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Nathan Rott Nathan Rott is a correspondent on NPR's National Desk, where he focuses on environment issues and the American West.
Nathan Rott at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., September 27, 2018. (photo by Allison Shelley)
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Nathan Rott

In Historic Move, Biden To Pick Native American Rep. Haaland As Interior Secretary

Rep. Deb Haaland would be the country's first Native American Cabinet secretary. She opposed many Trump environmental rollbacks on public lands and considers climate change "the challenge of our lifetime." Juan Labreche/AP hide caption

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Juan Labreche/AP

Politics

In Historic Move, Biden To Pick Native American Rep. Haaland As Interior Secretary

Deb Haaland would be the first Native American Cabinet secretary. She opposed many Trump environmental rollbacks and considers climate change "the challenge of our lifetime."

In Historic Move, Biden To Pick Native American Rep. Haaland As Interior Secretary

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Animals

Trump Administration Postpones Listing Monarch Butterfly As Endangered Species

The Fish and Wildlife Service has declined to list the monarch butterfly as endangered, even though it finds such a listing necessary. Officials cite limited resources and other species in danger.

Trump Administration Postpones Listing Monarch Butterfly As Endangered Species

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Environment

Biden Pledges To Conserve Nearly A Third Of U.S. Land And Water By 2030

President-elect Joe Biden wants to conserve 30% of U.S. land and water by 2030. It's part of a global push to avoid the worst effects of climate change and the decline of the natural world.

Biden Pledges To Conserve Nearly A Third Of U.S. Land And Water By 2030

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National

U.S. Heads Into Winter Months With Coronavirus Cases Surging

The governors of California and New York have sounded the alarm that hospitals may be overwhelmed this winter if COVID-19 infection rates continue to rise.

U.S. Heads Into Winter Months With Coronavirus Cases Surging

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COVID-19 Denial Still Rampant In Some Coronavirus Hot Spots

As health care professionals grapple with soaring numbers of COVID-19 cases across the U.S., they're also combating another quick-spreading and frustrating contagion: misinformation. Robert F. Bukaty/AP hide caption

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Robert F. Bukaty/AP

The Coronavirus Crisis

COVID-19 Denial Still Rampant In Some Coronavirus Hot Spots

Efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus are being hampered because many people don't believe it's real. "It's absolute garbage," said Craig Mann of Flathead County in northwest Montana.

COVID-19 Denial Still Rampant In Some Coronavirus Hot Spots

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Health

Many Challenges Arise When People Doubt Pandemic's Threat

Doctors and public health officials in states like Montana, Idaho and the Dakotas say they're being overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients, many of whom believe the pandemic isn't a big deal.

Many Challenges Arise When People Doubt Pandemic's Threat

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Environment

Biden's Climate Change Plans Could Face Serious Challenges In A Divided Congress

Climate change is one of the top four crises President-elect Biden says he will tackle first. NPR discusses what step he can take if there is no solid Democratic-majority in the Senate.

Biden's Climate Change Plans Could Face Serious Challenges In A Divided Congress

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Gray Wolves To Be Removed From Endangered Species List

A gray wolf is captured by a remote camera on U.S. Forest Service land in Oregon in 2017. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife/AP hide caption

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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife/AP

Environment And Energy Collaborative

Gray Wolves To Be Removed From Endangered Species List

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing federal protections for gray wolves in the contiguous U.S., saying the species' recovery is a success. Wildlife groups are promising to sue.

There's A Lot At Stake For The Climate In The 2020 Election

Wind turbines near Dwight, Ill. and a pump jack in Cotulla, Texas. The presidential candidates have opposing views on the future of U.S. energy. Scott Olson and Loren Elliott/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Olson and Loren Elliott/AFP/Getty Images

Environment And Energy Collaborative

There's A Lot At Stake For The Climate In The 2020 Election

Despite the cascade of other crises this year, climate change has emerged as a key election issue. The two major-party presidential candidates' positions on it could not be more different.

Environment

Climate Change Is A Top Campaign Issue — At Least For Democrats

Former Vice President Biden says tackling climate change is all about creating jobs. We examine his ambitious plans to make the U.S. economy carbon neutral and challenges he would face as president.

Climate Change Is A Top Campaign Issue — At Least For Democrats

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Environment

What Would A 2nd Trump Term Mean For The Environment?

President Trump touts his success at boosting fossil fuels and rolling back climate rules. But he's faced setbacks in court and pushback from states and industry.

What Would A 2nd Trump Term Mean For The Environment?

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National

Experts Say It Is Time To Update Fire Suppression Policies

This year's record-setting wildfires are being compared to 1910's Big Blowup, which shaped U.S. fire suppression policy for a century. Experts aim for a policy reset but historians are skeptical.

Experts Say It Is Time To Update Fire Suppression Policies

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Environment

World Leaders Address Collapse Of The Natural World At The U.N. Biodiversity Summit

At Wednesday's digital gathering, nations are making new pledges to protect vast areas of land from development, but the U.S. is not taking part.

World Leaders Address Collapse Of The Natural World At The U.N. Biodiversity Summit

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National

As Oregon Wildfires Burn, Some Evacuees Are Returning Home

Firefighters are making progress against wildfires in the state. Some residents are slowly being allowed to return to their homes and businesses after wildfires swept through their area.

As Oregon Wildfires Burn, Some Evacuees Are Returning Home

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