Rhode Island PBS Weekly has taken a deep dive into the climate change stories affecting our community as a whole. Below are examples of the work put in to uncover the issues and ways to mitigate their effects:
Plastic generation has been growing exponentially in the United States for decades. In 1960, the United States generated 390,000 tons of plastic, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2018, plastics generation was 35.7 million tons. Despite the growth in plastic consumption, little is known about the health effects.
Bees are key to pollination, but their population has been shrinking since 2014. Climate change is one of the reasons for the decline, and there is an active effort to support the survival of bees and other essential insects that help the ecosystem.
As part of its Greenseeker Series, Rhode Island PBS Weekly looks at how researchers at the University of Rhode Island are trying to survey and support local bees.
Some believe artificial intelligence could help balance renewable energy needs with the survival of whales and other marine life.
Ross Eaton is the chief scientist at Awarion, an autonomous lookout system. Elaine Coleman, the former vice president of Charles River Analytics, said that Eaton “and a whole host of smart engineers and scientists” have been working on the system.
Climate change is a concern worldwide, and New England’s famed coastal areas are feeling the effects of extreme weather. Hurricanes and nor’easters are becoming more severe and intense,
Among the areas in peril are some of Rhode Island’s historic properties. In Rhode Island PBS Weekly’s Green Seeker Series, the erosion of the state’s heritage is examined — as well as a look at how officials are trying to stem the tide caused by climate change.
Tucked behind businesses, homes and industrial sites sits Mashapaug Pond, the largest freshwater body in Providence. For nearly 100 years, the Gorham Manufacturing Company, one of the largest producers of sterling silver, operated a factory by the pond and dumped toxic byproducts into the water.
Now, a new state plan aims to remediate runoff into one of Rhode Island’s most beautiful ponds.
In 2000, lobstermen in Rhode Island brought almost 7 million pounds of American lobster to shore, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Meanwhile, in 2023 they landed just over 1 million pounds. Scientists say climate change is depleting Rhode Island’s lobster population.
