skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Data show home-ownership disparities in North Dakota; Trump reaped over $100 million through fraud, New York says as trial starts; Volunteer water monitors: citizen scientists.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Donald Trump's civil trial in New York is underway, House Republicans are divided on whether to oust Kevin McCarthy as Speaker, and Latino voter groups are hoping to see mass turnout in the next election.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A small fire department in rural Indiana is determined not to fail new moms and babies, the growing election denial movement has caused voting districts to change procedures and autumn promises spectacular scenery along America's rural byways.

NW Heat Wave, Fires Could be 'Preview' of Hotter Future

play audio
Play

Wednesday, July 7, 2021   

BOISE, Idaho -- An unprecedented heat wave and fears of another severe wildfire season have put the warming climate at center stage in the Northwest.

Heat has broken records across the region and claimed hundreds of lives on the West Coast, and temperatures have remained high in Idaho since last week.

Alycia Bean, climate campaign coordinator for the Idaho Conservation League, said the recent conditions highlight the health aspects of the changing climate.

"How are these people going to adapt to this long-term, you know, more than one or two days, sustained heat, given the resources and the infrastructure that they have?" Bean asked. "We are not prepared to handle something like that."

Bean thinks the nation needs to take two approaches to climate change: It must do what it can to mitigate the effects by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and also learn to adapt to the new, warmer climate.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 60% of Idaho faces severe drought this year, and nearly all the state faces moderate drought.

Bean pointed out the long-term trends of drier fuels, higher air temperatures and lower snowpacks are increasing the length and intensity of wildfire seasons.

"All of those different, observed impacts from climate change coupled together enable future wildfires that are going to be larger, more intense," Bean projected.

She noted not all fire is bad, and it can be used, in controlled ways, to help the forest. But nearly all the current fires burning in Idaho were started by people.

Jonathan Oppenheimer, external relations director for the League, sees current conditions as a preview of what's to come.

"It really emphasizes the need for us as Idahoans and Westerners across this portion of the country to really work to reduce climate impact," Oppenheimer contended. "Do what we can to transition to renewables, to use public transportation, and to take the personal steps that we can all take to reduce some of our climate impact."

Disclosure: Idaho Conservation League contributes to our fund for reporting on Energy Policy, Environment, Public Lands/Wilderness, and Water. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
Solar development has grown throughout New York City over the last decade. By summer 2022, 350 megawatts were installed, enough to power 90,000 households in New York City. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

A recently signed law expands New York City's solar property tax abatement. This four year tax abatement allows for the construction of solar …


Health and Wellness

play sound

Advocates for mental health in Maine say the stigma of suicide often prevents those most at risk from getting the help they need. The CDC reports …

play sound

Cannabis is an emerging science in which students can make new discoveries and contributions. Wayne State University in Michigan has introduced an …


If FEMA can't carry out its nationwide emergency alert test on the planned date of Wednesday, a backup date of Oct. 11 will be utilized. (Photo courtesy of FEMA)

Environment

play sound

Cell phones around Wisconsin and the rest of the country will be buzzing this Wednesday afternoon for a test of the federal Emergency Alert System and…

Social Issues

play sound

As the U.S. navigates a prolonged housing crisis, a North Dakota organization is highlighting data showing significant homeownership disparities…

Water Quality standards mandated by the federal Clean Water Act are designed to cap the amount of pollution entering West Virginia waters from industrial facilities, wastewater treatment plants, storm sewers, and other sources. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Volunteer water monitoring is gaining popularity in West Virginia, and could help assess the impact on regional water quality of projects like the …

Health and Wellness

play sound

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and one Nevada father is speaking out after his special-needs son endured a traumatic incident…

Health and Wellness

play sound

Data from last year show a growing percentage of Kentucky children and teens report struggling with depression or anxiety, largely driven by social …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021