climate change

The July 4th flash flood that hit Kerr County and community along the upper Guadalupe River is one of the worst natural disasters to hit modern Texas. The sudden downpour of so much rain prompts the question—Did Climate Change play a role? Author and climate scientist Kate Marvel takes a look.

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on the planet, and some of them may be on the rise. At least in listener Abigail Krich-Starr's area, that's due to warmer, wetter weather — which, yes, is linked to climate change. But it doesn't stop there: Ecologists and entomologists say increased heat could also alter mosquito behavior, shift their natural habitat, and even change how pathogens incubate and spread inside their bodies. So how do you protect yourself against the (mosquito) masses? Our experts suggested several things: - Assess your risk by checking local mosquito surveillance efforts, like this one for the state of Massachusetts - Consider rescheduling outdoor events happening between dusk and dawn, which is peak biting time for multiple mosquito species - Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, weather-permitting, to limit exposed skin - Use an EPA-approved DEET repellent, and/or a permethrin spray for clothing and outdoor gear This episode is part of Nature Quest, a monthly Short Wave segment that answers listener questions about the local environment.Got a question about changes in your local environment? Send a voice memo to shortwave@npr.org with your name, where you live and your question. We might make it into our next Nature Quest episode! Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

With heat indices over 100 degrees across much of the country, it's hot out there. But is it too hot for kids to be outside?

The Trump administration has abruptly canceled 24 federally approved clean energy manufacturing grants totaling some 3.7 billion dollars—halting momentum on next-generation U.S. Critics say this is a major blow to job creation in states like Texas. But also will the U.S. be at a global disadvantage as cheap renewable energy is developed by other nations?

Hotter temperatures make breathing problems during sleep more likely, even when it's not extremely hot

Home insurance is getting pricier as hurricanes and wildfires get worse. States are trying new incentives, encouraging homeowners to retrofit homes against disasters to get an insurance discount.

Climate change is driving more dangerous summer heat across the U.S. Las Vegas, which reached 120 degrees last summer, is planting thousands of trees to help cool its hottest neighborhoods.

Julie Leon died of hyperthermia in Seattle on June 28, 2021 — the hottest day in the city's history. A lawsuit claims she was a victim of oil companies' "misrepresentations" about climate change.

Gen Z and younger millennials are the most climate literate generations the world has ever seen. They learned about climate change in school; now, it's part of how they plan for the future, including for jobs, housing ... and kids.

Texas has already seen temperatures hitting over 100 degrees this summer and medical experts are now warning about the dangers of extreme heat for pregnancies.