NPR Topics: EnvironmentBreaking news on the environment, climate change, pollution, and endangered species. Also featuring Climate Connections, a special series on climate change co-produced by NPR and National Geographic.Eastern Uganda Grapples with Power Plant Project- August 14, 2008 Although plans for the construction of a $750 million hydropower plant in the Bujagali Falls of Uganda lag behind, many villagers are looking past its expected benefits, and worry that the area's thriving tourism industry &x96; and cultural identity &x96; will soon suffer.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12742926&ft=1&f=1025 Pill To Prevent Poison Ivy Itch Proves Elusive- August 14, 2008 Over the last hundred years, generations of skin doctors and immunologists have worked to develop some sort of pill that will reverse the sensitivity to urushiol — the sticky resin in poison oak, poison ivy and sumac that triggers the itchy allergy.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93564476&ft=1&f=1025 Beijing Air Update- August 12, 2008 U.S. athletes are winning gold medals and making records. How is the air impacting the action Kenneth Rahn, professor emeritus of atmospheric chemistry at the University of Rhode Island, breaks down the particles.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93531106&ft=1&f=1025 A Closer Look At Offshore Drilling- August 11, 2008 Gas prices hit record highs this summer, putting the energy debate at the top of the agenda and raising questions about the possibilities of offshore drilling. People who live and work in the shadow of offshore drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico weigh in with their stories and opinions.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93503125&ft=1&f=1025 Missouri Town Is Running On Vapor — And Thriving- August 9, 2008 The town of Rock Port in northwest Missouri is the first community in the United States to be completely powered by wind. The small community owes its energy independence to the presence of four massive wind turbines.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93208355&ft=1&f=1025 Heirloom Tomato Farmer Finds Beauty In The Ugly- August 8, 2008 Tim Stark was a management consultant when he stumbled into heirloom tomato farming, as he describes in Heirloom: Notes from an Accidental Farmer. (Tip: The ugliest tend to be tastiest.) Now his tomatoes are served in the finest New York restaurants.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93356124&ft=1&f=1025 Recreation Threatens Ecosystem In Arkansas Park- August 8, 2008 Buffalo River National Park in north central Arkansas is a favorite destination for hikers, paddlers and cavers. But recreational development threatens the park's fragile ecosystem. So the Arkansas Nature Conservancy staked a claim on the headwaters, at a place called Smith Creek Preserve. Jacqueline Froelich of member station KUAF reports.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93420272&ft=1&f=1025 EPA Rejects Texas' Call To Cut Ethanol Mandate- August 8, 2008 The Environmental Protection Agency has denied a request by officials in Texas to reduce the ethanol requirement for gasoline nationwide. Gov. Rick Perry asked for the temporary reduction to try to bring down the price of corn — a major issue for livestock operations in the state.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93408965&ft=1&f=1025 Fla. Calls For 20 Percent Renewable Energy By 2020- August 8, 2008 Renee Montagne has this morning's business news.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93408962&ft=1&f=1025 Beijing Air Update- August 6, 2008 The temperature in Beijing could reach the mid-90s this week. What does this mean for athletes University of Rhode Island atmospheric chemist Kenneth Rahn offers an assessment of the air and the heat.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93341403&ft=1&f=1025 |