Jump to:Nature and the Earth have long been sources of inspiration in interior design. But with the rise of natural disasters, climate change effects, and a push by politicians to end renewable energy, ensuring our homes are aligned with our environment is crucial. Passive homes and carbon-neutral clean properties are great if youre looking to embark on a new build, but for a more accessible approach, try biophilic design. The design style, which is a nature-centric approach to interiors, goes far beyond a collection of houseplants or painting the whole place green. It can take many shapes, from landscaping ideas that use local plants and flowers to oversized windows that let in the most natural light possible. It also includes green roofs and live plant walls. Interior designer (and former Olympian!) Erica McLain explains, Biophilic design is the art and science of reconnecting humans with the natural world within built environments. Rooted in our innate biophiliathe deep evolutionary bond between humans and natureit seeks to restore balance, calm, and vitality in our indoor spaces by integrating the principles and patterns of the natural world.Odds are, youre already incorporating elements of this style into your space. To learn more about biophilic design, its primary components, and how to bring the philosophy home, read on for our in-depth guide.Related StoriesWhat Is Biophilic Design?josefkubes//Getty ImagesAn exterior living wall using rainwater runoff to sustain plants.Biophilic design describes interiors and architecture planned with a nature-first mentality. Whether exemplified through ample windows and natural light, eco-friendly materials, or live walls and greenery, biophilic design encourages people to commune with nature while still indoors.While plants are a wonderful and visible aspect of biophilic design, they are only one piece of a much larger puzzle, McLain says. Biophilic design goes deeper, incorporating fractal patterns, which mimic the organized complexity found in nature, or using natural light to align with our circadian rhythms. Even materials play a roletextures like raw wood, linen, or stone provide a tactile connection to the earth. In architecture, the biophilic design style is often seen in green roofs, plant walls, and heavy landscaping, even in urban areas. Inside, however, the emphasis is placed on bringing as much nature in as possible to create harmony between the industrial setting and the world outside. History of Biophilic DesignBiophilic design, when compared with Art Deco or Brutalism, is a relatively new concept. While other architectural styles were born out of industrial evolution and creativity, biophilic design has largely emerged out of necessity. Its a movement by architects and designers to encourage a reconnection with nature in an increasingly digital age. According to research from the University of Minnesota, the dominant approach to modern building and landscape design largely treats nature as either an obstacle to overcome or a trivial and irrelevant consideration. The result has been an increasing disconnect between people and nature in the built environment reflected in inadequate contact with natural light, ventilation, materials, vegetation, views, natural shapes and forms, and in general beneficial contact with the natural world.Paulo Pereira//Getty ImagesA green roof.5 Key Elements of Biophilic Design Biophilic design can be direct (using elements like trees, grass, and water) or indirect (natural colors, images of nature, organic shapes, and materials). Biophilic design isn't limited to sightit engages all five senses to create a holistic, immersive experience, explains McLain. Textures like smooth wood, soft linens, or rugged stone invite touch, while calming water features or the rustling of leaves mimic natural sounds. The subtle scents of essential oils, fresh flowers, or even a herb garden bring olfactory richness to the space. This style also incorporates the experience of space and place, examples of which are urban courtyards, natural installations in office buildings, and miniature parks in major cities where direct nature access is slim. Shade DeggesAccess to NatureWhether through large windows, balconies, porches, or yard space, biophilic design prioritizes access to nature. In largely urban areas or high rises, this can take the form of increased natural light, green spaces on a roof or common terraces, or interior landscaping. McLain recommends incorporating light from every direction if possible. Strategically place windows, skylights, and mirrors to amplify sunlight and distribute it evenly across the space, she says. Pair this with the thoughtful incorporation of airflowopen windows, ceiling fans, or vented partitions can mimic the subtle, refreshing movement of outdoor breezes. This interplay of light and air creates a space that feels alive, fostering vitality and a sense of well-being.Per Magnus Persson//Getty ImagesAmple GreeneryRewilding lawns, using local plants in landscaping, and cultivating houseplants (even in office buildings) are ways to incorporate biophilic design without undertaking a renovation or structural change.Photo: Roger Davies/OTTO Designer: Jamie BushFocus on Health and Well-BeingBiophilic design prioritizes human health and wellness by providing clean air, calming soundscapes, and low-stress environments. An example of this would be a fitness center with large windows and