Full Episode

It's been years in the planning and building stages. Now, Shell's ethane cracker along the Ohio River is finally going online this summer. This week, we're talking to people in the communities surrounding the massive plant -- from neighbors who are fearful of pollution to others who are hopeful for new jobs. And, how one activist is looking to protect public health while others are preparing to keep an eye on the Ohio for plastic pollution from the plant.

Pittsburgh is helping residents prepare for a rainier future. And community advocates want racist housing policies taken into account when planning for green infrastructure. Plus, the author of a new book says facing our emotions about the climate crisis is just as important as taking action.

Conservationists are working hard to save a plant so rare, few have ever seen it. And entomologist Doug Tallamy wants people to ditch half of their manicured, green lawn in favor of native plants to feed bees and other pollinators. We'll also meet members of a garden group who are gently encouraging people to retire their lawnmowers.

We examine why the climate crisis is causing increased cases of anxiety. We also talk with a psychologist about managing those fears and moving towards solutions. And, how to help farmers who struggle with mental health issues. Plus, air pollution news for Allegheny County.

Animal specimens at museums give researchers important clues about the environment. But these collections are at risk. We also talk with an author about an intersectional approach to environmentalism. And residents and activists don't think new rules go far enough to address air pollution from the Clairton Coke Works.

We discuss where the candidates for governor and US Senate stand on the environment. Federal infrastructure money is headed to Pa. for mass transit, but how to best spend it?  Plus, a company wants to use water from a trout stream to frack. And a little love for plants. 

Hydrogen has been seen as the clean fuel of the future for decades. Now, a new effort is pushing for southwestern Pa. to become a "hydrogen hub." A new kind of pipeline would be needed to transport CO2 for storage underground, but a report warns of the dangers of these pipelines and a lack of federal oversight. Plus, the ivory-billed woodpecker, rediscovered.

More cities and towns, like Pittsburgh, are banning single-use plastic bags in stores and restaurants. But do they work? We speak with an author of a book about the first Earth Day who says it was the inclusion of all types of people that was truly genius. Plus, news about methane, bird flu and the Chesapeake Bay.

A new book looks at how local governments have dealt with the fracking boom. We talk with an artist who is giving the public a new way to look at a buried urban waterway. Plus, we join an outdoor club rappelling down a steep Pittsburgh hillside to pick up trash. 

What will it take to decarbonize transportation? We talk with an author of the latest UN climate report. Climate change is impacting birds, says an author of a book that chronicles bird migrations. How changes to the federal flood insurance program are helping one Philly neighborhood. Plus, Pittsburgh is a step closer to banning single-use plastic bags.