Environment & Science

People who stayed up late Sunday night were treated to an incredible display of the northern lights, which were visible in the Lehigh Valley.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe and several other eastern Pennsylvania counties.

Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Mayors in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton are coming together to fight against worsening climate change and strengthen sustainability across the region. Two of the three cities have their own climate action plans.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, in the Lehigh Valley.

The first new building on Muhlenberg’s campus in more than a decade, the Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation, 2400 W. Chew St., opened in January. The 20,000-square-foot, three-floor building cost $13.2 million and is one of the first buildings in the world expected to achieve a rigorous sustainability certification for buildings that give more than they take.

A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible in the region on Saturday, with the main threat being damaging wind gusts, according to the National Weather Service.

Puerto Rico's electrical grid has been devastated by hurricanes due to worsening climate change. Ruth Santiago, a Bethlehem native, has a solution.

Swarms of non-biting midge flies last week were spotted in Bethlehem. LehighValleyNews.com spoke with Marten Edwards, chair of Muhlenberg College's biology department, to find out more about the insects.

Department of Environmental Protection receives $499,870 for air pollution project in Allentown

November's temperatures are expected to be warmer than average for the Lehigh Valley, especially through the front half of the month, allowing those not yet ready for winter to enjoy the fall warmth and keep heating costs low.

Promise Corps, an Allentown group, came together over the last few months to clean up Black River Sanctuary as it is set to open in spring 2023.

Giana Jarrah wins StartUP Lehigh Valley's grand prize with her women's health brand With Meraki Co.

A report by the research and advocacy group PennEnvironment analyzed samples from 50 of Pennsylvania's cleanest waterways, only to find different kinds of microplastic residue in all of them.

An event featured speakers from the Lehigh County Conservation District, Penn State Extension, and Lehigh County Water Authority to show homeowners how they can best mitigate excessive runoff on their property.

As contracts between some municipalities and service providers in the Lehigh Valley expire near the end of the year, the new agreements that replace them could amount to major price hikes.

The Sept. 11th National Memorial Trail which runs through Palmer Township could see trail improvements through state grant

The school district is expected to get two electric vehicle school buses as part of a pilot program.

Bethlehem residents may soon be able to get permits to keep backyard chickens. Two committees agreed the concept is a good one, but some officials still worry about the spread of avian disease and other issues.

A high school in Allentown was designated a K-12 Tree Campus and hoisted a new flag in celebration.

Amid a changing weather pattern, the Lehigh Valley is under a freeze warning Tuesday into Wednesday. Is this wintry feel a sign of things to come?