Growers recently gathered at the World Coffee Conference in Guatemala to share concerns about what will happen if the weather changes in the places where they have produced coffee for generations. Because coffee plants are sensitive, many growers are trying to prepare for the possibility of a warming planet.

Scientists have calculated that it actually makes sense to start intentional fires to keep down debris and undergrowth. Even though these prescribed fires do put carbon into the atmosphere, the scientists calculate it's less than what would go up in big wildfires.

Connie Hedegaard, the European Union's Commissioner for Climate Action, has laid out an ambitious goal — in five years, she says, she wants to see "a Europe that is the most climate-friendly region in the world." Host Liane Hansen speaks to Hedegaard about the EU's attempts to move forward on climate talks. Commissioner Hedegaard tells Liane how Europe has benefited from climate legislation, and what it might mean for the U.S.

The Internet has emerged as one of the greatest threats fueling the illegal wildlife trade, making it easier to buy everything from live baby lions to wine made from tiger bones, conservationists said Sunday.

Tens of millions of Chinese commuters ride electric bicycles to work. But will car-centric Americans give them a whirl? Edward Benjamin, chairman of the Light Electric Vehicle Association, and Bert Cebular, founder of NYCeWheels, discuss the safety and environmental impact of the bikes, and how culture influences their adoption.

With the cap-and-trade legislation aimed at curbing global warming stalled in Congress, there's an almost-complete collapse of the market for carbon credits. That means profits are drying up for people who are paid to create those carbon credits — like farmers who manage their land in ways that capture carbon dioxide in the soil.

Bald eagles show up each year in Nevada's Carson Valley during calving season. They come not for the majestic views, but for the nutritious afterbirth. Now, local leaders are using the bird influx to lure tourists to the area and help the region's economy.

From switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, to collecting rainwater and installing photovoltaic panels, how are experts making buildings that use less energy and generate less waste? Ira Flatow and guests explore the latest in green materials and design.

Wildlife experts convene next week in the city of Doha in Qatar to consider how to control the trade in rare animals and plants. Trade in elephant ivory continues to be a contentious issue. And this year sees a brand new effort to move offshore and protect some of the ocean's most charismatic and sought-after species.

The Druid Peak Pack, the most closely watched and photographed wolf pack in the world, is down to its last wolf. For 14 years, the Druids were the dominant pack in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley. Biologist Doug Smith, leader of the Yellowstone Wolf Project, offers his insight.

At the Oscars this year, one star will grace the red carpet with an "eco-dress."

When writer John D'Agata moved his mother to the suburbs of Las Vegas, he began looking at the history of the government’s plan to store nuclear waste deep in Nevada's Yucca Mountain. The resulting boo—-- About a Mountai—-- is a reporter's notebook that reads like poetry.

Energy Star labels and miles-per-gallon vehicle ratings aren't enticing enough consumers toward energy-saving options, according to economist Hunt Allcott. Allcott explains how new research in behavioral economics might help lead consumers to more energy-efficient choices.

President Obama has pledged support for nuclear power, but problems including how to dispose of the waste persist. Ira Flatow and guests look at the latest nuclear technology, from microreactors to waste storage, and compare the cost of nuclear to other energy sources.

The quake Thursday morning caused power outages and buildings to sway hundreds of miles to the north. Local news reports said at least one person was injured.

Right here, right where we live, are creatures so extraordinarily spooky, in landscapes so deeply strange, they might as well be on the Planet Zantar.

It's a fairly big deal that Wal-Mart announced plans to reduce 20 million tons of greenhouse-gas emissions from its suppliers by 2015. But Bradford Plumer wonders if this could really offset the company's damage.

There may be no polar bears at the South Pole, but there sure is a lot of ice. In fact, more than 90 percent of the Earth's glacial ice is in Antarctica. Now, new research shows the continent's ice is melting in more places than previously known. Host Guy Raz speaks to scientist Jane Ferrigno of the U.S. Geological Survey about the Antarctic Peninsula's ice retreat.

It's been a tough winter for Florida's tomato crop. A devastating freeze last month wiped out production by 70 percent. The state provides almost all of the tomatoes consumed in the U.S. during this time of year. Farmers are struggling, and soon consumers will notice it too.

The earthquake that struck Chile Saturday morning unleashed 500 times as much energy as last month's disastrous earthquake in Haiti. More than 100 people have been reported dead after the temblor. NPR's Guy Raz and Richard Harris discuss the scientific mechanics of the quake.