https://www.latimes.com/environment Climate & Environment en-US Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:00:21 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-04-17/yosemite-forest-fire-la-wildfires-boiling-point In 2013, a wildfire tore through Yosemite National Park. Its slow recovery can teach Angelenos what to expect in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires of 2025. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:00:21 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-04-17/yosemite-forest-fire-la-wildfires-boiling-point https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2025-04-18/mexican-child-infected-with-h5n1-bird-flu-dies-from-respiratory-complications A 3-year-old girl from Durango, Mexico, has died from H5N1 Bird Flu, according to the World Health Organization. The child had no preexisting conditions. Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:57:05 GMT https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2025-04-18/mexican-child-infected-with-h5n1-bird-flu-dies-from-respiratory-complications https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-18/the-lyrid-meteor-shower-creates-a-light-show-for-earth-day-heres-how-to-get-the-best-view To best see the Lyrid meteor shower, Griffith Observatory's director suggests heading to the mountains or desert to get away from light pollution that can cloud the view. California will have some of the best viewing conditions in the country. Fri, 18 Apr 2025 10:00:03 GMT https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-18/the-lyrid-meteor-shower-creates-a-light-show-for-earth-day-heres-how-to-get-the-best-view https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-16/trump-administration-moves-to-reduce-scope-of-endangered-species-act-by-redefining-one-word On Wednesday, the Trump administration proposed changing the definition of "harm" in the bedrock environmental law, which conservationists say will undermine protections for vulnerable animals. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 23:25:52 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-16/trump-administration-moves-to-reduce-scope-of-endangered-species-act-by-redefining-one-word https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-16/tijuana-river-pollution-environmental-groups American Rivers ranks the Tijuana River No. 2 on its list of most endangered rivers. Advocates are urging the U.S. and Mexico to address the flow of raw sewage. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:53:15 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-16/tijuana-river-pollution-environmental-groups https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/some-l-a-teachers-tired-of-waiting-are-creating-their-own-climate-curriculum Some L.A. public school teachers are investing personal time and talent to create climate lessons and raise funds for green initiatives on their campuses. Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:35 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/some-l-a-teachers-tired-of-waiting-are-creating-their-own-climate-curriculum https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/an-oasis-where-kids-learn-to-be-climate-literate-amid-trees-flower-beds-and-herbs At 24th Street Elementary School, students 'learn where their food comes from, how to grow it and cook it, and then, recycle the waste' Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:58 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/an-oasis-where-kids-learn-to-be-climate-literate-amid-trees-flower-beds-and-herbs https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/welcome-to-the-farm-where-cows-pigs-and-sheep-are-part-of-the-climate-curriculum At Sotomayor Magnet High School, 'Agriculture can reset natural ecosystems and become part of the solution to climate change.' Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:42 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/welcome-to-the-farm-where-cows-pigs-and-sheep-are-part-of-the-climate-curriculum https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/lessons-in-fifth-grade-chemistry-the-earth-has-a-fever-from-burning-fossil-fuels Here's what happened when a fifth-grade teacher teamed with colleagues to create comprehensive climate lessons that could be incorporated in every subject they taught. Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:07 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/lessons-in-fifth-grade-chemistry-the-earth-has-a-fever-from-burning-fossil-fuels https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/social-justice-and-equity-are-built-into-everything-we-teach At environmental charter schools, students are taught about the effects of environmental degradation — and how to be advocates for their community. Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:11 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/social-justice-and-equity-are-built-into-everything-we-teach https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/climate-inspired-games-help-educate-kids How did this guy turn the nightmare of climate change into an intriguing, compelling and educational experience? By creating a board game, of course. Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:36 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/climate-inspired-games-help-educate-kids https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/ed-humes-are-we-drowning-in-total-garbage Some of the great successes in cutting waste aren't about 'climate change.' They're about saving money and being more efficient, virtues that are as apolitical as can be. Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:07 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-15/ed-humes-are-we-drowning-in-total-garbage https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-13/a-key-ally-in-the-battle-against-climate-change-people-over-60 Climate change is sometimes viewed as a 'young person's problem,' but Third Act and its older-than-60 members say it's an 'everyone problem.' Fri, 13 Sep 2024 10:00:49 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-13/a-key-ally-in-the-battle-against-climate-change-people-over-60 https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-13/gen-z-will-they-finally-solve-the-plastic-crisis Gen Z has been heralded as being more invested in environmental issues. But a discussion with 'green' youths suggests the plastic habit may be hard to break. Fri, 13 Sep 2024 10:00:41 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-13/gen-z-will-they-finally-solve-the-plastic-crisis https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-12/can-anything-slow-fast-fashion-down-lawmakers-are-giving-it-a-go The rise of low-cost, trendy clothing has led to criticism of waste, carbon emissions and labor exploitation, prompting new legislation. Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:52 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-12/can-anything-slow-fast-fashion-down-lawmakers-are-giving-it-a-go https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-12/paradox-retail-great-prices-bad-for-planet-fast-fashion New clothes are fun, especially when the price is right. But how long can we support fast fashion with its bad-for-environment, bad-for-workers infrastructure? Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:36 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-12/paradox-retail-great-prices-bad-for-planet-fast-fashion https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-12/the-fast-fashion-mountain-of-shame-is-real Our discarded clothing continues to clog waterways, char the skies with toxic smoke and ruin places where other people live, including Chile and Ghana. Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:29 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-12/the-fast-fashion-mountain-of-shame-is-real https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-12/young-climate-activists-find-powerful-voice-in-social-media Young activists on social media stress the urgency of climate change: 'Once you start seeing it in your life, then you have no option but to act.' Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:58 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-12/young-climate-activists-find-powerful-voice-in-social-media https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-12/climate-scientists-tiktok-instagram Instead of waiting years for their studies and work to be published in academic journals, some climate scientists use social media to extend their reach — and their brand. Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:41 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-12/climate-scientists-tiktok-instagram https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-11/climate-anxiety-essay What, exactly, is climate anxiety? And how should we cope? Environmental reporter Rosanna Xia explores the many dimensions to our existential dread. Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:00:02 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-11/climate-anxiety-essay https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-11/climate-anxiety-and-the-kid-question 'Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question' asks: With American society feeling more socially and politically polarized than ever, is it right to bring another person into the world? Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:00:40 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-11/climate-anxiety-and-the-kid-question https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-11/climate-change-book-recommendations It's not all doom and gloom when it comes to climate change. Here's a list of books that can help inspire and expand your own feelings about the future. Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:00:03 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-11/climate-change-book-recommendations https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-11/comic-climate-anxiety It's hard to care about anything when you are in a pit of climate anxiety. Then I remember the beautiful, bittersweet world I want to show the next generation. Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:00:53 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-11/comic-climate-anxiety https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-10/la-enviro-sunrise-movement-aru-shiney-ajay 'Something that Sunrise has taught me, and that I’ve learned from the world around me, is that hope comes through collective action but is also something that you need to practice.' Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:00:31 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-10/la-enviro-sunrise-movement-aru-shiney-ajay https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-10/protest-is-everywhere-but-climate-activists-have-the-monopoly-on-art-for-now Remember the climate protesters who threw soup at a Van Gogh? When activists use art as a canvas, does everyone understand the message they hope to send? Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:00:56 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-10/protest-is-everywhere-but-climate-activists-have-the-monopoly-on-art-for-now https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-09/hotter-drier-different-how-climate-change-will-alter-l-a Will we be living in a fiery landscape with sizzling sidewalks, or will our penchant for innovation be our salvation? Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:00:06 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-09/hotter-drier-different-how-climate-change-will-alter-l-a https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2024-09-09/socal-line-fire-heat-wave-thunderstorms-essential-california The massive Line fire has choked the air with smoke and created volatile thunderstorms. Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:30:14 GMT https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2024-09-09/socal-line-fire-heat-wave-thunderstorms-essential-california https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-07/your-guide-to-las-first-ever-climate-week Inspired by New York’s Climate Week, organizers hope the mix of fun events will encourage Angelenos to get involved in climate action. Sat, 07 Sep 2024 10:00:23 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-07/your-guide-to-las-first-ever-climate-week https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-09/how-to-navigate-the-green-economy-here-are-four-success-stories Given the crush of bad news on our changing climate, choosing a 'green' career just might be a matter of survival. Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:00:10 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-09/how-to-navigate-the-green-economy-here-are-four-success-stories https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-09/for-these-california-kids-the-fight-against-climate-change-is-personal From protests to court and legislative campaigns, California youths have been loud voices against climate change. They’ve experienced environmental disasters firsthand. Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:00:19 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-09/for-these-california-kids-the-fight-against-climate-change-is-personal https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-09/children-are-glued-to-screens-and-stuck-inside-can-forest-schools-offer-an-antidote Proponents of 'forest schools' say children immersed in nature are happier and healthier — and may be poised to become the next generation of climate warriors. Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:00:47 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-09-09/children-are-glued-to-screens-and-stuck-inside-can-forest-schools-offer-an-antidote https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-16/altadenas-residents-with-standing-homes-fear-long-term-health-effects Two Altadena residents set out to collect testing data for toxic contaminants within the Eaton burn area's standing homes. They found lead everywhere. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:00:31 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-16/altadenas-residents-with-standing-homes-fear-long-term-health-effects https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-16/california-salmon-fishing-restricted Regulators have voted to ban commercial fishing for Chinook salmon in California for an unprecedented third straight year because of low population numbers. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:00:20 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-16/california-salmon-fishing-restricted https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-03-11/california-senate-leader-urges-dodgers-to-drop-oil-and-gas-advertisers Removing 76 gasoline ads 'would send the message that it's time to end our embrace of polluting fossil fuels,' Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez wrote. Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:58:52 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-03-11/california-senate-leader-urges-dodgers-to-drop-oil-and-gas-advertisers https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-03-06/the-us-has-withdrawn-from-a-climate-agreement-that-helps-developing-nations-south-africa-says South Africa said it had received notice that the U.S. had withdrawn from the International Partners Group, a bloc of rich countries that has pledged money for energy transitions. Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:56:21 GMT https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-03-06/the-us-has-withdrawn-from-a-climate-agreement-that-helps-developing-nations-south-africa-says https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-02-26/trump-congressional-republicans-seek-to-block-californias-2035-ban-on-gas-powered-vehicles President Trump's administration, with help from the Republican-led Congress, may pull the state's ability to set its own fuel-efficiency rules. Wed, 26 Feb 2025 23:34:01 GMT https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-02-26/trump-congressional-republicans-seek-to-block-californias-2035-ban-on-gas-powered-vehicles https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-15/california-grizzly-bear-reintroduction-feasibility-study A new study found that it's possible to return grizzly bears to California. Whether that's a good idea is a matter for residents and policymakers. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:53:08 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-15/california-grizzly-bear-reintroduction-feasibility-study https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-04-15/amendment-to-peru-law-raises-fears-of-amazon-rainforest-destruction The amendment eliminates the requirement that landowners or companies get state authorization before converting forested land to other uses. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:03:00 GMT https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-04-15/amendment-to-peru-law-raises-fears-of-amazon-rainforest-destruction https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-03-22/california-banned-polystyrene-so-why-is-it-still-on-store-shelves Expanded polystyrene foam, the white fluffy plastic in styrofoam, was banned in food service ware on Jan. 1. But shoppers in CA say its still on the shelves. Sat, 22 Mar 2025 10:00:22 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-03-22/california-banned-polystyrene-so-why-is-it-still-on-store-shelves https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-17/torched-and-vandalized-tesla-cybertrucks-follow-in-the-humvees-path Tesla's ability to outrage and inspire may seem novel to some but the vehicle may be a spiritual kin with another scorned vehicle, General Motors’ Hummer. Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:32:45 GMT https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-17/torched-and-vandalized-tesla-cybertrucks-follow-in-the-humvees-path https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-04-10/california-should-move-faster-on-clean-energy-some-lawmakers-want-to-take-a-break-boiling-point A bill from top Democrat Robert Rivas, approved unanimously by the Assembly, would put a six-year pause on efficiency standards for homes. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:00:35 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-04-10/california-should-move-faster-on-clean-energy-some-lawmakers-want-to-take-a-break-boiling-point https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-04-08/boiling-point-trump-loves-coal-lithium-ion-batteries-maybe-not-boiling-point A roundup of climate, energy and environmental news from around the American West. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:00:48 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-04-08/boiling-point-trump-loves-coal-lithium-ion-batteries-maybe-not-boiling-point https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-04-03/edison-ceo-its-certainly-possible-utility-sparked-eaton-fire-but-climate-change-made-it-worse-boiling-point "We still don't know whether Edison equipment caused the Eaton fire. It's certainly possible it did," Pedro Pizarro says. Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:00:58 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-04-03/edison-ceo-its-certainly-possible-utility-sparked-eaton-fire-but-climate-change-made-it-worse-boiling-point https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-04-01/boiling-point-the-rooftop-solar-debate-that-never-ends-boiling-point Was California right to slash solar incentives? We made a podcast. Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:00:30 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-04-01/boiling-point-the-rooftop-solar-debate-that-never-ends-boiling-point https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2025-04-16/oregon-health-officials-investigate-rare-brain-disease-blamed-for-two-deaths Health officials in Hood River County, Ore., are investigating three cases of Creutzfeld Jakob disease. Two have died and a third is showing symptoms consistent with the illness. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:00:56 GMT https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2025-04-16/oregon-health-officials-investigate-rare-brain-disease-blamed-for-two-deaths https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-15/l-a-3-million-soil-lead-testing-fund-la-fires The L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal to allocate $3 million to help owners of fire-damaged homes test their soil for lead. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:48:09 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-15/l-a-3-million-soil-lead-testing-fund-la-fires https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-14/newsom-shuns-southern-california-in-public-utilities-commission-appointments The state Public Utilities Commission has final say over rate hikes for millions of Southern California residents, but all five members live in Northern California, Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:00:04 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-14/newsom-shuns-southern-california-in-public-utilities-commission-appointments https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-13/tariffs-california-agriculture California farms sell almonds, oranges and other crops around the world. Farmers fear that Trump’s tariffs could hit the state’s agriculture industry hard. Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:00:08 GMT https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-13/tariffs-california-agriculture https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-04-09/transforming-trash-patch-in-lincoln-heights-into-fragrant-habitat-garden Marie Massa has spent more than three years working mostly alone to transform a weedy strip of public land into a fragrant habitat garden in Lincoln Heights. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:00:43 GMT https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-04-09/transforming-trash-patch-in-lincoln-heights-into-fragrant-habitat-garden https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-04-01/soil-added-to-worlds-largest-wildlife-crossing-over-101-freeway-in-agoura-hills After three years of construction, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is finally getting soil, but it's still nearly two years away from welcoming wildlife. Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:00:46 GMT https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-04-01/soil-added-to-worlds-largest-wildlife-crossing-over-101-freeway-in-agoura-hills https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2025-03-19/usc-urban-trees-study-carbon-dioxide-essential-california A researcher tracking CO2 emissions across a swath of the city says trees are ‘uncanny’ air cleaners. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:30:04 GMT https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2025-03-19/usc-urban-trees-study-carbon-dioxide-essential-california https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/newsletter/2025-03-01/what-to-expect-wildflowers-in-2025-lat-plants It's wildflower season in Southern California. What will the lack of rain mean for blooms? Plus a list of March plant events. Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:00:31 GMT https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/newsletter/2025-03-01/what-to-expect-wildflowers-in-2025-lat-plants https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/newsletter/2024-10-01/we-need-more-street-shade-in-la-why-arent-we-planting-native-trees-lat-plants You'd think L.A.'s 'perfect' street tree would be a California native. So why does the city plant so many trees from somewhere else? Plus a list of plant events. Tue, 01 Oct 2024 15:00:44 GMT https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/newsletter/2024-10-01/we-need-more-street-shade-in-la-why-arent-we-planting-native-trees-lat-plants