
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
Climate activists bike hundreds of miles through Pennsylvania to demand change
“We're never going to get anything done if we don't work together,” one activist said, at a stop in Philly Wednesday.
2 years ago
PGW ordered to stop adjusting customers’ bills to account for May weather fluctuations
PGW’s weather normalization adjustment has cost customers millions in recent years. Advocates say a new change doesn't go far enough.
2 years ago
Listen 1:16Philadelphia Eagles unveil ‘kelly green’ hydrogen fueling station
A new hydrogen fueling station at the Linc uses water and solar power to produce clean hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles.
2 years ago
‘Organizing works’: Young Philly activists are excited about American Climate Corps
In its first year, the new corps could put 20,000 young people to work in areas such as forestry and clean energy. “We did it,” a Philly activist said.
2 years ago
Despite record global heat, Philly had coolest summer since 2014
Philadelphia recorded just one official heat-related death, the lowest count in 6 years.
2 years ago
A 1,400-foot levee could be built in Eastwick. Here’s what you need to know
In a long-awaited study, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommended the levee to reduce flooding in the low-lying Philly neighborhood.
2 years ago
‘Why is there no air?’: An inside look at Philly’s early school dismissals amid extreme heat
More than 57% of Philly public school buildings lack adequate cooling systems. As climate change makes extreme heat more likely, students are bearing the consequences.
2 years ago
FEMA designates several Pa., Del., N.J. areas as ‘disaster resilience zones’: Here’s what that means
The new designation prioritizes the areas for federal funding related to climate change resilience.
2 years ago
More Philly schools will dismiss students early this week amid sweltering temps
Early dismissals at 86 Philly schools — up from 74 earlier this week — will continue through Friday.
2 years ago
Listen 1:03‘We should be doing more’: Pa.’s expanded environmental justice policy goes into effect this month
The new policy applies to inspections and enforcement, as well as engagement. It goes into effect this month but is still open for comment.
2 years ago
Listen 1:15‘It’s a bonding thing’: Free festival aims to get Philadelphians into fishing
The annual Philly Fun Fishing Fest is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 9 along the Schuylkill River.
2 years ago
Listen 0:5674 Philly schools are dismissing students early Wednesday due to extreme heat
“It's really sad,” said one parent. “They can’t get a regular education. They should have gotten air conditioning years ago.”
2 years ago