Climate and Environment News from The AJC in Atlanta

The South River is seen near the South River Water Reclamation Center on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Atlanta is investigating a new fish kill on a different metro area river

The city of Atlanta said it was investigating reports of dead fish on the South River that may have been caused by a water reclamation center chemical spill.

Readers write

Georgia needs stronger water systems needed for drought, flooding; governmental powers belong to the people; and GOP not bothered by Trump’s enemies list.

Georgia data center’s rush to build a pop-up power plant raises concern

DATA SURGE

Georgia’s first data center ‘pop-up’ power plant is breaking rules, groups say

Environmental groups argue a data center in Covington and a 90-megawatt "off-grid" power plant under construction to serve it are violating state and federal pollution laws.

As extreme heat arrives, dangerous days ahead for Atlanta World Cup revelers

The combination of extreme temps, humidity and Atlanta’s urban heat island will raise the risk of heat-related illnesses for World Cup fans, Peachtree Road Race runners.

The September 2024 fire at BioLab in Conyers spurred evacuations of thousands, weekslong overnight shelter-in-place orders, road closures, including parts of I-20 and led many to seek medical attention. (John Spink/AJC 2024)

What was in the BioLab fire plume? Georgia Tech study has some answers.

The September 2024 fire at BioLab in Conyers spurred evacuations, weekslong overnight shelter-in-place orders, closed roads and led many to seek medical attention.

Fish kill reported on Chattahoochee River

What killed thousands of fish along the Chattahoochee? A report offers clues.

EPD and Watershed documents show a combination of minimal or untreated sewage and stormwater overflow led to the deaths of nearly 45,000 fish.

After several rainy weeks, Georgia’s drought picture looks very different

Georgia's worst drought conditions have been alleviated, but state officials say more moisture is needed to erase long-term rainfall deficits.

What killed thousands of fish in Atlanta?

Thousands of dead fish are under investigation. Credits: AJC | Chattahoochee Riverkeeper | Getty Images | City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

WILD GEORGIA

Meet some birds that deserve a Father’s Day card (and some that don’t)

Male woodpeckers and brown thrashers are among the bird dads that take parenting seriously.

Georgia Election - Georgia Public Service Commission

PSC races that could affect your Georgia Power bill are set for November

Two Public Service Commission races will decide the balance of power on the state’s top utility regulator, which oversees Georgia Power and its rates.

Red snapper season is a Georgia angler’s dream. It’s in limbo for 2026.

Georgia fishery officials have withdrawn a plan to expand the recreational fishing season for red snapper from just a few days to two months after a court challenge.