News

Wetter weather, 48 heritage trees to be chopped & more.

The latest environmental news this week.

This week we’re at the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) conference in Philadelphia, and I’m excited to be co-leading a tour on the Delaware River today. Our city has a lot of exciting history on the river and I’m excited to learn alongside of journalists from across the US.

Latest Sustainability News:

It’s wet – and wetter than usual in Philadelphia. There’s been over 25 inches of precipitation since December 1, which is 10 inches above normal, due to El Niño and climate change.

Days after South Philadelphia residents filed a lawsuit to stop renovations at FDR Park, the Fairmount Park Conservancy got the OK to cut down 48 healthy, large heritage trees in the park. Only 6% of trees in the city qualify as heritage trees (24 inches in diameter or larger), which are supposed to have elevated protections in the Philadelphia Tree Plan.

There’s a working group asking neighbors in Grays Ferry and Strawberry Mansion about the burden of environmental justice impacts. Read the latest about the Philadelphia Environmental Justice Advisory Commission from Green Building United.

Enjoying these updates? Get the latest sustainability news in your inbox:

Do Good & Volunteer:

Want to get out and work towards a cleaner city? The Philly Spring Cleanup is this Saturday. Join Green Philly in Brewerytown or a cleanup in a neighborhood near you.

Cover image: Stroud Center hosted its 3rd Annual World Water Day Celebration with tree plantings, casting demonstrations, live fish discoveries and more.


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Compost network growing, rising temperatures, state energy plans, & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: Community Compost Network is expanding. Farm Philly, Parks and…

5 days ago

Ocean City among NJ coastal towns affected by sea-level rise

Millions have been pledged to fight flooding in this local favorite shore town. Is it…

6 days ago

How Louis Bartholomew supports greening efforts in Queen Village

Read about how our latest Civic Catalyst advocates for and supports greening efforts in Queen…

7 days ago

Climate action updates, EPA deregulation, new gardens, & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: Office of Sustainability releases 2025 Climate Action Update. OSS…

2 weeks ago

A bird-a-thon without birdwatching? For blind birders, it’s all about sound

From Malvern to Massachusetts, the first blind birding event showed accessibility in action. Chester County…

2 weeks ago

How Fishtown neighbors organized for a pedestrian safety win

More than 500 residents advocated for change, leading to 40% longer crosswalk times on Girard…

2 weeks ago