Umair Irfan

climate change, energy, and environment reporter for Vox

Covers climate change, energy, and the environment for Vox

Umair Irfan on KCRW

East Palestine, Ohio, is still reeling after a freight train — that was carrying hazardous materials — got derailed.

Slashed workforce and fewer regulations led to East Palestine train derailment

East Palestine, Ohio, is still reeling after a freight train — that was carrying hazardous materials — got derailed.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Scientists at the National Ignition Facility say they’ve achieved fusion. Theoretically, it can generate lots of energy without nuclear waste.

This nuclear fusion breakthrough could revolutionize clean energy

Scientists at the National Ignition Facility say they’ve achieved fusion. Theoretically, it can generate lots of energy without nuclear waste.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Hurricane Ian is the first major storm to hit the Tampa Bay area in about a century. Like many coastal regions, its population has rapidly grown.

Hurricane Ian will bring dangerous, days-long flooding to Florida

Hurricane Ian is the first major storm to hit the Tampa Bay area in about a century. Like many coastal regions, its population has rapidly grown.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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Construction has begun in Agoura Hills on the world’s largest wildlife road crossing. How do you get animals to cross over the busy 101 freeway?

from KCRW Features

This week, Anna Lembke, addiction specialist at Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic , and author of “ Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence ,”…

from Life Examined

Today we’re sharing an episode from an environmental podcast you might like, Sea Change, from WWNO in New Orleans. If you like what you hear, check them out wherever you get podcasts.

from The Anti-Dread Climate Podcast

The Downtown LA gay bar Redline opened in 2015. Now it joins a long legacy of LGBTQ spaces that have closed in the city center.

from KCRW Features

A higher minimum wage benefits fast food workers in an expensive state. It could also mean higher menu prices for customers, and tighter budgets for franchises.

from KCRW Features

How should the media cover a Biden/Trump rematch? What mistakes did we see in coverage of the special counsel testimony? Should perception influence policy?

from Left, Right & Center

Yes, you can live your green values all the way to the grave.

from The Anti-Dread Climate Podcast

KCRW’s departing reporter Anna Scott talks about the gains and setbacks in housing and homelessness — after eight years covering the beat.

from Greater LA

Disneyland is eyeing a $2.5 billion plan that would extend its park into Anaheim's streets, raising concerns about potential traffic problems and increased influence for the park.

from KCRW Features