plants incorporated into the design. The Natural Resource Defense Council also notes that including natural surroundings in the workplace has been proven to increase creativity and productivity.John StafferSoothing Colors and SightsThe color palette of biophilic design comprises hues found in nature. Brown, green, and blue are the three most common, but youll also find calming yellows and neutral colors throughout.Patterns that mimic motifs in nature can also help calm the space. This can include fractal patterns found in textiles, the symmetry of natural shapes like leaves or shells, or biomorphic curves in furnishings that mimic the human bodys natural forms, says McLain. These patterns trigger a subconscious sense of familiarity and ease while sparking curiosity. For example, a rug with a fractal design or a sculptural light fixture inspired by tree branches creates a layered, dynamic aesthetic that feels effortlessly soothing yet intriguing.ALI HARPERNatural MaterialsBiophilic design doesnt have to mean living in a jungle. You can incorporate this style by layering in natural textures and materials. This goes beyond merely adding greenery; its about creating an immersive environment that reflects and celebrates the natural world, says McLain. Incorporate organic materials like reclaimed wood, stone, and woven fibers to establish a tactile connection. Think jute rugs, wool blankets, and rattanall accessible, tangible ways to reconnect with the natural world.Working on a design project? Let us help!Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.Expert consulted:Erica McLainInterior DesignerErica McLain is an interior designer and former US Olympian. Her design journey began with my exposure to my grandmother's mixed-medium art, my father's construction skills, and my mothers love of nature. These first influences, in addition to the experiences in over 38 countries as a professional athlete, including representing the United States in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, have expanded her worldview and helped me empathize with diverse lifestyles. She is the founder and principal of McLain by Design Interiors. Ericas academic achievementsa BA in Communication and a Minor in Studio Art from Stanford University, an MBA from UC Berkeley focused on Product Development and Brand Strategy, and ongoing studies in Architecture and Interior Design at UCLAform the foundation of her holistic approach. Prior to design, McLain worked at both Facebook and Google in user experience (UX) design as a product manager, learning about and designing solutions for the movement patterns and needs of a variety of people around the globe. This background in software design is now the lens through which she views design, creating interiors that are tailored to your unique preferences.

Theres a new software update available for Apple Watch Series 6 and later starting today. watchOS 11.3 is the latest version, bringing the new Unity Rhythm watch face to Apple Watch. Apple unveiled the new watch face alongside the 2025 Black Unity Sport Loop watch band this week.Heres how Apple describes the new watch face:The matching Unity Rhythm watch face features custom numerals formed by intertwined threads of red, green, and yellow. The watch face reacts to the gyroscope, so when a user raises their wrist to check the time, the strands coalesce from a series of abstract brush strokes into digits. When using the Unity Rhythm watch face, distinctive, rhythmic chimes mark every hour and half hour.Be sure to update your iPhone to the new iOS 18.3 release. This will include support for the new Apple Watch face. watchOS 11.3 is available on these models:Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)Apple Watch Series 6 and laterApple Watch Ultra and laterYou also need an iPhone XS or later to run the latest iOS 18 software update.After updating your Apple Watch, the new watch face will appear in the Unity face collection. This set of faces also includes Unity, Unity Bloom, Unity Lights, and Unity Mosaic. Best Apple Watch and accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Apple has just launched its next software updates for its full lineup of platforms. Included among those updates is tvOS 18.3, HomePod 18.3, and visionOS 2.3. Heres what to expect.New software updates focus on improving performance and stabilityApples latest software updates for Apple TV 4K, HomePod, and Vision Pro are especially light on new features.Code in iOS 18.3 indicates that this new wave of updates brings robot vacuum support to the Home app. While initial device setup would need to happen on iPhone, you could then interact with that robot vacuum using all Home-compatible devices like HomePod, Apple TV 4K, and Vision Pro.Outside of that, though, fresh additions are minimal.For example, HomePod 18.3s release notes simply read:This update includes performance and stability improvements.Installing tvOS 18.3 and more without feature incentivesHopefully your device does indeed perform better than before, with key bugs eliminated because of these latest updates. That can be a hard claim to judge without extended testing time though.Nonetheless, Apples software updatesoutside of new features, bug fixes, and performance improvementsalso tend to include regular security fixes. That alone can make them worth installing.To install tvOS 18.3 and visionOS 2.3, go to the Settings app on your device. For HomePod 18.3, youll