Lauren Sommer
@lsommer.bsky.social
Climate correspondent for NPR. West Coast-based. Wildfires, water, oceans, adaptation and accountability. Signal: sommer.55
Pinned
Lauren Sommer
@lsommer.bsky.social
· Feb 17
Hey NOAA, FEMA and federal scientists and staff — I’m a climate reporter at NPR. To share info anonymously, you can reach me on Signal at sommer.55
Reposted by Lauren Sommer
The past three summers have been the worst on record for Florida's coral reefs. To try to restore them, scientists are breeding corals that can handle heat better, using coral from other countries. By @lsommer.bsky.social
Why scientists are using corals from other countries to help save Florida's reefs
The past three summers have been the worst on record for Florida's coral reefs. To try to restore them, scientists are breeding corals that can handle heat better, using coral from other countries.
n.pr
October 2, 2025 at 6:29 PM
The past three summers have been the worst on record for Florida's coral reefs. To try to restore them, scientists are breeding corals that can handle heat better, using coral from other countries. By @lsommer.bsky.social
Reposted by Lauren Sommer
Many of New Zealand's unique birds are heading toward extinction. So the country is taking on an ambitious conservation project: eradicating the invasive species that prey on them.
New Zealand's bold plan to save endangered animals: kill millions of invasive animals
Many of New Zealand's unique birds are heading toward extinction. So the country is taking on an ambitious conservation project: eradicating the invasive species that prey on them.
n.pr
September 10, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Many of New Zealand's unique birds are heading toward extinction. So the country is taking on an ambitious conservation project: eradicating the invasive species that prey on them.
With home insurance getting pricier and millions of houses unprepared for disasters, states are starting incentive programs. Strengthen your house, get an insurance discount. Alabama has led the way, but programs in other states, like CA, aren't as popular. Here's why: www.npr.org/2025/06/11/n...
How homeowners are saving on insurance by upgrading their houses against disasters
Home insurance is getting pricier as hurricanes and wildfires get worse. States are trying new incentives, encouraging homeowners to retrofit homes against disasters to get an insurance discount.
www.npr.org
June 11, 2025 at 6:23 PM
With home insurance getting pricier and millions of houses unprepared for disasters, states are starting incentive programs. Strengthen your house, get an insurance discount. Alabama has led the way, but programs in other states, like CA, aren't as popular. Here's why: www.npr.org/2025/06/11/n...
Reposted by Lauren Sommer
Do you need a climate or decarbonization coach? Enough people are having trouble making climate-friendly purchases that companies, nonprofits and agencies are stepping in to help. Here's my @npr.org story: www.npr.org/2025/05/07/n...
Need help switching appliances from gas to electric? A 'coach' can help
Government incentives for climate-friendly upgrades are confusing to navigate, and it can be hard to find businesses that sell them. So a new industry is emerging to help: the decarbonization coach.
www.npr.org
May 12, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Do you need a climate or decarbonization coach? Enough people are having trouble making climate-friendly purchases that companies, nonprofits and agencies are stepping in to help. Here's my @npr.org story: www.npr.org/2025/05/07/n...
Communities around the country were awarded billions in FEMA grants and have spent years planning infrastructure projects to prepare for future disasters. Now, the Trump Administration has cancelled the grants. Rural communities have few other options. On @npr.org today
www.npr.org/2025/05/01/n...
www.npr.org/2025/05/01/n...
Rural communities were promised millions in disaster funds. Trump is ending it
Rural communities are scrambling after the Trump administration canceled billions in disaster grants. Many were counting on the funds for infrastructure fixes meant to withstand future disasters.
www.npr.org
May 2, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Communities around the country were awarded billions in FEMA grants and have spent years planning infrastructure projects to prepare for future disasters. Now, the Trump Administration has cancelled the grants. Rural communities have few other options. On @npr.org today
www.npr.org/2025/05/01/n...
www.npr.org/2025/05/01/n...
Doggles! www.npr.org/2025/04/10/n...
Doggles and dog booties: Anchorage residents prep pets for volcanic explosion
Mount Spurr, which scientists say is likely to erupt in the coming weeks or months, is about 80 miles west of Anchorage. But ash clouds could reach the state's biggest city.
www.npr.org
April 10, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Doggles! www.npr.org/2025/04/10/n...
California just released new maps on where homes have to be built with wildfire-resistant materials. But the majority of homes destroyed in the Eaton fire won’t have to use those building codes www.npr.org/2025/03/25/n...
March 27, 2025 at 2:42 PM
California just released new maps on where homes have to be built with wildfire-resistant materials. But the majority of homes destroyed in the Eaton fire won’t have to use those building codes www.npr.org/2025/03/25/n...
