Planet A Magazine

Water, Waste, Health, Wildlife—16 climate stories of our time

  • “We Need Help”

    “We Need Help”

    The Manhattan Bridge, viewed from East River Park. The park is undergoing a significant rebuild as part of New York City’s efforts to protect its communities from the effects of climate change. Ben Moore As storms intensify, an activist fears the Bronx will be left behind. Ben Moore Christian Murphy never thought he would become…

  • Beat The Heat 

    Beat The Heat 

    As concerns over a rapidly warming climate spread nationwide, New York legislators seek a solution to the heat and cold stress that has plagued workers for decades.

  • Discards and Discord

    Discards and Discord

    New York City’s curbside organics collection program helps deliver un-fracked natural gas to local residences. Is this the best use of New Yorkers’ food waste?

  • The Bee Whisperer

    The Bee Whisperer

    Snow and his former student Laure Raymond stand next to three bee hives, which are part of the apiary of Snow Lab. Natalie Novakova As wide scale die-offs threaten bee populations around the world, one scientist tries to solve a climate mystery. Natalie Novakova Every March, on a rooftop at Barnard College, in the heart…

  • Familiar Ways

    Familiar Ways

    As one of the largest infrastructure plans in New York City history threatens to overlook the South Bronx, one father is making sure his daughter won’t be.

  • The Business of Textile Waste

    The Business of Textile Waste

    The people that steward the journey of recycled textiles, each have their own interests in the second-hand fashion industry.

  • No Room to Breathe

    No Room to Breathe

    A worker pauses for a coffee break next to rush hour traffic piling onto the Major Deegan Expressway in Mott Haven. Ani Freedman The South Bronx has suffered through decades of air pollution and high asthma rates‭. ‬Locals‭, ‬activists‭, ‬and scientists are fed up‭.‬ Ani Freedman Maritza Franklin talks about the South Bronx like she…

  • Expanding the Canopy

    Expanding the Canopy

    As climate change accelerates, New York City is turning to an ancient technology to beat the heat: trees.

  • The Flood Factor

    The Flood Factor

    Heavier storms are overwhelming the outdated sewer system in Flushing, endangering the property and lives of its residents. 

  • The Invisible Damage

    The Invisible Damage

     J.J.’s father lost his life in the underpass at Passaic and Van Houten in Passaic, New Jersey on the night of Hurricane Ida. Lue Palmer A survivor of Hurricane Ida is finally returning to his old life. The journey from the original trauma has been a long one. Lue Palmer Author’s note: the main character’s…