A 'Scorcher': 2015 Shatters Record As Warmest Year, NASA And NOAA Say
The Northern Hemisphere saw the biggest rise in land temperatures, finishing 2.59 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the 20th century average.
Environment
Today's Slaves Often Work For Enterprises That Destroy The Environment
Kevin Bales' book, Blood and Earth, explains why slavery in the world's lawless zones is essential to operate mines that pose a grave threat to the environment.
VW Fix Should Be Less Emotional Than His Previous Cases, Feinberg Says
VW recall administrator Kenneth Feinberg talks to Renee Montagne about the status of the process, and what VW needs to do to satisfy regulators. Feinberg most recently oversaw the GM ignition case.
Indian Capital Suspends Odd-Even Car Experiment To Curb Pollution
The government of India's capital New Delhi tried an odd-even scheme for cars to curb growing air pollution. But now it says it is placing the scheme on hold for a number of months.
Arizona Tribes Wade Into The Water Business
Rain and snow from El Nino are filling reservoirs in the West. But the weather isn't ending questions about where cities will get water in years to come. One source could be Native American tribes.
Thou Shalt Not Toss Food: Enlisting Religious Groups To Fight Waste
The Environmental Protection Agency is launching an initiative to engage religious leaders of all faiths to reduce food waste. Many groups have already embraced the challenge as a moral imperative.
Administration Announces Temporary Freeze On Federal Land Mining Leases
Last week, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced a moratorium on new coal leases on federal land while the department considers a comprehensive overhaul to the U.S. coal program.
Hunting Snakes In The Everglades To Protect Native Species
Burmese pythons in the Everglades are taking a big toll on native wildlife. To combat their spread, the state is holding its second Python Challenge — a hunt expected to draw over 1,000 participants.
Flint Combats Lead-Contaminated Water Effects On Child Development
Pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha discovered alarming levels of lead in the drinking water of Flint, Mich. NPR's Scott Simon asks her about an initiative she's leading to help the children affected.
More Bad News For Coal Mine-Reliant States
On Friday, the Obama administration announced a halt to new coal leases on federal land. In Wyoming, most of the federally-owned coal mines and revenue from coal leases pays for school construction.