Environment Archives

Beshear unveils new energy strategy without mentioning climate change

by Ryland Barton
October 21, 2021

The plan, dubbed “E3” for energy, environment and economic development, used words that nod to the impacts of climate change, but never actually mentions the elephant in the room, or any serious plans to reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Lawmakers discuss expanding solar energy in Kentucky

by Ryland Barton
September 16, 2021

Solar farms owned by Kentucky’s electric utilities only account for about 0.07% of the state’s total electricity generation, according to the cabinet. The main sources are coal and natural gas.

A century after the Appalachian Trail was proposed, millions hike it every year seeking ‘the breath of a real life’

by Charles C. Chester
August 24, 2021

In any given year, some 3 million people hike the Appalachian Trail, including more than 3,000 “thru-hikers” who go the entire distance, either in one stretch or in segments over multiple years.

Cause of mysterious bird illness still unknown

by Jennifer P. Brown
August 24, 2021

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife has dropped a recommendation that residents of six counties in Central Kentucky stop using bird feeders.

LBL event to feature hummingbirds

by Jennifer P. Brown
August 16, 2021

Participants can have dinner outdoors in an area of Land Between the Lakes that is a popular spot for hummingbirds.

IPCC climate report: Profound changes are underway in Earth’s oceans and ice – a lead author explains what the warnings mean

by Robert Kopp
August 9, 2021

Climate scientist Robert Kopp, a lead author of a recent report on Earth’s oceans, ice and sea level rise, discusses the profound changes underway.

Multi-pesticide ‘cocktails’ used on farms can kill twice as many bees as regular pesticides, studies find

by The Rural Blog
August 6, 2021

An analysis of 90 studies measured the impact of environmental stressors such as pesticides and poor nutrition.

Murray State biology professor asks public to help map new insect species

by WKMS
July 27, 2021

Laura Sullivan-Beckers, who first discovered the new treehopper species in her backyard garden bed in Murray, is using the crowdsourcing website iNaturalist.org to determine how widely dispersed the insect is.

Bear sightings reported in Caldwell County

by WKMS
July 26, 2021

Kentucky’s bear population is typically limited to Eastern Kentucky, but younger bears sometimes wander west in the early summer.

Preliminary results show ‘fish fence’ helping to block Asian carp

by Liam Niemeyer
June 30, 2021

A local official who has fought the invasive species for years is touting the initial data as a potential “game-changer.”

Second batch of cicadas about to emerge

by Stu Johnson
June 28, 2021

Weather conditions can play a role in determining when cicadas take to the trees.

State wildlife officials are investigating mysterious illness that’s killing songbirds

by Jennifer P. Brown
June 24, 2021

The affected birds have swollen eyes with a crusty discharge. Some also have neurological problems and might appear to be stumbling around.