
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
Philadelphia changed how it regulates toxic air pollution. Here are 3 things to know
The city limits toxic air pollutants like lead and formaldehyde. A policy revision expands the list, but critics say it doesn't go far enough.
2 years ago
Listen 1:03New green job training prepares future Philly workers for climate transition
Trainees will learn to install heat pumps, which could cut climate pollution, lower energy bills, and keep families cool during increasingly hot summers, proponents say.
2 years ago
How EPA’s proposed power plant rules could impact Pennsylvania
The proposal comes as the dangerous impacts of human-caused climate change become increasingly clear.
2 years ago
Power plants among the largest industrial climate polluters in Pennsylvania
In a new report, environmental advocates crunched EPA data to call out Pennsylvania’s “dirty dozen.”
2 years ago
Listen 1:23Philly’s tap water has a trust problem. Did the recent contamination scare make it worse?
Before a chemical spill threatened to contaminate Philly’s water, 42% of residents drank bottled water. The long-term impact of the incident on trust is “yet to be felt.”
2 years ago
Residents complain of disruptive noise, “noxious fumes,” broken-down cars blocking an alleyway, and debris spilling into backyards.
2 years ago
Philly’s plastic bag ban is working, study finds
A city-commissioned study estimates the ban prevented enough single-use plastic bags to fill City Hall every eight months.
2 years ago
The 2023 climate voter’s guide: Where do Philly mayoral candidates stand on the issues?
From the future of PGW to tackling trash, here are the candidates’ plans.
2 years ago
Listen 6:19Flooding at FDR Park lake renews criticism of renovation
Advocates worry the recent removal of tide gates at FDR Park hurt trees. Experts say it depends on the species and on how long they’re inundated.
2 years ago
One penguin species declines, while another thrives on the western Antarctic Peninsula
Scientists predict that Adélie penguins could disappear from the western Antarctic Peninsula. Researchers at UD and Temple are tracking the changing conditions.
2 years ago
Listen 13:55Sam Baxter: The complex legacy of the man behind the water treatment plant
Philadelphia's first water commissioner transformed the city's drinking water system but "was no saint.”
2 years ago
Listen 2:08Philadelphians envision a ‘fossil fuel-free’ refinery redo at community summit
The company redeveloping the former PES refinery site has promised a “green, sustainable” project, but residents want more specific commitments.
2 years ago