need to open the Home app on another device and open Home Settings Software Update.Were expecting a larger batch of new features in the upcoming x.4 releases, at least on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac where major Siri upgrades and Mail enhancements are coming. Heres hoping new features hit Apples other platforms too.Have you installed the latest Apple software updates? Notice any changes? Let us know in the comments.Best accessories for Vision Pro, Apple TV, and HomeAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comedy is subjective. Theres that famous Mel Brooks quote: Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die.Funny cannot be explained or intellectualized. It is forever and alwaysin the eye of the beholder.Even so, the eyes doing that beholding can changeover time. What seemed hilarious to our parents or our grandparents can look tacky or offensive to modern tastes. In fact, some of the most popular comedies of previouseras look so tacky or offensive theres a very good chance they not onlywouldntbe hits today, they might never get made at all. Thats in spite of the fact that all of these films turned profits; a few were massive blockbusters. The list below collects 20 such examples.You might see a film mentioned below that you loved as kid; you might even find atitle you stillenjoy watching to this day. Were not telling you to stop. Watch what you want. Comedy is subjective, after all, and it is important to consider the context of every work of art, not just gross-out comedies. Still, it sort of shocking what big mainstream movies could get away with 30, 20, or even 15 years ago. Some of these titles are not that old!Here are 20 popular comedies of the past that look very differenttocontemporary audiences.Popular Movie Comedies That Could Never Get Made TodayThese comedies were big hits in theaters but they probably would not even get made today.READ MORE: Ancient Theme Park Rides You Wont Believe Still ExistThe Worst Comedies Ever MadeCinema has brought laughter to generations of moviegoers. In these cases, though, the laughs were on the paying customers.

We are seeking a skilled developer with strong experience in Symfony, and a product-focused mindset. This role requires someone who not only codes but also understands the "why" behind tasks, ensuring features are designed and implemented to enhance the user experience.Our service connects businesses with talent from all of the world so that they can book, hire, and collaborate with them. If youre a problem solver who enjoys taking ownership of your work and collaborating with a dedicated team, this role is for you.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop new features and improve existing functionality in Symfony applications.Fix bugs and implement updates swiftly while maintaining high-quality standards.Collaborate with team members to understand the purpose behind each task and the end users needs.Implement features and layouts that are intuitive and user-friendly without requiring design skills.Perform thorough testing of your work theres no dedicated QA team, so attention to detail is critical.Make architectural decisions to improve scalability and performance.Maintain quality checks, metrics, and monitoring (e.g., automated testing, error reporting, and performance monitoring tools).Why You'll Love This RoleDirect Collaboration: Work closely with team members, from the CEO to Customer Support, in a flat, no-bureaucracy environment.Product Ownership: Think beyond coding by understanding the users perspective and optimizing feature placement and usability.Fast-Paced Environment: If you enjoy shipping features quickly and iterating without unnecessary perfectionism, this role is perfect for you.Problem-Solving: We value team members who take initiative and craft solutions that strike the right balance between simplicity and effectiveness.Trust: Youll have the autonomy to manage your tasks and the companys confidence to handle sensitive information responsibly.RequirementsSymfony Expertise: Proven experience building and maintaining applications in Symfony.Product Mindset: Ability to think like a product manager by considering the users needs and ensuring features are practical, intuitive, and well-placed.Front-End Implementation: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and Angular (or similar frameworks) to build user-friendly layouts. Design skills are not required, but understanding user flows and logical placement is essential.Database Knowledge: Strong understanding of MySQL (or other RDBMS).Testing Skills: Ability to write tests in PHP (e.g., PHPUnit) and front-end testing (e.g., Jasmine). Bonus for experience with CI pipelines.Version Control: Comfortable working with Git for version control and collaboration.Who Were Looking ForProduct-Focused Mindset: You understand the purpose behind each task and ensure designs and implementations align with user needs.Strong work ethic and dedication: Willing to put in the extra time and effort needed to complete tasks, including working weekends or additional hours when required, with a focus on flexibility and commitment to delivering results.Self-Starter: Youre proactive, take ownership, and dont require micro-management.Team Player: You enjoy collaborating with others and contributing ideas to improve the product.Communicator: You can clearly articulate solutions, risks, and decisions to team members.

