Environment

A jogger goes for a run amid heavy smog in Shanghai on Wednesday. China has for the first time agreed to limit its carbon emissions, but critics are questioning whether the move goes far enough.

China Agrees To Pollution Limits, But Will It Make A Difference?

5:58pm November 18, 2014

by Anthony Kuhn

China has for the first time announced a ceiling to its future carbon emissions. Critics say the commitment is primarily symbolic, and unlikely to have a significant impact in the near future.

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The rendering industry likes to call itself the world's oldest recycling system. Nearly 100 percent of processed pigs will eventually get used — as meat and in uses as varied as medicine and pet food.

Everything But The Squeal: How The Hog Industry Cuts Food Waste

10:34am November 18, 2014

by Peggy Lowe

Large-scale hog operations get a bad environmental rap. But when it comes to processing the animals, the industry is a model of efficiency, making use of every last bit in sometimes surprising ways.

Sherri Erkel and her daughter, Asa, cook dinner in their kitchen in Iowa City, Iowa. The Erkel family is part of an EPA study measuring the amount of food wasted in U.S. homes.

To End Food Waste, Change Needs To Begin At Home

3:24pm November 17, 2014

by Grant Gerlock

The U.S. throws out 35 million tons of food each year. While many restaurants, supermarkets and processors are taking responsibility, many consumers aren't. An EPA pilot program aims to change that.

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Patch Of Pacific Water Is Warmest In Decades

12:25pm November 16, 2014

by Nate Rott

A stretch of unusually warm water is lingering off of the West Coast. Scientists are calling it "the blob." Fishermen are calling it the best the thing to happen to their industry in 20 years.

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Success Record is Mixed For Global Climate Deals

11:18am November 15, 2014

As China and the U.S. strike a landmark climate change deal, NPR's Scott Simon asks science correspondent Christopher Joyce how effective these climate targets have been historically.

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Judge Denies BP's Attempt To Avoid Up To $18 Billion In Fines

12:20pm November 14, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Last month, the company asked the judge to reconsider a ruling that could trigger fines under the Clean Water Act. And on Thursday, he said no. The company says it will appeal.

Environment

Duke Energy Announces Coal Ash Removal Plans

5:41am November 14, 2014

Duke Energy announced Wednesday that they have submitted plans to move millions of tons of coal ash from four storage facilities across the state.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Obama, seen here during a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, announced pledges to reduce greenhouse gases.

China And U.S., Titans Of Carbon Pollution, Move To Cut Gases

12:30pm November 13, 2014

by Bill Chappell

China and the U.S. account for more than a third of greenhouse gases — making it vital that any broad climate plans include the pair.

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Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., chair of the Senate energy committee, spoke Wednesday about getting congressional approval for the Canada-to-Texas Keystone XL pipeline. With her is Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., a member of the committee.

Congress Will Vote On Keystone XL Pipeline, With An Eye On Louisiana

11:19am November 13, 2014

by Bill Chappell

The two bills' sponsors — Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-La. — are heading toward a runoff election next month.

Climate Change Deal Requires U.S., China To Overhaul Energy Use

7:54am November 13, 2014

by Christopher Joyce

Experts who've parsed the numbers offered by the two countries say it's not enough to keep climate from overheating seriously. It is seen as a benchmark by which governments can be held accountable.

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