Lydia Larsen | Sierra Club

Lydia Larsen is a science and environmental journalist and an editorial fellow at Sierra. She researched how copepods (tiny crustaceans) adapt to climate change before trading the lab bench for journalism. She covers science and Midwest environmental issues from her home in Madison, Wisconsin.

Should Chicago Dye Its River Green for St. Patrick’s Day?

By Lydia Larsen March 16, 2024

The dye is considered environmentally friendly, but some groups say the river shouldn’t be altered

In this story: water, clean water, holidays, urban living

People on a boat spray green dye into the Chicago River

New Documentary "Bad River" Details the Fight Against the Line 5 Pipeline

By Lydia Larsen March 16, 2024

The current battle is just the latest in a saga of Indigenous resistance

In this story: Line 5, indigenous communities, dirty fuels

Sonny Smart on the shores of the Bad River

Wisconsin's Warmest Winter

By Lydia Larsen February 29, 2024

Late-February temperatures in the high 50s spell trouble for snow tourism in Wisconsin’s Northwoods

In this story: climate change

Schlecht Lake Ski Trail

Sea Otters Are the Unlikely Heroes Helping to Restore a Marine Ecosystem

By Lydia Larsen February 15, 2024

Researchers find these top predators play a key role in stabilizing the salt marshes of Monterey Bay

In this story: marine ecosystems, wildlife, saving wild places

Sea otter floating in the surf on a sunny day