Beyond Normal
Summers are changing in New England. We’re seeing more severe storms and new impacts like wildfire smoke — and it’s a lot hotter. Here are stories from the New England News Collaborative about how climate change is affecting our region.
In a Massachusetts pond, toxic algae is disrupting tribal heritage
The Santuit Pond in Mashpee was used for thousands of years by members of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe to play, teach, bathe, hunt and conduct ceremonies. It's now unsafe to...
Climate change means a longer growing season in New England, but brings other challenges
Increasingly hot summers and warming winters could allow for new plant varieties and a longer growing season in the Northeast.
Most New England states don’t track ‘heat-related’ deaths. Experts say that’s a problem
Public health experts aren't sure how many people die because of the heat each year, because there's no standard for what constitutes a "heat-related" death.
Climate change is threatening farms across New England. Here’s how farmers are responding
Heavy rains have caused massive damage for New England farmers this summer. Problems from heat, pests and drought are common. Some farmers are changing their practices to become more resilient...
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Bigger, earlier and itchier: Why poison ivy loves climate change
The dreaded three-leafed vine is expected to take full advantage of warmer temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to grow faster and bigger — and become...
How heat alerts could help clinicians intervene for people at high risk
Heat is much more dangerous for some people than others. And heat-related health risks begin much earlier in the year than most people realize. New alerts aim to get this...