Stories

Underwater Drones: Regulators Trying New Technology To Enforce Lobster Trap Rules

June 11, 2021

The enforcement of lobster trap rules far offshore is getting increased attention from state and federal regulators, who are turning to new technology to inspect gear for compliance with requirements that aim to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales from deadly entanglements. Michael Henry is a top fisheries enforcement officer for the National Oceanic and…

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New Hope For New Hampshire’s Great Bay As Towns, Scientists Begin Collaborating On Restoration

June 8, 2021

After decades of declining water quality, there’s new optimism surrounding the health of Great Bay. A new partnership between towns, scientists and advocacy groups has people thinking for the first time that they might find long-term solutions to restore the estuary. It will be a boon to ongoing research projects, like one at UNH that’s…

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Branching Out: Novel Tree Syrups Could Make Forests, Farmers More Resilient

May 19, 2021

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are studying new ways to make syrup out of the northern forest — not from maple trees, but from beeches, birches, sycamores and more. They want to create new markets for an industry that, right now, depends on just one kind of tree – making it vulnerable to…

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A Climate Resilient Community In Newburyport Rises From Toxic Ashes

May 14, 2021

Just off Route 1 in Newburyport, a bit of the future is under construction. A huge orange crane hoists a three-story concrete slab and flips it precisely in place, forming the wall of a home. The crane accomplished in five days what would have taken weeks using standard building techniques. “The construction system has not been…

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Greening The Grave: Why More People Are Choosing Climate-Friendly Burials

May 6, 2021

Nettie Lesser’s grave is tucked in the back of Mount Auburn Cemetery in a quiet area surrounded by trees and birds and a carpet of purple flowers starting to bloom. The plot blends into the scene around it, the only marker a small plaque the size of a hockey puck; you wouldn’t know it was a…

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Listen Up, New England: Goodwill Doesn’t Want Your Trash

April 23, 2021

Just before 10 o’clock most mornings, cars begin lining up outside the Goodwill donation center in Seabrook. They’re offering trunks full of treasures, yes, but also perhaps some unsellable, un-recyclable wares that also make it into the bins — and strain Goodwill’s trash bill. “We hope everyone brings great things that helps our programs, but…

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More Clean Energy Will Demand Bigger Battery Storage To Power New England Grid

April 23, 2021

The push to switch from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy will mean a lot more demand for battery storage. It’s just part of massive efforts to modernize the electric grid in New England and the nation to meet the challenge of climate change. The future of renewable energy in New England depends on…

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Earth Day 2021: Fighting Climate Change Around New England

April 22, 2021

For Earth Day 2021, NHPR reporter Annie Ropeik hosted a roundtable of reporters from the New England News Collaborative for a special episode of NHPR’s The Exchange. They highlighted innovations and signs of progress in tackling climate change in New England, as well as the issues that are top of mind. GUESTS: Daniela Allee – NHPR reporter…

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Este Día de La Tierra, Conversamos Sobre La Importancia De Cuidar La Energía

April 22, 2021

Hoy en Qué Hay, queremos conversar sobre los problemas que enfrenta el planeta, como la contaminación del aire, que afectan la calidad de vida de las familias de bajo ingreso de New England. Para conversar del tema, tenemos a Rebecca Baez-Castro, vicepresidenta de Green Eco Warriors, organización sin fines de lucro con sede en Windsor,…

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Electric Cars Could ‘Electrify The Future’ Of Northeast Transportation And Climate Initiative

April 22, 2021

A patchwork of states have joined in an effort to modernize transportation along the East Coast and reduce gas emissions that contribute to climate change. This Transportation and Climate Initiative would also bring more electric vehicles (EVs) to New England roads and changes to the region’s power grid. Everyday feels like an electric car show…

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