
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
PECO moves transformer flooded during Ida to prepare for more extreme weather
The utility got a federal grant to speed up several projects to improve reliability of its grid during extreme weather.
4 months ago
Listen 1:12Shopping online for gifts this month? Here’s what packaging can be recycled in Philly
Online purchases are delivered with lots of packaging. Here’s what to do with bubble wrap, plastic mailers, packing peanuts and more.
4 months ago
Listen 1:01Flying this holiday season? Here’s what to know about the climate impact
Aviation is one of Philly’s largest sources of carbon emissions, but other forms of transport aren’t necessarily a better option.
5 months ago
Listen 1:07PUC safety investigators claim PGW failed to prevent 2021 South Philly gas explosion
The explosion on Jackson Street in 2021 injured three people and caused several homes to be evacuated.
5 months ago
Listen 1:08Fixed is the new ‘new’: Advocates say to consider greener tech purchases this holiday season
Items like TVs, game consoles and phones create toxic e-waste and emissions. Environmental advocates say repaired items are a better deal.
5 months ago
Listen 1:05This iconic trolley bridge in Fairmount Park is getting restored
Part of the Trolley Trail that opened last year, the century-old skew arch bridge is getting a facelift.
5 months ago
Delaware River basin managers could take conservation efforts if drought worsens
Reservoir levels remain above thresholds that trigger drought operations, but officials could soon declare a water supply emergency.
5 months ago
Listen 0:59‘A long time coming’: Philly launches flood alerts for Eastwick neighborhood
Part of ReadyPhiladelphia, the new alert system will provide specific warnings about possible and ongoing flooding in the neighborhood.
5 months ago
Listen 1:14Trash day will come twice a week for Center City and South Philly starting in December
The latest of Mayor Parker’s “clean and green” initiatives aims to keep household trash off the streets.
6 months ago
Listen 1:00What to know about climate change and drought in the Philly region
While climate change did not cause the current drought, scientists say it could be making it worse.
6 months ago
Listen 1:09The Delaware River Basin Commission has a plan for situations like this, and could step up its efforts to repel the salt front if conditions worsen.
6 months ago
No ‘seat at the table’: Why Philly-area environmental justice activists fear a Trump win
“With a Harris-Walz administration, we will at least have a seat at the table,” one activist said. “With a Trump administration, there won't be a table.”
6 months ago
Listen 1:04