Environment
Environmental issues and climate change
Providence Reopens Its Landmark Climate Justice Plan — Here's How Residents Can Weigh In
Providence has kicked off its first comprehensive update to its nationally noted Climate Justice Plan since 2019, reopening questions about how much power frontline neighborhoods will have in shaping the city's climate future.
Court Rules Revolution Wind Must Go On, Defying Trump
Slow-Motion Collapse: Climate Change Is Quietly Destroying the Foundations of Modern Life
Rhode Island Outpaces Neighbors in Solar Adoption, Yet Struggles with High Energy Costs
West Nile Found in RI Mosquitos: Learn Which Repellents Perform Best
As summer winds down, Rhode Island faces an unexpected threat: a surge in mosquito-borne diseases. With West Nile virus detected in multiple towns and Eastern Equine Encephalitis looming, health officials urge caution. But which repellents actually work?
Rhode Islander's Reminded to Take Advantage of Free Energy-Saving Gadgets From RISE
Discover how you can save big on energy bills with RISE's free EnergyWise Home Energy Assessment. Get expert advice, free energy-saving products, and substantial rebates—all at no cost.
Saving Rhode Island's Future: The Economic Importance of Climate Action
New research reveals climate change's staggering economic toll, likened to perpetual wartime losses. Rhode Island's current efforts show progress but highlight urgent areas needing improvement.
EPA Accused of Suppressing Evidence of PFAS in Pesticides
A whistleblower has alleged that the Environmental Protection Agency deliberately suppressed and manipulated data showing the presence of PFAS "forever chemicals" in pesticides. The allegations, if true, point to a shocking betrayal of the public trust and a potential public health crisis.
Rhode Island's Truck Obsession: A Roadblock to Combating Climate Change
The surge in SUV and pickup truck sales is driving up carbon emissions and complicating efforts to combat climate change. In Rhode Island, these large vehicles dominate the roads, mirroring a global trend that poses significant environmental challenges.
Rhode Island schools struggle to implement composting mandates, survey reveals
A recent survey by the Youth Composting Campaign Initiative reveals that Rhode Island schools are struggling to implement composting mandates, with only 33% of surveyed schools having an active composting program. The findings highlight the need for increased support and resources to ensure compliance.
A Fight is Brewing Over Rhode Island's Forests
A bitter fight is brewing at the Rhode Island State House over a series of forestry bills. Supporters argue the measures will prevent wildfires through sustainable logging. But critics claim they're a timber industry ploy to clearcut public lands for profit, setting up an emotional battle over the future of the Ocean State's forests.
PFAS Contamination in RI: New Report Details Sweeping Threat to Rhode Islanders' Health
A new report from Rhode Island's environmental watchdog paints a harrowing picture of widespread PFAS contamination in the state's water systems. With 44% of water supplies sampled showing these toxic "forever chemicals," communities face unprecedented health risks.
Pandemic Provides Misleading Drop in Rhode Island Emissions Numbers
Rhode Island's 2020 greenhouse gas emissions declined 20% from 1990 levels, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. This created an anomalous drop in emissions that underscores the need for continued climate action as the state pursues its 2050 net zero target.
RI DOT Draft Carbon Reduction Strategy Falls Short of Meeting Legal Requirements
Rhode Island DOT's draft transportation carbon reduction strategy fails to meet the state's 2021 Act on Climate law targets. The draft underdelivers on mandatory declining emissions, showing a significant gap in projected transportation emissions reductions for 2030 and 2040 compared to the legally binding climate commitments.