Erin Douglas

3 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Erin Douglas

The quality of air in coastal Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island has deteriorated in recent years, most likely due to wildfire smoke and extreme heat, an analysis of air quality data shows. Both wildfires and extreme heat are becoming more intense due to climate change. The annual report by the American Lung Association grades air quality in counties in the US based on ozone, commonly known as smog, and particulate pollution data.

3 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Erin Douglas

Here’s how Boston can protect itself from rising sea levels. First, Bostonians need to agree on the best way to protect ourselves. Second, we need wicked smart engineers to draft blueprints for the berms and flood barriers. And third, we have to find the money to build it all. It’s the last step that’s getting trickier and trickier for city leaders as the Trump administration slashes federal spending and targets climate initiatives for cuts.

1 month ago | bostonglobe.com | Erin Douglas

About 30 miles south of Providence, more than 100 scientists and support staff roam a 90,000-square-foot research facility. In bay-side laboratories, they research water quality problems up and down the East Coast. How much longer they’ll do so is anyone’s guess. The Environmental Protection Agency lab in Narragansett is part of the agency’s Office of Research and Development, which could reportedly be eliminated under President Trump.

1 month ago | bostonglobe.com | Erin Douglas

President Trump on Tuesday appointed Mark Sanborn, a former environmental regulator in New Hampshire, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s New England office. The EPA’s regional office oversees EPA activities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and 10 federally recognized Tribal Nations.

1 month ago | bostonglobe.com | Erin Douglas

LEOMINSTER — Standing at the doorway to a small bathroom in her basement, Carrie Noseworthy, 52, took a giant pair of scissors and aimed for the big red ribbon. As it fluttered to the floor, a dozen friends, family, and neighbors let out loud cheers and a few laughs. It might seem silly, but a new bathroom is worth celebrating in Leominster. In September of 2023, a catastrophic flash flood ripped through the town, destroying bridges and roads, carrying away vehicles, and inundating homes.