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
‘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.
7 months 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.
7 months 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.
7 months 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.
7 months 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.
7 months 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.
8 months 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.
8 months 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.
8 months 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.”
8 months ago
Philly’s FDR Park gets federal grant for stream and wetland restoration
$1.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help fund work in the natural areas of FDR Park, part of a $250 million park renovation.
8 months ago
Citizen scientists and Drexel researchers are testing whether planter benches make summer heat in five Philly neighborhoods more bearable.
8 months ago
Could vibrations help water utilities find lead pipes? Researchers in Philly are trying
The federal government is requiring water utilities to identify service lines made of toxic lead. Researchers in Philly are trying to find an easier way.
8 months ago
Listen 4:47