After the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles, some homeowners are being required to rebuild with wildfire building codes. But the majority are not. Here's why - on @npr today www.npr.org/2025/03/25/n...
Why some Los Angeles homes are being built to resist wildfires — and some aren't
California is one of the few states with building codes for wildfire protection, because using fire-resistant materials helps homes survive. Now, more than 500 additional homeowners rebuilding after L...
www.npr.org
March 26, 2025 at 9:24 PM
After the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles, some homeowners are being required to rebuild with wildfire building codes. But the majority are not. Here's why - on @npr today www.npr.org/2025/03/25/n...
Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem said she's going to eliminate FEMA at a Trump cabinet meeting today. Here's what states say is at stake for them in disasters. www.npr.org/2025/03/21/n...
Trump wants states to handle disasters. States aren't prepared
President Trump says he's thinking of getting rid of the country's disaster response agency, FEMA. States say they can't replicate what FEMA does on their own.
www.npr.org
March 24, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem said she's going to eliminate FEMA at a Trump cabinet meeting today. Here's what states say is at stake for them in disasters. www.npr.org/2025/03/21/n...
Reposted by Lauren Sommer
President Trump says he's thinking of getting rid of the country's disaster response agency, FEMA. States say they can't replicate what FEMA does on their own.
Trump wants states to handle disasters. States aren't prepared
President Trump says he's thinking of getting rid of the country's disaster response agency, FEMA. States say they can't replicate what FEMA does on their own.
www.npr.org
March 21, 2025 at 8:21 PM
President Trump says he's thinking of getting rid of the country's disaster response agency, FEMA. States say they can't replicate what FEMA does on their own.
The Trump administration is pushing states to take over disaster response and preparation. Many say it wouldn't be possible without FEMA. www.npr.org/2025/03/21/n...
Trump wants states to handle disasters. States aren't prepared
President Trump says he's thinking of getting rid of the country's disaster response agency, FEMA. States say they can't replicate what FEMA does on their own.
www.npr.org
March 21, 2025 at 9:36 PM
The Trump administration is pushing states to take over disaster response and preparation. Many say it wouldn't be possible without FEMA. www.npr.org/2025/03/21/n...
The NOAA firings were done so quickly, staff that manages the central weather forecasting models were scrambling to transfer access to employees who would still remain. On @npr.org www.npr.org/2025/02/27/n...
Trump administration layoffs hit NOAA, agency that forecasts weather, hurricanes
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration houses key groups like the National Weather Service. Experts warn the consequences of employee cuts could be drastic.
www.npr.org
February 28, 2025 at 3:32 PM
The NOAA firings were done so quickly, staff that manages the central weather forecasting models were scrambling to transfer access to employees who would still remain. On @npr.org www.npr.org/2025/02/27/n...
NOAA employees, both current and those affected by the firings, please feel free to get in touch. I'm a climate reporter at NPR who has covered NOAA a long time. I'm on Signal at sommer.55
February 27, 2025 at 11:18 PM
NOAA employees, both current and those affected by the firings, please feel free to get in touch. I'm a climate reporter at NPR who has covered NOAA a long time. I'm on Signal at sommer.55
Great episode from @wunc.org about rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. A lot of roads need repair, but how do you design them to withstand the future climate? North Carolina is working on that, something not many communities do after a disaster. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
The road to rebuilding after Helene
Podcast Episode · The Broadside · 02/27/2025 · 19m
podcasts.apple.com
February 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Great episode from @wunc.org about rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. A lot of roads need repair, but how do you design them to withstand the future climate? North Carolina is working on that, something not many communities do after a disaster. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Reposted by Lauren Sommer
WATCH, READ, LISTEN: @npr.org explained the importance of California’s native chaparral brush and how clearing it will not reduce the risk of wildfires.
Why clearing the brush around Los Angeles won't reduce the wildfire danger
After thousands of homes were destroyed, many are looking for ways to make Los Angeles safer from wildfires. But clearing dense shrubs on the hillsides could actually make the fire danger worse.
www.npr.org
February 26, 2025 at 4:43 PM
WATCH, READ, LISTEN: @npr.org explained the importance of California’s native chaparral brush and how clearing it will not reduce the risk of wildfires.
As animals get close to extinction, some are brought into captivity as a last resort. It's not easy to find a way to release them again, but in Hawaii, a rare crow is making its way back to the wild again. On @npr.org www.npr.org/2025/02/18/n...
This rare, intelligent species of crow is taking flight in Hawaii again
Hawaiian crows are extinct in the wild and are found nowhere else on Earth. Now, a small group, safeguarded in captivity, has been released in the forests of Maui.
www.npr.org
February 24, 2025 at 11:11 PM
As animals get close to extinction, some are brought into captivity as a last resort. It's not easy to find a way to release them again, but in Hawaii, a rare crow is making its way back to the wild again. On @npr.org www.npr.org/2025/02/18/n...
