Wildfires - Inside Climate News

As Climate Change Dries Out the West, Fourth of July Fireworks Spark Increased Wildfire Risk

By Kiley Price — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:42:01 +0000

Fireworks ignite tens of thousands of wildfires across the U.S. each year.

By Kiley Price

In two days, fireworks will blast skyward in states across the U.S., painting the night with vibrant blue, red and gold sparks to celebrate Independence Day.

Can the Greater Sage-Grouse Be Kept Off the Endangered Species List?

By Wyatt Myskow — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 09:05:00 +0000

Warming and habitat loss diminished sage grouse populations 80 percent since 1965, putting them on the brink of an endangered listing. Western states, the federal government and energy and ranching interests are struggling to prevent that.

By Wyatt Myskow

OWYHEE CANYONLANDS, Ore.—Peering through a spotting scope in this remote section of eastern Oregon, Skyler Vold quietly muttered “Oh man” over and over.

Significant Environmental and Climate Impacts Are Impinging on Human Rights in Every Country, a New Report Finds

By Katie Surma — Tue, 21 May 2024 09:00:00 +0000

In its annual State of the World’s Human Rights report, Amnesty International also concludes that threats to environmental activists are growing globally.

By Katie Surma

Climate change and environmental destruction are becoming increasingly central to the human rights movement.

The Midwest Could Be in for Another Smoke-Filled Summer. Here’s How States Are Preparing

By Kristoffer Tigue — Mon, 20 May 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Fires fueled by drought are sending smoke south from Canada into the U.S., leaving folks exposed to dangerous particulate matter in the air.

By Kristoffer Tigue

Nick Witcraft knew he’d have a busy morning when his phone notified him that Canadian wildfire smoke was drifting across the U.S.-Canadian border eight days ago.

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Is Triggering Outdoor Air Quality Alerts Across the Midwestern U.S. It Could Pollute the Indoors, Too

By Kiley Price — Tue, 14 May 2024 19:37:00 +0000

Wildfire smoke can seep inside through the cracks and crevices of a home. To prevent health risks, filtration is key, experts say.

By Kiley Price

Throughout May, more than 140 wildfires have burned across Alberta and British Columbia. On Sunday, the thick, ashy haze billowing from these infernos drifted across the U.S. border, casting a blanket of smoke over Minnesota and Wisconsin, which eventually made its way to Iowa and other parts of the Midwest earlier Tuesday morning.

Climate Extremes Slammed Latin America and the Caribbean Last Year. A New UN Report Details the Impacts and Costs

By Bob Berwyn — Sat, 11 May 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Some scientists in the region said many of the effects seen today weren’t expected until the second half of the century.

By Bob Berwyn

Extreme climate shocks, intensified by global warming, killed hundreds of people and devastated livelihoods and ecosystems across Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023, scientists with the World Meteorological Organization said earlier this week when they released the annual state of the climate report for the region.

Will There Be Less Wind to Fuel Wind Energy?

By Brett Chase, Dan Gearino — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Illinois policy says wind and solar are supposed to replace coal plants that are closing, but that didn’t happen in 2023. Another fossil fuel, natural gas, filled the void instead.

By Brett Chase, Dan Gearino

This article is published in partnership with the Chicago Sun-Times.

As Climate Change Intensifies Wildfire Risk, Prescribed Burns Prove Their Worth in the Heat-Stressed Plains of the Texas Panhandle

By Keaton Peters — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0000

In a small Texas city, officials say land previously treated with a prescribed burn stopped the Windy Deuce Fire from entering neighborhoods. But the practice of intentionally burning excess vegetation has faced opposition from some private landowners.

By Keaton Peters

BORGER, Texas—Months before the Texas Panhandle erupted with destructive wildfires, fire crews in Borger were igniting fire intentionally on a seven-mile, roughly 250-foot wide ribbon of land on the edge of town.

Water From Arsenic-Laced Wells Could Protect the Pine Ridge Reservation From Wildfires

By Taylar Dawn Stagner, Grist — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0000

“We’re looking to deal with extended drought and the increasing intensity of wildfires.”

By Taylar Dawn Stagner, Grist

This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here .

Biden Administration Pressed to Act on Federal Contractor Climate Disclosure

By Marianne Lavelle — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:15:00 +0000

Twenty-six members of Congress urge agencies to finalize rules that would leverage the market power of the world's largest purchaser to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

By Marianne Lavelle

It was a key pledge in President Joe Biden’s effort to show renewed international leadership on climate change: The U.S. government, the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, would require its contractors and suppliers to disclose their carbon emissions and climate risks.