Your Environment Update Archives

The Emerging Demand for “Greener” Aluminum

Julie GrantSeptember 8, 2017

Alcoa is officially moving its headquarters back to Pittsburgh at a time when worldwide sales of aluminum are on the rise. But can the industry meet the demand for “greener” aluminum?

EconomyYour Environment Update

solar panels in the forefront of a city in the background

Renewables in the Trump Era: Doomed or Too Big to Fail?

Reid FrazierAugust 18, 2017

In the latest from our Trump on Earth podcast, it's no secret that the President is a big fan of fossil fuels. But where does that leave solar and wind energy?

EconomyEnergyPodcastsYour Environment Update

Teens Earn and Learn While Educating Their Neighbors About Lead Exposure

Kara HolsoppleAugust 17, 2017

For some teenagers in Pittsburgh, a summer job means helping their community solve its problems with lead.

Environmental JusticeHealthHidden PoisonYour Environment Update

Making Air Pollution Fun? Try Picking This Nose.

Andy KubisAugust 11, 2017

GASP - The Group Against Smog and Pollution - has a new exhibit to make learning about air pollution and its impacts a little more fun. Starting with a giant nose you can pick.

CulturePollutionYour Environment Update

Turning Trash into Art to Save Urban Wildlife

Kara HolsoppleJuly 28, 2017

Pittsburgh group Scrap the Trap commissioned street artist Bordalo II to create this raccoon piece, made from trash, to draw attention to their cause: more humane treatment of urban wildlife.

CultureWildlifeYour Environment Update

Your Environment Update for July 13, 2017

The Allegheny FrontJuly 7, 2017

The green slime of toxic algae blooms is likely to make a reappearance on Lake Erie this summer. Researchers want a better way to know if it’s making people sick.

Your Environment Update

Your Environment Update for Thursday, July 6, 2017

The Allegheny FrontJuly 6, 2017

In 1948, twenty people died when thick smog settled over the small town of Donora, just south of Pittsburgh. Is the city prepared if it happens again?

Your Environment Update

With Environmental Justice For All?

Julie GrantJune 23, 2017

The EPA’s Environmental Justice office is meant to defend communities that face a disproportionate share of the effects of pollution. But the office’s funding could be cut entirely in President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal.

Environmental JusticePoliticsYour Environment Update

It’s Not Paris or Pittsburgh. It’s the Planet.

Reid FrazierJune 9, 2017

President Trump fulfilled one of his biggest campaign promises in taking the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord. But could his decision lead to more climate action, not less?

Climate ChangePodcastsPoliticsPollutionYour Environment Update

Acosta Deep Coal Mine in Somerset County

Trump Touts a New PA Mine. But is Coal Actually Rebounding?

Reid FrazierJune 8, 2017

By all accounts, the coal industry is in a steep decline. Mines have been shutting down for about a decade. So why is one in Somerset County about to open?

EconomyPoliticsYour Environment Update

Full Episodes

Episode for April 25, 2025

Episode for April 18, 2025

Episode for April 11, 2025

Trump on Earth

Pa. farmers among hundreds impacted by Trump admin’s gutting of climate-friendly grants

Trump grants exemptions from mercury rules for coal-fired power plants, including several in Pennsylvania

Trump moves to quickly slash federal regulations, target state and corporate climate efforts

Your Environment Update

The Emerging Demand for “Greener” Aluminum

Renewables in the Trump Era: Doomed or Too Big to Fail?

Teens Earn and Learn While Educating Their Neighbors About Lead Exposure

Making Air Pollution Fun? Try Picking This Nose.

Turning Trash into Art to Save Urban Wildlife

Your Environment Update for July 13, 2017

Your Environment Update for Thursday, July 6, 2017

With Environmental Justice For All?

It’s Not Paris or Pittsburgh. It’s the Planet.

Trump Touts a New PA Mine. But is Coal Actually Rebounding?