Lauren Sommer
Lauren Sommer covers climate change for NPR's Science Desk, from the scientists on the front lines of documenting the warming climate to the way those changes are reshaping communities and ecosystems around the world.
Prior to joining NPR, Sommer spent more than a decade covering climate and environment for KQED Public Radio in San Francisco. During her time there, she delved into the impacts of California's historic drought during dry years and reported on destructive floods during wet years, and covered how communities responded to record-breaking wildfires.
Sommer has also examined California's ambitious effort to cut carbon emissions across its economy and investigated the legacy of its oil industry. On the lighter side, she ran from charging elephant seals and searched for frogs in Sierra Nevada lakes.
She was also host of KQED's macrophotography nature series Deep Look, which searched for universal truths in tiny organisms like black-widow spiders and parasites. Sommer has received a national Edward R. Murrow for use of sound, as well as awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Society of Environmental Journalists.
Based at NPR's San Francisco bureau, Sommer grew up in the West, minus a stint on the East Coast to attend Cornell University.
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The death toll from the Maui wildfires rose again on Monday as officials warned that number would rise, while also acknowledging public frustration from residents still barred from visiting Lahaina.
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Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said he has ordered a comprehensive review to understand the actions taken before, during and after last week's wildfires on Maui.
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The wildfire that tore through parts of Maui has killed at least 93 people, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.
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Hawaii officials are mobilizing food and supplies for residents who spent days without power after massive fires devastated parts of Maui. Volunteers around the island are also chipping in.
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Hawaii's Gov. Josh Green says thousands of displaced people will need to be housed as firefighters continue to put out fires on Maui. The death toll stands at 55 and is expected to rise.
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The Biden administration is moving ahead with what could be the largest national marine sanctuary in the continental U.S. A Native American tribe is hoping to be partners in managing it. -
Some of the impacts from climate change can happen suddenly. New research shows that a major ocean current in the Atlantic is at risk of collapsing. That could affect weather around the globe.
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Extreme weather has already taken a big toll this summer around the world. So as the climate keeps changing, how much worse should we expect disasters to get? And what are the lessons for next time?
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The right to use water in Western states can be extremely valuable. Now, that century-old system is under scrutiny, with some saying it's unfair and racist.
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The extreme heat wave in Texas is only one of several worldwide in recent weeks. Scientists say the link to climate change is clear.
