Lauren Sommer
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Severe drought is spreading after a record dry year in the Western United States. Climate change is only making water shortages worse.
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Kelp forests along Northern California have almost vanished. Divers and scientists are racing to stop purple sea urchins from taking over critical habitat.
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Power outages are increasingly common, putting everything from clean drinking water to medical equipment at risk. Some communities are installing solar power and large batteries to protect themselves.
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Many communities are locking down again due to the case surges, giving scientists more of a chance to see how that's changing the environment. They're finding it's affecting air and water quality.
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Homeowners are rebuilding after wildfires, but many won't be required by governments to use fire-resistant materials. Without such improvements, communities face harm again with the next fire.
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Extreme heat across the western U.S. is creating huge challenges for keeping the lights on in California. Experts say it shows states need to be planning for climate change extremes.
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Scientists say parasites are important parts of ecosystems, but many are at risk of extinction. So, they're calling for a parasite conservation movement.
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Saving endangered species usually brings to mind tigers or whales. But scientists say parasites need protection, too. They play an important role in the ecosystem, and many are at risk of extinction.
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Around the U.S., cities have been grappling with how single-family zoning can exacerbate racial inequity and climate change. States like California are struggling to fix that.
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Cat owners may often wonder what their outdoor cats is doing all day. One study shows outdoor cats are bad news for birds and other critters. But there are some ways to make cats more visible.