
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 gets failing grades for air pollution that makes asthma worse
In its annual report, the American Lung Association flunked the city for its levels of ozone and particle pollution. The 2023 wildfires played a role.
1 month ago
Listen 1:09No free A/C units through LIHEAP in Pennsylvania this summer
The program, funded primarily with COVID relief money, provided free air conditioning units and fans the last three summers. It saw overwhelming demand.
1 month ago
Listen 1:04Philly’s carbon emissions have dropped. Here’s what experts say should be next
The data could be clouded by impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as an increase in remote work.
1 month ago
Listen 1:25Close to a dozen residents of the flood-prone neighborhood met with members of Congress Tuesday.
1 month ago
Listen 1:102 years later, city says Washington Avenue redo is working
The city reports more people are walking and biking along the route, but says it’s too soon to know whether the project has reduced crashes.
2 months ago
Listen 1:14Walkable streets, energy-efficient buildings and solar energy won part of the redeveloped shipyard “LEED Gold” for neighborhood design.
2 months ago
Listen 1:08These Philly-area doulas want parents to think about their environmental exposures
Heat, air pollution, lead and other toxins can harm pregnant people and babies. Birth workers are raising awareness.
2 months ago
Listen 1:14Trump administration’s AmeriCorps cuts delay storm recovery projects for Philly homeowners
A group of young volunteers was working to repair several Philly-area homes when the Trump administration halted their work a week early.
2 months ago
Listen 1:21Ticketing of parked cars on Philly street sweeping routes starts again Monday
Cars parked during “no parking” hours along some street sweeping routes will be subject to fines of $31 starting Monday.
2 months ago
Philly may lose federal dollars to protect drinking water, shifting the costs to ratepayers
FEMA is ending a grant program expected to help prevent basement flooding in Northern Liberties, South Kensington and Ludlow. Ratepayers could be on the hook for the projects.
2 months ago
The “one-stop-shop” program that coordinates home repair, energy efficiency and solar for low-income homeowners could be at risk.
2 months ago
Listen 1:16Want to help make Philly greener? This big spring tree planting is coming up
More than 60 community groups across Philly and surrounding suburbs will plant trees April 11 to 14.
2 months ago