Environment People are rushing to install solar panels before Trump becomes President Potential rooftop solar customers and installers worry the incoming Trump administration might try to eliminate a 30% federal tax credit. Some customers plan to install sooner because of that and solar companies are changing their business plans. Jeff Brady
Environment How did climate change impact ancient kangaroos in Australia? In a mass extinction event some 40,000 years ago, Australia lost 90% of its large species, including nearly two dozen kinds of kangaroos.
Environment Hundreds of Washington firefighters sent to battle LA wildfires Washington state is sending at least 45 fire engines and 280 firefighters to help battle the Los Angeles wildfires, which have now killed at least 10 people, burned thousands of homes, and forced 180,000 people to evacuate. Stephen Howie
Environment Whale, ship collisions around the globe could be helped by slower speeds, study shows Giant ships that transport everything from coffee cups to clothes across the ocean are often so large they can’t tell when they collide with a whale. Now, research out of the Northwest could help these massive vessels avoid collisions with whales around the world. Courtney Flatt/NWPB
Environment 2024 was the hottest year on record. The reason remains a science mystery The official numbers are in: 2024 is the hottest year on record. Climate change is the main culprit. But there might be something else going on, too. Alejandra Borunda
Environment What is the flame retardant that planes are dropping on the LA fires? As fire crews and air tankers work to block the wildfires' explosive growth, images of red clouds of fire retardant falling onto trees are common. What is it — and what's in it? Bill Chappell
Environment A Wisconsin-based surfer's quest to create a more eco-friendly board The Great Lakes don't readily evoke images of surfing and surfboard-making, but a surfer in Wisconsin is on an eco-friendly mission to change that. Susan Bence
Environment What are biodiversity credits — and could have a meaningful impact? Planet Money buys a "biodiversity credit" and travels to the Andean cloud forest in Colombia — to see how these credits work, and if they can really help save threatened species. Stan Alcorn
Environment Despite state law, Washington takes 3+ years to reveal its climate pollution When it comes to climate change, speed matters. John Ryan
Environment A Wisconsin-based surfer is on a quest to create a more eco-friendly board The Great Lakes don't readily evoke images of surfing and surfboard-making, but a surfer in Wisconsin is on an eco-friendly mission to change that. Susan Bence
