Lauren Sommer, a climate correspondent, delves into the challenges climate change poses to California's Napa Valley, home to the beloved cabernet sauvignon. She discusses rising temperatures and their effects on grape quality, prompting wineries to experiment with alternative varieties like Charbonneau. The conversation highlights innovative adaptations, such as using misters to protect vines, and emphasizes the importance of staying informed as both producers and consumers navigate the evolving landscape of wine.

Nathan Rott, NPR's correspondent on the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, shares insights on global efforts to combat biodiversity loss amid climate change. Lauren Sommer, NPR's climate correspondent, discusses the race to protect endangered Hawaiian tree snails as they face looming hurricanes and invasive species. The urgent talks in Colombia emphasize the need for effective action, while conservationists work tirelessly to restore habitats and ensure the survival of these unique species. The stakes couldn't be higher for nature's delicate balance.

Endangered North Atlantic right whales are disappearing from their native waters, a serious danger for a species with only 340 animals left. The mystery behind this change took NPR's climate reporter Lauren Sommer 2,000 miles away to the world's second-largest ice sheet, sitting on top of Greenland. On today's episode, Lauren takes Short Wave co-host Emily Kwong on an expedition to Greenland's ice sheet and then to the Gulf of Maine to break down the ripple effects of climate change. Reach the show by emailing shortwave@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Reading the science headlines this week, we have A LOT of questions. Why are more animals than just humans saddled — er, blessed — with vocal fry? Why should we care if 8 million year old plankton fossils are in different locations than plankton living today? And is humanity finally united on protecting the Earth's seas with the creation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty? Luckily, it's the job of the Short Wave team to decipher the science behind the headlines. This week, that deciphering comes from co-hosts Emily Kwong and Aaron Scott, with the help of NPR climate correspondent Lauren Sommer. Hang out with us as we dish on some of the coolest science stories in this ocean-themed installment of our regular newsy get-togethers! Have suggestions for what we should cover in our next news round up? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

World leaders have gathered in Egypt this week to begin climate talks at the 27th Conference of the Parties. However, there are still outstanding questions about who should pay for climate change losses and damages. Vulnerable countries hit hardest by climate change are asking the wealthier countries most responsible for these damages for compensation.Climate change correspondent Lauren Sommer joins Emily Kwong to talk about this debate — and the case one island nation is making to seek payment.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If Earth heats up beyond 1.5 degrees, the impacts don't get just slightly worse--scientists warn that abrupt changes could be set off, with devastating impacts around the world. As the 27th annual climate negotiations are underway in Egypt and the world is set to blow past that 1.5°C warming threshold, Emily Kwong talks to climate correspondents Rebecca Hersher and Lauren Sommer about three climate tipping points--points of no return that could cause big changes to the Earth's ecosystems. Email the show at shortwave@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Cute, wrinkly faces aside, bulldogs have myriad health problems. Science points to purebred breeding practices as the reason. NPR Science correspondent Lauren Sommer talks to host Aaron Scott about how a bulldog breeding ban in Norway has fueled an ongoing debate on the practice of breeding dogs with low genetic diversity and, as a result, high instances of health problems.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Lauren Sommer and Ryan Kellman, NPR climate reporters, team up with David Sisko, a wildlife biologist, to discuss the plight of Hawaii's endangered kāhuli tree snails. They reveal the staggering decline in these unique creatures, once numbering around 750 species. The guests delve into the critical conservation efforts underway, addressing the challenges of invasive species and habitat loss. Amidst the urgency, they share a hopeful vision for reintroducing these snails into their natural habitat, showcasing the dedication of those fighting for their survival.

Winter storms have flooded parts of California, broken levees and forced thousands to evacuate. Climate change is altering the historic weather patterns that infrastructure like reservoirs and waterways were built to accommodate. Urban planners and engineers are rethinking underlying assumptions baked into buildings and water systems in order to adapt to the changing climate. Today, NPR climate correspondent Lauren Sommer walks us through three innovations happening around the country to help cities adapt to shifting and intensifying weather patterns.Heard of other cool engineering innovations? We'd love to hear about it! Email us at shortwave@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

NPR science correspondent Lauren Sommer joins Short Wave host Emily Kwong to talk about a team of researchers who were the first to document a pack of orcas attacking a blue whale. Their work shows that killer whales, while stars in marine parks and movies, are also the ocean's top-- and often vicious-- predators. Humans' complex relationship with them may say more about humans than about the orcas.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy