Lauren Sommer

Lauren Sommer and Rebecca Hersher, both reporters from NPR's Climate Desk, delve into the crucial issue of climate change's impact on housing. They discuss the challenges faced by communities from California to Arizona as they confront wildfires, water scarcity, and flooding. Key topics include innovative housing designs for fire resistance, legal battles over new developments, and the urgent need for sustainable growth strategies. The emotional struggles of residents navigating these disasters offer a powerful lens on the intersection of climate and housing.

Lauren Sommer, NPR climate correspondent and climate change expert, dives into the pressing issue of the current heat dome affecting the southwestern U.S. She discusses how this high-pressure system traps heat, raising risks for human health. Sommer highlights the dangerous combination of heat and humidity, revealing the inadequacies of existing heat warning systems. She also underscores the need for better public communication and an accurate heat index to protect vulnerable populations as climate change intensifies extreme heat events.

Lauren Sommer, NPR's climate correspondent specializing in environmental issues, discusses innovative flood risk solutions. She emphasizes the limitations of traditional levees and advocates for giving rivers space to breathe. Sommer highlights a river restoration project in California that transforms agricultural land into natural floodplains, benefitting both ecosystems and communities. With rising flood risks due to climate change, she underscores the need for nature-based approaches to flood management and the ecological benefits for wildlife.

Lauren Sommer, NPR climate correspondent and expert on extreme heat, discusses the alarming rise in heat-related fatalities due to climate change. She explains how humidity complicates the body’s ability to cool down, making heat waves even more dangerous. Sommer emphasizes the inadequacies of current heat warning systems, particularly for vulnerable communities, and advocates for better communication strategies to enhance public awareness and responses. The conversation dives deep into the hidden perils of heat and the urgent need for effective measures to protect our health.

Join Lauren Sommer, NPR's climate correspondent, as she delves into the troubling impact of climate change on Napa Valley's iconic cabernet sauvignon. She discusses the challenges of rising temperatures and their effects on grape ripening and flavor. Sommer highlights how winemakers are innovating to adapt, from introducing lesser-known grape varieties to employing cooling techniques. It’s a fascinating exploration of how our beloved wine industry must evolve to meet environmental demands.