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Aerial view of the National Petroleum Reserve in northwestern Alaska

The Biden Administration Protects Millions of Acres of Arctic Alaska

Latest NewsAlaskaJenny Shalant
The new Special Areas Rule in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska could boost biodiversity and empower Indigenous Peoples to defend the lands they’ve relied on for generations.
Two adults and a child walk along a sandy shoreline

“Forever Chemicals” Called PFAS Show Up in Your Food, Clothes, and Home

ExplainerUnited StatesMolly M. Ginty, Courtney Lindwall
These toxic chemicals are so common in consumer products and manufacturing that they’re everywhere—including inside our bodies.
A river with green trees on either side, with yellow hills in the background

In Planning for Climate Change, Native Americans Draw on the Past

ExplainerUnited States, CanadaTim Vanderpool
Across North America, Indigenous tribes and nations are consulting their traditional ecological knowledge to help prepare for a warming world.

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Chicago River Flooding a Clear Sign of Bigger Issues to Come

Expert BlogChicagoKaren Hobbs

Who says you can't see climate change? Flooding all over Chicago, including rivers running backwards and bringing huge volumes of sewage to Lake Michigan, are a troubling reminder of growing infrastructure stresses that threaten the region.

The City Insider Proving that Mayors Can Lead on Climate

NRDC in ActionChicagoNicole Greenfield
Chris Wheat, who helped make Chicago a greener place from inside its city hall, is now helping empower city governments across the country to realize their many climate ambitions.

Blueprint of a Buyout: Des Plaines, Illinois

Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisAnna Weber
The City of Des Plaines has purchased 68 flood-prone homes, but not without extensive time and effort between multiple local, state, and federal agencies.

What Will Protect Ohio’s Critical Infrastructure?

Expert BlogUnited States, OhioDaniel Sawmiller
Proponents of Senate Bill 33 believe it protects critical energy infrastructure but the bill would not address the real threats to energy resilience.

Blueprint of a Buyout: Blue Acres Program, New Jersey

Expert BlogUnited States, New JerseyAnna Weber
One state-run program has achieved faster timelines than most FEMA-funded buyouts, but this has required extensive resources, staff time, and experience.

Midwest Floods May Lead Illinois to New Solutions

Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisRob Moore

The Midwest floods of 2019 have caused hardship and loss but, Illinois has not seen much in the way of damages. Part of the reason is because Illinois has strong floodplain management regulations, something Governor Pritzker is expected to keep…

Raising the High-Water Mark

DispatchMidwestClara Chaisson
In the Midwest, “rare” floods are becoming the norm. Here’s why it’s high time we improve our flood risk estimates.

Soft in the Middle

DispatchMidwestSusan Cosier
What’s up with the Midwest’s warm and soggy winter weather?

‘Nowhere to Go but Up’

DispatchMidwestBarry Yeoman
Don’t blame the recent flooding along the Mississippi River on the rain. We created this mess.

Life on the Mississippi, Now

DispatchMissouri, Illinois, MidwestBarry Yeoman
We've spent billions of dollars on dikes, locks, and levees in a vain attempt to subdue what Mark Twain called "that lawless stream." Is it time to let the river have its way?

6 Cities That Are Ready for Climate Change

ExplainerNew York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, Portland (Oregon), San AntonioKim Castleberry
By embracing green infrastructure, these urban areas have a solid defense against increased drought or flood.

Blame It on the Rain

DispatchChicagoSusan Cosier
Chicago’s enormous drainage system will expand this summer, but it won’t be enough to handle climate change.