Just In

NC adds another 2,000 coronavirus cases; COVID hospitalizations highest since early May — State officials say another 1,998 coronavirus cases have been reported, and the 9,000-plus cases reported over the last week was a 66% jump from the previous week. More than 800 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, the highest total since May 11.

Climate Change Coverage

Because climate change is an important issue affecting our environment – from a local to a global level – WRAL is committed to covering the latest climate change news. Our reports will look at the latest research and the potential impacts.

Hotter temperatures could take a toll on Olympic athletes in Tokyo
When we look at the average temperature for the months of July and August there has been a noticeable rise since 1964. The average temperature over the years has risen at least 2 degrees. Tokyo already has a hot and muggy climate which is comparable to our climate here in the Triangle area but with the 2° increase in the average temperatures, this could make the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics one of the hottest in modern times and have a detrimental impact to our athletes.

July 21, 2021 5:28 p.m. EDT
Zero-waste soap company helps keep Durham cleaner and greener
A Durham soap company, Fillaree, is paving a path forward with its zero-waste business model. It's one-of-a-kind approach is proving to have lasting benefits on our environment with a mission to refill, reuse, repurpose, or compost everything.

July 20, 2021 8:12 a.m. EDT
Startup Spotlight: Climate Service CEO sees 'uptick in demand across all sectors' due to growing risks
There's been an uptick in demand, across all sectors, in The Climate Service's risk assessment platform, the company CEO told WRAL TechWire in an interview as the company is raising up to $1.5 million.

July 19, 2021 11:32 a.m. EDT
NC House passes major energy bill during rare midnight session
A bill charting a decade or more of energy policy in North Carolina passes on a close vote.

July 15, 2021 5:32 a.m. EDT
Major energy bill coming to NC House floor as lawmakers struggle to grasp impact
Legislation would speed retirement of coal-fired energy plants in North Carolina, give Duke Energy much wanted regulator reforms.

July 14, 2021 12:24 p.m. EDT
In drought-stricken west, restaurants are limiting water to eliminate waste
Water conservation, whether in serving that standard glass or in cooking and cleaning, is the focus for restaurants in the parched west.

July 7, 2021 9:59 a.m. EDT
Outer Banks set for massive beach nourishment project
Close to $100 million will be spent to build up the beaches in the Outer Banks in the most expensive single year of beach nourishment in Dare County history.

June 18, 2021 5:40 p.m. EDT
Governor tells lawmakers to 'go back to the drawing board' on major energy bill
Proposal contemplates a decade of new energy policy with a focus on natural gas, solar power and nuclear energy.

June 17, 2021 7:13 p.m. EDT
Major energy bill emerges at NC statehouse
Negotiated by Duke Energy, manufacturers, the solar industry and others, the energy bill promises faster retirement for N.C.'s coal plants.

June 17, 2021 12:14 p.m. EDT
NC moves toward joining cap-and-trade program for carbon
"This would drive a lot of dirty fossil fuel generation off the grid," an environmental attorney says.

June 15, 2021 3:06 p.m. EDT
Solar flares and orbital changes impact on our climate
A question about solar flares and changing Earth's orbit and what role they might play in climate change from a congressman during a House committee meeting have prompted confusion.

June 10, 2021 10:10 p.m. EDT
Tech titans join alliance aiming to increase investment in climate solutions
Amazon, Disney, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, Salesforce, Unilever and Workday launched an alliance Thursday to boost the scale and impact of business investment in climate solutions. Here are the details.

June 3, 2021 1:30 p.m. EDT
How local craft beer brewers help fight the climate crisis
WRAL Meteorologist Peta Sheerwood explains how a key ingredient in beer is helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

June 2, 2021 7:50 a.m. EDT
Unless policy shifts, climate change puts human health at risk, finds RTI study
An estimated 10% of the world's population experiences chronic hunger or food insecurity, but that estimate came prior to the global pandemic. A new study finds that climate change is putting food systems, and thus humans, even more at risk.

May 24, 2021 10:52 a.m. EDT
Biden's climate order offers opportunities for North Carolina, climate tech exec says
Thursday’s Executive Order by President Biden directing financial regulators to measure, mitigate and disclose climate-related financial risks, is one example of a series of moves by government and investors to understand and manage climate risk. Here's how North Carolina could benefit.

May 21, 2021 10:04 a.m. EDT
Triangle is hotter, wetter and seeing less snow
What is "normal" for the Triangle just got an update.

May 13, 2021 5:17 p.m. EDT
New 'normal' climate data shows nearly an inch less snow, more rain, warmer temperatures in the Triangle
The new climate numbers are in for 1991-2020 at RDU, and they show our climate is changing locally.

May 13, 2021 5:17 p.m. EDT
CBC OPINION
'Climate Change Is Not a Subjective Thing.' How Does the U.S. Approach to the Environment Look From Abroad?
We asked 10 people from around the world what they thought of America's approach to the environment. It didn't go well.

May 12, 2021 9:43 a.m. EDT
Shortage of rare earth metals could hinder climate efforts, report warns
The world won't be able to tackle the climate crisis unless there is a sharp increase in the supply of metals required to produce electric cars, solar panels, wind turbines and other clean energy technologies, according to the International Energy Agency.

May 5, 2021 6:10 a.m. EDT
Climate change and Warren Buffett - is the Oracle of Omaha missing out?
Warren Buffett's ability to pick investments that pay off over the long term has transformed him into a billionaire and made him the world's most famous investor. But as the planet heats up, his positions on the climate look increasingly short-sighted.

May 4, 2021 6:32 a.m. EDT