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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
People’s Kitchen is latest community garden threatened by sheriff sale
Advocates estimate dozens of community gardens are tangled up in private liens. Negotiations and a GoFundMe are afoot.
2 years ago
New PGW budget could include first step toward climate-friendly transformation
The city Gas Commission approved a new budget for PGW that includes a small but potentially historic allocation: $500,000 for a geothermal feasibility study.
3 years ago
‘We’ll take the win’: Pa. advocates celebrate progress on Senate Democrats’ climate bill
In party hats, activists pushing for action on climate change rallied at Sen. Bob Casey’s office to support the Inflation Reduction Act.
3 years ago
Philly citizen scientists gather heat and air quality data in hopes of a ‘more livable’ city
Philly is one of 14 cities and counties across the country chosen by a federal agency to collect heat data this summer, in an annual citizen science project.
3 years ago
Listen 4:01Air conditioning is key in Philly’s hot neighborhoods, but resources are limited
“Air conditioning … is no longer a luxury in an era of climate-driven, change-driven temperature increases,” says one expert about the urgent need.
3 years ago
Listen 4:08Over 1,200 households left without electricity during Philly’s dangerous heat wave
When the city declares a heat health emergency, new utility shut-offs are banned. But service is not automatically restored for accounts already shut off.
3 years ago
‘It’s bad’: City pool still not open in one of Philly’s hottest neighborhoods
City officials say opening the pool is a “major” priority, but that supply chain issues and labor shortages have delayed needed repairs.
3 years ago
A new Sixers arena in Center City is not a sure shot
The proposal to erect the arena on a full city block adjacent to Chinatown draws swift condemnation, excitement, skepticism — and plenty of buzz.
3 years ago
Philly tap water is A-OK, according to latest report
The Philadelphia Water Department tests for about 100 contaminants, and says none exceeded state or federal standards.
3 years ago
Thousands of people could live at the flood-prone Navy Yard. Will they be safe?
A new plan for the Navy Yard includes thousands of residential units, along with tools to mitigate flooding that include elevating structures and digging a canal.
3 years ago
Got a busted hot water heater? Philly homeowners can get help from a new fund
The organization that runs a popular heater hotline in Philly is launching a new fund, to pay for hot water heater replacements.
3 years ago
Refunds to PGW customers for high May bills could cost $12 million — and counting
The high bills were due to a weather “adjustment,” criticized for insulating the utility from the risks of climate change, while customers foot the expense.
3 years ago