The Backcountry Boom
In mountains across America, skiers and snowboarders are ditching ski lifts and heading into the backcountry. We talked with a pioneer of backcountry snowboarding about how we got here.
Environment
More Crabs!: Scientists Discover A Way To Help Dying Coral Reefs
For many reasons, including climate change, coral reefs are dying around the world. But scientists say some crabs eat coral-choking seaweed and algae and may help with restoring coral reefs.
As Climate Envoy, Kerry To Seek 'Ambition' With 'Humility'
One challenge facing John Kerry in his new role as climate envoy to President-elect Joe Biden will be to convince other governments the U.S. will abide by its commitments.
Biden Plans To Bring Vilsack Back To USDA Despite Criticism From Reformers
Vilsack served as secretary of agriculture during the Obama administration and has been a trusted adviser to President-elect Joe Biden. But critics say his time has passed.
Investors Can Now Bet On The Future Of Water Prices In California
Water is a precious resources in California — a state plagued by wildfires and drought. Water there is now a commodity and can now be traded like oil and gas.
Biden Pledges To Conserve Nearly A Third Of U.S. Land And Water By 2030
President-elect Joe Biden wants to conserve 30% of U.S. land and water by 2030. It's part of a global push to avoid the worst effects of climate change and the decline of the natural world.
California's Ancient Redwoods Face New Challenge From Wildfires And Warming Climate
California's iconic old-growth redwoods are incredibly resilient and built to survive fires. But even they may find it harder to rebound amid the mounting impacts of climate change.
Ex-Energy Secretary Says Fixing Climate Change Is Tough, There's No Vaccine
NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Stephen Chu, former secretary of Energy and a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, about how approaching peak fossil fuel demand will impact Biden's climate policies.
On A Tour Of 'America's Amazon,' Flora, Fauna And Glimpses Of Alabama's Past
A trip through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta offers a little bit of everything, from iris fields and gators, to Civil War history and the wreck of the last known ship to bring enslaved Africans to America.
Offshore Drilling Set To Begin Off Florida Alarms Environmentalists
The drilling is scheduled to start this month in waters off the Bahamas, just 150 miles from the Florida coast. It's raising alarms among environmental groups and businesses that rely on tourism.