Bing cherries are harvested from Jeff Colombini’s orchard in Lodi, where a shorter chilling season has resulted in many stunted, half-grown blossoms.Serene Fang/Center for Investigative Reporting Listen to KQED’s audio report: Farmers have always been gamblers, long accustomed to betting on the probabilities of the weather. But for the Napa Valley, where the temperatures have […]
Mark Schapiro
Contributor
Mark Schapiro specializes in international and environmental stories. His award-winning work appears in all media: in publications such as Harpers, The Atlantic, Mother Jones and Yale 360; on television, including PBS FRONTLINE/World and KQED; on public radio including Marketplace; and on the web. He is currently writing a book for Wiley & Co. investigating the backstory to our carbon footprints. His previous book, "EXPOSED: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s at Stake for American Power," reveals the health and economic implications of the tightening of environmental standards by the European Union.
Posted inEnvironment
Video: A Dwindling Harvest
For a few weeks each spring, the cherry orchards of California’s San Joaquin Valley burst into a sea of pink blossoms. It’s a beautiful sight and a sign that the harvest will be good. But in recent years, farmers have noticed a change in this pattern, and it signals drastic changes ahead for the state’s […]
Posted inEnvironment
Video: Salt in the Fields
California’s water wars have shaped the course of the state’s economy and demography for more than a century. For farmers on the west side of the Central Valley, long dependent on federal and state water projects, climate change is introducing another factor into the water equation: salt. TRANSCRIPT: Reporter Mark Schapiro: Near Westley, California, the almond […]
Don’t miss a story. Get our investigations delivered to your inbox.
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
Posted inEnvironment
Volatile weather creates dramatic changes for California farmers
John Duarte, president of Duarte Nursery near Modesto, is breeding plants for elevated levels of heat and salt, which researchers say are symptoms of climate change.Serene Fang/Center for Investigative Reporting Ten miles outside of Modesto, in the farming town of Hughson just off Highway 99, the Duarte Nursery is at the front line of dramatic […]
Posted inAccountability
Women & War: 6. Under attack in Ghaziabad
After an unexpected stop at a remote compound, the soldiers are caught in a firefight with insurgents. Mark Schapiro talks by Skype with journalist Mimi Wells on assignment for CIR in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 TRANSCRIPT: Mark Schapiro: Nice to see you again, Mimi. You e-mailed us recently that you were in a firefight […]
Posted inAccountability
Women & War: 5. Delivering water filters
Afghan women learn to use a water filter and share some opinions about the upcoming departure of Americans troops from Afghanistan. Mark Schapiro talks by Skype with journalist Mimi Wells on assignment for CIR in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 6 Transcript: Mark Schapiro: So, it’s very nice to see you again, Mimi. We’ve been reading […]
Posted inAccountability
Women & War: 4. The girls school
Lt. Lauren Luckey overcomes obstacles to visit a girls school in the Afghan village of Nari, but the mission brings risks as well as rewards. Mark Schapiro talks by Skype with journalist Mimi Wells on assignment for CIR in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 TRANSCRIPT: Mark Schapiro: So it’s nice to see you again, […]
Posted inAccountability
Journalist discusses embed with female soldiers in ‘Notes from the Field’
Multimedia journalist Mimi Wells talks with CIR reporter Mark Schapiro during a video interview from Afghanistan. Three years ago, the Marine Corps added a new component to its military strategy in Afghanistan – to engage Afghan women, thought to be a key influence on their husbands’ and sons’ willingness to cooperate with the Taliban. As […]
Posted inAccountability
Women & War: 3. Outside the wire
In Ghaziabad, outside the protection of an American base, Lt. Lauren Luckey’s commander, Lt. Col. Dan Wilson, tries to build relationships with Afghans amid violent clashes with insurgents. Mark Schapiro talks by Skype with journalist Mimi Wells on assignment for CIR in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 TRANSCRIPT Mark Schapiro: Nice to see you […]
Posted inAccountability
Women & War: 2. Lt. Lauren Luckey
At 23 years old, Lt. Lauren Luckey is the leader and sole member of the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment’s female engagement team. Mark Schapiro talks by Skype with journalist Mimi Wells on assignment for CIR in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Chapter 1 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 TRANSCRIPT Mark Schapiro: Last time we talked with you, Mimi, you were […]