ENVIRONMENT

Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

March heatwave wasn’t just hot—it shattered all records in the US

The continental United States just experienced a March that defied expectations in the worst way. Data shows this past month wasn’t just warm—it was the most unusually hot March in 132 years of tracking. The average temperature hit 50. 85°F, nearly 10 degrees above the usual March norm. For context,

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Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Why a Plastic Bottle Ban Lacks Bite on Martha’s Vineyard

In 2021, Oak Bluffs residents voted to ban small plastic water bottles under 34 ounces—a move pushed by students worried about plastic waste. Five other towns on Martha’s Vineyard did the same after a campaign called Plastic Free MV urged action against single-use plastics between 2019 and 2022. But

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Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Why Boulder’s Growth Plan Needs a Reality Check

Boulder’s approach to managing its future has always stood out for balancing growth with environmental limits. But the latest draft of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan takes a risky turn by loosening the strict rules that kept development in check for decades. One big change? Dropping the old n

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Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Snowy savings accounts are disappearing in the West

Winter in the western U. S. used to work like a natural savings account for water. Snow piled up in the mountains during cold months, then slowly melted to fill rivers and reservoirs when summer arrived. But the winter of 2025-26 broke the old rules. Record warmth turned what should have been snow i

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Apr 08 2026ENVIRONMENT

Small changes, big impact: what really stops people from eating less meat

Most people know that eating less meat is better for the planet. But knowing isn’t the same as doing. The food we eat isn’t just about taste or cost; it’s woven into daily routines, social habits, and cultural traditions. A family might plan meals around meat because Grandma always did it that way.

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Apr 08 2026ENVIRONMENT

North Texas gears up for big environmental talks ahead of busy year

This April, Dallas will host a major environmental event that’s become a yearly gathering for people who care about the planet. The three-day conference, happening April 20-22 at the Hilton Anatole, isn’t just another meeting—it’s a chance for leaders from different fields to talk about how North Te

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Apr 07 2026ENVIRONMENT

Cherry Blossoms Light Up Chicago’s Spring Short‑Term

The first signs of spring appeared in Jackson Park, where a burst of pink and white petals now frames the pond below the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The city’s cherry trees, a collection of five species, have finally opened their blooms after a season of weather swings and generous rain.

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Apr 07 2026ENVIRONMENT

China Steps Up Energy Push While Middle East Tensions Rise

China’s leader Xi Jinping wants the country to build a stronger energy system fast. The push comes as conflicts in the Middle East shake up global fuel supplies. China isn’t talking much about the war itself but wants to make sure its power stays steady no matter what happens abroad. Xi didn’t ment

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Apr 07 2026ENVIRONMENT

Community Fixers Bring Life Back to Broken Belongings

In Southern California, a quiet movement is giving old items a second chance. Volunteers at Repair Cafés spend weekends turning junk into usable treasures. A broken phone, a jammed sewing machine, even a cracked vase—nothing is too small for their attention. Among them is David Duran, a handyman who

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Apr 07 2026ENVIRONMENT

New York's Energy Choices: Clean Power or Costly Delays?

Around the globe, countries are realizing the dangers of relying too much on oil. When the Strait of Hormuz—a key oil shipping route—gets disrupted, fuel prices jump fast. This isn’t just a short-term problem. Even places far from the conflict feel the pinch in their wallets. Yet, while many nations

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