Reposted by Lauren Sommer
I am collecting instances of California-based wildfire mitigation projects delayed because of layoffs at US Forest Service, Park Service, BLM. Pls reach out to me if you have tales of certain projects to share: d venton at kqed dot org. Signal: DVenton.09
February 21, 2025 at 6:22 PM
I am collecting instances of California-based wildfire mitigation projects delayed because of layoffs at US Forest Service, Park Service, BLM. Pls reach out to me if you have tales of certain projects to share: d venton at kqed dot org. Signal: DVenton.09
Reposted by Lauren Sommer
To help homes survive more intense disasters, FEMA has been developing recommendations for stronger building codes. The Trump Administration has pulled them back.
NPR Exclusive: FEMA pulls back on work to help homes survive hurricanes and floods
To help homes survive more intense disasters, FEMA has been developing recommendations for stronger building codes. The Trump Administration has pulled them back.
www.npr.org
February 20, 2025 at 10:14 PM
To help homes survive more intense disasters, FEMA has been developing recommendations for stronger building codes. The Trump Administration has pulled them back.
SCOOP: For 25 years, FEMA has helped develop building codes that help homes survive floods and hurricanes. Now, FEMA is pulling back on that work, taking its name off recommendations its experts have written. On @npr.org www.npr.org/2025/02/20/n...
Exclusive: Trump administration drops work on stronger building codes for disasters
To help homes survive more intense disasters, FEMA has been developing recommendations for stronger building codes. The Trump Administration has pulled them back.
www.npr.org
February 20, 2025 at 10:58 PM
SCOOP: For 25 years, FEMA has helped develop building codes that help homes survive floods and hurricanes. Now, FEMA is pulling back on that work, taking its name off recommendations its experts have written. On @npr.org www.npr.org/2025/02/20/n...
Reposted by Lauren Sommer
Hey NOAA, FEMA and federal scientists and staff — I’m a climate reporter at NPR. To share info anonymously, you can reach me on Signal at sommer.55
February 17, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Hey NOAA, FEMA and federal scientists and staff — I’m a climate reporter at NPR. To share info anonymously, you can reach me on Signal at sommer.55
Hey NOAA, FEMA and federal scientists and staff — I’m a climate reporter at NPR. To share info anonymously, you can reach me on Signal at sommer.55
February 17, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Hey NOAA, FEMA and federal scientists and staff — I’m a climate reporter at NPR. To share info anonymously, you can reach me on Signal at sommer.55
There's been a lot of discussion after the Los Angeles fires about clearing brush to reduce the fire risk. It's not that simple -- Southern California's chaparral is vastly different than the state's forests. On @npr.org today www.npr.org/2025/02/11/n...
Why clearing the brush around Los Angeles won't reduce the wildfire danger
After thousands of homes were destroyed, many are looking for ways to make Los Angeles safer from wildfires. But clearing dense shrubs on the hillsides could actually make the fire danger worse.
www.npr.org
February 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM
There's been a lot of discussion after the Los Angeles fires about clearing brush to reduce the fire risk. It's not that simple -- Southern California's chaparral is vastly different than the state's forests. On @npr.org today www.npr.org/2025/02/11/n...
Reposted by Lauren Sommer
In an email obtained by NPR, employees at EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights were told they were on administrative leave, effective immediately.
EPA employees who work on environmental justice are put on leave
In an email obtained by NPR, employees at EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights were told they were on administrative leave, effective immediately.
www.npr.org
February 7, 2025 at 4:39 PM
In an email obtained by NPR, employees at EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights were told they were on administrative leave, effective immediately.
Reposted by Lauren Sommer
This is what happens when you go to rural.gov which used to be the site the Biden admin used to connect/discuss federal programs targeting rural communities.
USDA is the only fed agency with the specific rural mandate, including housing, internet, + infrastructure
USDA is the only fed agency with the specific rural mandate, including housing, internet, + infrastructure
February 3, 2025 at 6:34 PM
This is what happens when you go to rural.gov which used to be the site the Biden admin used to connect/discuss federal programs targeting rural communities.
USDA is the only fed agency with the specific rural mandate, including housing, internet, + infrastructure
USDA is the only fed agency with the specific rural mandate, including housing, internet, + infrastructure
Bring on the rat puns... www.npr.org/2025/01/31/n...
Rats! Climate change is helping increase their populations in cities
Winters are getting warmer and shorter as the climate changes. That's helping rat populations grow in several U.S. cities.
www.npr.org
January 31, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Bring on the rat puns... www.npr.org/2025/01/31/n...