern France, like this one near Mailly-Champagne, started early this year due to lack of rain.

Champagne Makers Bubble Over A Bumper Crop Caused By European Drought

5:51am September 13, 2018

by Eleanor Beardsley

A record heat wave ruined crops across Europe this summer, but not all crops. Champagne growers are ecstatic over a bumper crop of grapes this year. Vintage 2018 is expected to be one of the best.

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Environment

Mexico City: Thirsty And Sinking

7:34pm September 12, 2018

by Carrie Kahn

Mexico City is draining even more water from the ancient lake bed on which the city sits, causing it to sink. Climate change, political inaction and poor infrastructure are intensifying the problem.

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Trump Lauds Government Response To Hurricane Maria

7:11pm September 12, 2018

by Adrian Florido

President Donald Trump praised the government's response to Hurricane Maria, prompting an outcry among many in Puerto Rico.

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The Latest On Hurricane Florence

5:12pm September 12, 2018

by Sarah McCammon

Governors in five states have declared states of emergencies ahead of Hurricane Florence's arrival on the Eastern Seaboard. Officials have ordered the evacuations of hundreds of thousands of people.

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FEMA Under Trump

5:12pm September 12, 2018

by Brian Naylor

With Hurricane Florence about to make landfall, FEMA is going to be tested once again. Is it prepared under President Trump?

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North Carolina Prepares For Hurricane Florence

5:12pm September 12, 2018

Nearly 3,000 National Guard soldiers are being activated in North Carolina, where the governor warns that time to prepare is running out. He says residents should plan on losing power for days.

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Duke Energy Will Use Drones To Monitor Coal Ash Sites After Hurricane

3:38pm September 12, 2018

by Keri Brown

Hurricane Florence is raising some concerns from environmentalists about possible flooding that could impact coal ash ponds across the state.

Environment

When Hurricanes Strike, The Poor Often Get Hit Hardest

3:21pm September 12, 2018

by David Ford

On Tuesday, Gov. Roy Cooper described Hurricane Florence as an extremely dangerous, life-threatening hurricane, and he urged those directly in the storm's path to evacuate.

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A satellite image from Monday shows Hurricane Florence as it travels west and gains strength in the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricanes Isaac and Helene have also formed off the coast of West Africa.

Are Hurricanes Getting Worse?

1:03pm September 12, 2018

Whenever a hurricane is on the way, the same questions tend to resurface. Are storms really becoming stronger and more frequent? And is climate change playing a role? NPR's Rebecca Hersher explains.