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
Philly’s summer has been wetter than normal. So what’s with the drought watch?
Drought declarations are not just based on rain. They also consider soil moisture, stream flow, and groundwater, which tends to lag behind rain.
2 years ago
‘Replace fossil fuels’: Climate activists target PECO’s next power purchase plan
Every four years, PECO makes a plan to buy electricity for its customers. Climate activists want the utility to do something different the next time around.
2 years ago
This company turns food scraps into compost for Philly community gardens at an old city building
“Food waste from our rec centers becomes high-quality compost, adding valuable nutrients back into city soils,” one official said.
2 years ago
Are you working on environmental justice solutions in Philly? This new grant could help
Projects addressing heat, flooding, air pollution, litter, food insecurity, or other issues could be eligible.
2 years ago
‘We don’t have to be in jeopardy’: Philly gardeners cheer city deal to buy back liens
Community gardens on tax-delinquent land with privately held liens are considered particularly at risk for development.
2 years ago
Philly teens learned to install solar panels. Then asbestos closed their school
The celebrated Bright Solar Futures program went on, but without its key hands-on element.
2 years ago
Listen 3:35How wildfire smoke affects your health, and how to protect yourself
To protect yourself and your family, avoid going outside if possible and close windows and doors.
2 years ago
Listen 1:09Pennsylvania and New Jersey are under fire risk warning Tuesday
Be careful when discarding cigarette butts, keep vehicles off of dry grass, and consider skipping the campfire.
2 years ago
Listen 0:58Some Pa. residents can get free air conditioners this summer
It’s Pennsylvania’s second pilot to provide new A/C units and repairs to people who already received LIHEAP or weatherization assistance in the past year.
2 years ago
Listen 1:07City Council grills officials on response to chemical spill that threatened Philly’s drinking water
In a City Council hearing, officials admitted there’s work to be done to prepare Philly’s drinking water system for future threats.
2 years ago
Philly ‘water bar’ back at City Hall to let you taste the tap water
The water bar is an ongoing effort by the Philadelphia Water Department to build trust in the city’s tap water, which officials say meets state and federal standards.
2 years ago
Forecasters predict an ‘above normal’ hurricane season and urge communities to prepare
Even when the Philadelphia area is not hit directly by a hurricane, it can still be devastated by a storm’s remnants.
2 years ago