It may look beautiful, but the sacred lotus has been taking over Cranston’s Meshanticut Lake. When the plant native to East Asia (scientific name Nelumbo nucifera) sinks its roots into the lake bottom, it spreads a blanket of green lily pads and purple flowers across the water at a rate that can crowd out native […]
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Posted inEnvironment, Health, The Weekly Catch
The uncertain future of South County Hospital, wildfire risk in R.I., and more
The destruction in Los Angeles serves as a reminder of how vulnerable many of our communities in Rhode Island are to wildfires. We hear about what the state and residents can do to prepare for a predicted increase in wildfires due to climate change. Also, dozens of community members recently sent a letter to the Board of Trustees for South County Hospital. In it they criticized leadership and expressed concern for the hospital’s long-term financial viability. We hear from a doctor at the hospital who signed the letter. Plus, we take a trip to a Pawtucket museum filled wall to wall with pinball machines, some more than 70 years old. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEnvironment, Local
With climate change increasing wildfire risk in Rhode Island, how can state officials prepare?
Transcript: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Last spring, a massive wildfire burned hundreds of acres at the Queens River Preserve in Exeter. It was the largest forest fire in Rhode Island since 1942, and it prompted the creation of a special legislative commission tasked with providing recommendations on proper […]
Posted inArticle, Environment
Civic Assessment Of Resilient RI Act Finds State Needs To Do More To Address Climate Change
2019 marks the five-year anniversary of the Resilient Rhode Island Act. The law set state targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but as at least one group believes the law hasn’t done enough.
Posted inArticle, Environment
Non-Native, Longhorned Tick Found In New England
The dark-brown, Asian Longhorned tick was detected in Connecticut for the first time in July and a second time in October.
Posted inArticle, Environment
Youth Activists Push Back On Local Climate Change Decision
A group of young people is pushing back against Rhode Island environment officials over a decision related to climate change.
