As summer temperatures increase, more attention is focused on the danger of working in high heat.
climate
Here’s how Maine’s emergency managers are preparing for dangerous heat — now and in the future
Extremely dangerous heat is still unusual in Maine — but emergency officials are already planning for a future where they’re responding to temperature spikes as silent natural disasters.
Cooling centers offer relief from extreme heat. But are Mainers taking shelter?
Even though Maine is a cold weather state, in recent years, hundreds of people have shown up in emergency rooms for heat-related illness. To offer relief, cooling centers are opening at libraries, fire stations and community centers.
Where in Maine are you most likely to get a dangerous tick bite?
For the last 6 years, the answer has been Hancock, Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties, according to researchers at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s tick lab.
Maine’s small vernal pools may get bigger state protections
A bill now awaiting action by Gov. Janet Mills would create a 100-foot no-disturbance protection zone around Maine’s vernal pools, among other protections.
Federal cuts may hurt Maine’s ability to meet climate goals, scientists say
Reduced federal funding and staffing could hinder the Maine Climate Council’s ability to prepare for and track climate change, as well as the state’s ability to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Maine’s next wildlife protection plan will consider climate threats
The once-a-decade conservation blueprint will weigh climate change threats, include plants as well as animals and emphasize habitat protection.
Maine announces record $8M in state climate resilience grants
More than 150 communities across the state are included in the latest round of state climate resilience grants announced by Gov. Janet Mills in Kennebunkport, which was heavily damaged by back-to-back storms in January 2024.
USDA cancels $35M climate grant to Freeport demonstration farm
The termination letter said Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment failed to pay at least 65% of its climate-smart agriculture grant directly to farmers.
Farmers angry over federal funding cuts rally at Maine State House
They showed up, on their tractors, to protest millions in cuts to federal grants, canceled support for school lunches and the termination of 20% of USDA workers who support Maine’s farmers.