Environment
California Prepares First Fracking Regulations, Joining Nationwide Debate
The controversial drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing has created an oil and gas boom around the country – and that’s left state governments grappling with how to regulate it. Now, California is wading into that fight.
Audio Report on Dec 17, 2012 by Lauren Sommer from KQED Science
How Do California's Fracking Regulations Compare to Other States'?
California regulators are expected to release new fracking regulations by the end of the year. Most fracking rules come under state jurisdiction, and different states have different approaches.
Post on Dec 14, 2012 by Molly Samuel from KQED Science
Can Earth Survive Without Scientist-Citizens?
Last summer, a group of top scientists warned that our penchant for growth and consumption may be pushing earth toward an irreversible tipping point. The days when scientists could share their results with just their colleagues are over, says NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco. It's time for scientists to help solve our "wicked problems."
Post on Dec 12, 2012 by Liza Gross from QUEST Northern California
Top KQED Science & QUEST Stories from 2012
From the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to killer whales, bicycles to cheese — it's been another year of diverse storytelling from the KQED Science and Environment team. Here's a round-up of the top 10 stories shared on our website (based on page views) that you've enjoyed in 2012.
Post on Dec 10, 2012 by Jenny Oh from KQED Science
With Large Oil Reserve, California Faces Fracking Debate
The new oil-and-gas boom that’s sweeping the country may be coming to California. With it comes the controversy over the drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing – or fracking.
Audio Report on Dec 07, 2012 by Lauren Sommer from KQED Science
Growing Pains for California's Electric Car Charging Network
KQED Science explores the growing pains of building an electric car charging network and the fledgling new industry rising up to meet the challenge.
Audio Report on Nov 30, 2012 by Alison van Diggelen from KQED Science
Flame Retardants, Redux: From Toxic Couches to Buildings
Last June, Gov. Jerry Brown directed state agencies to change California's flammability standard to ensure fire safety without dousing furniture and other foam products with toxic chemicals. Now activists are focusing on an even bigger market for flame retardants: foam insulation in buildings.
Post on Nov 28, 2012 by Liza Gross from QUEST Northern California
Science on the SPOT: Shadows and Spiders– A Secret Cave in California
The rural foothills along the Santa Cruz County Coast hold an ancient secret. Deep below the redwoods, White Moon Cave extends for nearly a mile — making it one of the longest caves in California. But few people have ever been in it. Join the KQED Science team as we squeeze through the narrow clandestine entrance, and meet the uncanny cave inhabitants to bring new light to this hidden realm.
Video on Nov 20, 2012 by Joshua Cassidy from QUEST Northern California
So How Much Does Carbon Cost?
Now we have a first glimpse of how California's experiment in carbon trading is working out. The state's first auction of industrial permits for greenhouse gases actually happened last week–but results were released on Monday.
Post on Nov 19, 2012 by Craig Miller from KQED Science
Solar Powers China's March Toward Sustainability
China has vaulted out front in the solar power game. That's been good for consumers but perplexing to its California competitors.
Post on Nov 16, 2012 by Marjorie Sun from KQED Science
What Are Richmond Residents Breathing?
Chevron's Aug. 6 fire re-ignited questions many Richmond residents have asked for years. What does it mean to live next to the largest refinery on the West Coast? What are people living in the city breathing?
Audio Report on Nov 16, 2012 by Amy Standen from KQED Science
Trophy Hunting: For the Love of Blood and Money
Trophy hunters routinely pay thousands of dollars for the chance to kill big game like caribou, moose, black bear and especially grizzly bear. Trophy hunting narratives boast a love of nature. But some sociologists find a different story.
Post on Nov 14, 2012 by Liza Gross from QUEST Northern California
Cap-and-Trade 101: How California's Carbon Market Works
This week, California rolls out the heavy artillery in its attack on climate change with a program called “cap-and-trade.” It’s like a stock exchange for carbon emissions, where the state’s biggest polluters have to buy the right to emit greenhouse gases. It’s the most ambitious climate change policy in the country, but not everyone is happy with it.
Audio Report on Nov 09, 2012 by Molly Samuel from KQED Science
Cap-and-Trade: The Glossary
You can’t navigate the new world of carbon trading unless you know the lingo. Here are some key terms.
Post on Nov 09, 2012 by Craig Miller from KQED Science
Q & A – How Will the Solar Industry Shake Out?
Plummeting prices, trade war, record growth – it’s been a busy year for the solar industry. Reporter Lauren Sommer talks to a solar analyst about how California is doing in the rapidly changing global market.
Post on Nov 05, 2012 by Lauren Sommer
Looming Trade War Shakes Up U.S. Solar Industry
Federal officials have put trade tariffs on Chinese solar panels. American solar companies are split on whether it will be good or bad for the industry.
Audio Report on Nov 02, 2012 by Lauren Sommer from KQED Science
Crowdsourcing San Francisco Bay
The 1891-built Alma schooner once hauled goods around San Francisco Bay. Now it's part of a new crowdsourcing history project.
Post on Nov 01, 2012 by Andrea Kissack from KQED Science
Playing Whack-a-Mole with Flame Retardants
Countless consumer products sold in California contain a flame retardant flagged as a possible carcinogen nearly 35 years ago. As of this week, finally, they must carry a warning that the chemical causes cancer. But is it enough when manufacturers simply replace one toxic chemical with another?
Post on Oct 31, 2012 by Liza Gross from QUEST Northern California
Owls Around Us
Many species of owls share our neighborhoods and parks. Learn more about them on a virtual walk through Redwood Regional Park.
Post on Oct 26, 2012 by Sharol Nelson-Embry from QUEST Northern California
China Tries Greening from the Ground Up
Green building and sustainable design are a trend in California, but nowhere is the urgency greater than in China, where hundreds of millions of people are moving to cities in pursuit of a better life.
Audio Report on Oct 19, 2012 by Marjorie Sun from KQED Science
