Molly Samuel

2 months ago | wabe.org | Molly Samuel

Gov. Brian Kemp issued an emergency declaration Saturday ahead of the severe weather expected to begin hitting the state later tonight. The state of emergency, which became effective at noon, sanctions the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to mobilize any essential resources to address potential impacts. The National Weather Service is warning of the potential for numerous significant tornadoes, damaging winds and hail.

Feb 12, 2025 | wabe.org | Molly Samuel

Boil water advisories can happen because of water main breaks, equipment outages or planned maintenance or expansion. But whatever the reason they’re in place, the intention is to make sure no one is drinking water out of the tap that might not be safe. So here are the guidelines from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division on boil water advisories, when it’s OK to use tap water and answers to other questions.

Dec 2, 2024 | wabe.org | Emily Jones |Molly Samuel

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Tracking North Atlantic right whales is a team effort spanning the entire U.S. Atlantic coast from Canada to Florida. Researchers from numerous government agencies patrol the coastline in boats and planes, looking for the endangered whales. Acoustic monitoring devices track their movements under the waves.

Nov 26, 2024 | wabe.org | Emily Jones |Molly Samuel

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. The world’s oceans absorb nearly a third of global carbon dioxide emissions. Seagrass beds, in particular, are carbon-storing powerhouses. While less than 1% of the seafloor is made up of seagrass beds, those beds store about 11% of the ocean’s buried carbon, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Oct 18, 2024 | wabe.org | Molly Samuel

The federal government is proposing a boundary expansion for the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge that would include area owned by Twin Pines, LLC, a company that’s pursuing a controversial plan to mine near the swamp.  If the proposal for what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calls a “minor boundary expansion” is approved, the agency would be able to pursue voluntary conservation efforts with landowners in the 22,000 acre area, including acquisitions or partnerships.