Environment Creating a throw-away culture: How companies ingrained plastics in modern life Plastic has become embedded in everyday life. That’s because for the last 70 years, the plastics industry convinced consumers to embrace the material for its low cost and disposability. Michael Copley
World European farmers angry at climate policies could help sway EU parliamentary elections Farmers in the European Union could hold the key to the bloc's parliamentary vote. Rob Schmitz
Climate A law in Vermont makes fossil fuel company pay for damages from climate change Vermont is the first state in the nation to adopt a law seeking to recoup the cost of climate-related damage from major oil companies. Abagael Giles
Climate There is more carbon dioxide than ever in the atmosphere. That’s bad for the climate The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere hit an all time high in May. That trend must reverse in order to rein in climate change. Rebecca Hersher
Climate In the Coast Guard's wargames, climate change is now a key adversary The Coast Guard is holding it's strategic wargames at a base in Portsmouth, Va., and climate change is a key adversary. Quil Lawrence
Climate Scorching temperatures prompt excessive heat warnings in southwest U.S. Extreme heat warnings are in effect for more than 10 million people in parts of the West. Cities are mobilizing to help the homeless and the elderly while firefighters are on high alert for wildfires. Kirk Siegler
Environment Mangroves protect communities from storms. Half are at risk of collapse, report finds Mangroves are unique coastal ecosystems protecting humans and wildlife. Rising sea levels and storms pose an increasing threat to their survival. Julia Simon
Climate Do your plane rides feel bumpier than usual? There's a reason for that Scientists say climate change is making airline turbulence worse. NPR's Leila Fadel explores the link with Paul Williams, professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading in England.
National Phoenix is making changes to cooling centers to protect more people from heat Phoenix, Ariz., area leaders are opening cooling centers that are open all night. About a third of heat related emergency calls happen after most centers close. Katherine Davis-Young
World A long drought in Zambia has left people with no crops or money for food NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Cindy MCcain, executive director of the World Food Programme, about her current trip to Zambia, where people are enduring a severe drought and going hungry. Alejandra Marquez Janse William Troop Ari Shapiro