
Sophia Schmidt covers the environment for WHYY’s PlanPhilly. Before coming to Philadelphia in 2021, Sophia reported on her home state of Delaware for Delaware Public Media and produced interviews for NPR’s “Weekend Edition.” Sophia was a 2021 Metcalf Fellow.
More from the Contributor
How Philly communities and city government are tackling climate-driven flooding
Three takeaways from a panel moderated by WHYY’s Maiken Scott about flooding in Germantown and beyond.
3 hours ago
Listen 1:13Thousands of PECO customers still without power as dangerous heat wave intensifies
PECO is working to fix outages from last week’s storm. But thousands of customers are without power for A/C as temperatures soar.
3 days ago
Philly cooling centers open, water shut-offs pause Sunday for dangerous heat wave
The National Weather Services is predicting a high temperature of 97 degrees Sunday, with the heat index expected to be above 100 degrees.
6 days ago
Philly will be hit by a high heat and humidity wave. Here’s what to expect and how to stay safe
The heat index will soar above 100 degrees early next week. Older adults, people with heart issues and those without A/C are at highest risk.
1 week ago
Last week, the EPA announced that it plans to repeal a rule expected to curb climate pollution from power plants.
1 week ago
West Philly’s Summer Winter Community Garden will be preserved through land trust
The Powelton Village community garden is located in an area facing development pressure, says Jenny Greenberg of Neighborhood Gardens Trust.
2 weeks ago
Listen 0:56Philadelphia area expected to see a warmer and wetter summer than normal
Thursday is forecast to be Philly’s first day of the season that tops 90 degrees. It comes with a Code Orange air quality alert.
2 weeks ago
Philadelphia plans to buy more solar power for municipal operations, inching closer to climate goals
The planned solar farm could be finished in 2026, officials say. But it comes as Congressional Republicans seek to slash tax credits for solar.
3 weeks ago
Fire that damaged multiple decommissioned SEPTA buses at Philly storage yard now under control
City health officials said Friday that nearby residents can resume their normal routines after several dangerous air pollutants spiked Thursday.
3 weeks ago
U.S. House budget bill would slash Pennsylvania schools’ savings from planned solar projects
Upper Darby School District is planning six Solar for Schools projects. Without federal tax credits, the district says they wouldn’t happen.
3 weeks ago
Listen 0:56‘Code Orange’ day for ozone in Philly area Wednesday due to drifting wildfire smoke
Young children, older adults and people with lung conditions such as asthma should limit their activity outside, state officials said.
3 weeks ago
Repairs to a broken air pollution control device could take two more weeks, a refinery official said.
3 weeks ago