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
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
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
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
Despite state law, Washington takes 3+ years to reveal its climate pollution When it comes to climate change, speed matters. John Ryan
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
Biden ban puts more of Northwest off limits to oil drilling A new ban from President Joe Biden prevents offshore drilling within 200 miles of the nation’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as well as the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the northern Bering Sea. John Ryan
Grieving orca mom carries dead calf on her nose for fifth day An endangered orca mother has been carrying her dead newborn calf on her snout for nearly a week around Washington’s Puget Sound. John Ryan
Biden bans new offshore oil and gas drilling in most federal waters President Joe Biden is moving to ban new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters, an effort to block possible action by the incoming Trump administration to expand offshore drilling. The Associated Press
Jimmy Carter's policy on the environment laid out the U.S. response to climate change As President, Jimmy Carter's priorities included energy efficiency and shifting away from foreign crude oil. The actions he took were criticized then, but laid the groundwork for a country to address climate change now. Michel Martin