Position:Location:Reports To:The Opportunity:Full Stack Developer with a focus on React and React Native, you'll play a key role in developing high-performance, scalable web and mobile applications. This role requires a balance of deep technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and collaboration with back-end developers, designers, and other stakeholders to build impactful solutions. You'll be part of a team that values technical excellence and a relentless drive to push forward, making a difference for our clients.Success Outcomes:Deliver Seamless, Scalable Front-End Solutions: Use React and React Native to create applications that are not only visually appealing but highly performant, ensuring a seamless user experience across both web and mobile platforms.Key Responsibilities:Design and implement React components with a focus on reusability and performance.Integrate third-party APIs into applications, ensuring smooth data flows.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine user requirements and technical specifications.Drive Innovation and Optimization: Ensure applications are optimized for speed and performance. Proactively identify and resolve performance bottlenecks and scale apps as needed.Key Responsibilities:Apply performance optimization techniques such as lazy loading, code splitting, and memory optimization.Suggest and implement new technologies or approaches to enhance application performance.Foster Collaboration and Mentorship: Be a proactive mentor within the development team, helping other developers grow while collaborating on best practices and innovative solutions.Key Responsibilities:Lead code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.Participate in knowledge-sharing sessions and contribute to a learning culture.Who You Are:You have a strong passion for front-end development and technical excellenceYou thrive in environments that demand high collaboration and teamworkYou see challenges as opportunities to innovate and growYou're constantly learning, whether it's new technologies or refining your processYou value writing clean, maintainable code and helping others do the sameRequired Qualifications:Proficiency in english as it is the common language between all employees.Strong expertise in React and React Native for web and mobile development.Proficiency in JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, and CSS3.Experience with TypeScript for type-safe React applications.Experience with state management tools such as Redux or Context API.Proven experience with React Router for navigation and AJAX or fetch for API integration.Knowledge of server-side rendering (e.g., Next.js) and progressive web apps (PWAs).Familiarity with unit testing frameworks like Jest and React Testing Library.Experience with Version Control using Git and workflows (e.g., GitHub, GitLab).Solid understanding of responsive design principles and techniques.Nice-to-Have Skills:Familiarity with GraphQL for querying data.Exposure to CI/CD pipelines for React applications (e.g., Jenkins, CircleCI).Soft Skills:Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.Ability to collaborate effectively in a remote team environment.Excellent communication skills, particularly for explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.Strong time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality code.A passion for learning new technologies and staying updated with industry trends.Ability to mentor other developers and share knowledge within the team.We're growing quickly, which means you'll face interesting technical challenges and have real opportunities to shape our future. If you're excited about building meaningful solutions while growing with a collaborative team, we'd love to talk.

The winning team selected for the estimated 25,000-to-50,000 contract will draw up a landscape conservation management plan covering RBG Kews 202ha Wakehurst site near Ardingly in West Sussex.The study will review and update an existing landscape conservation management plan which was drawn up in 2010 before significant changes in the future direction of Wakehurst as Kew's wild botanic garden and living laboratory occurred.According to the brief: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) requires a Landscape Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Grade II* Registered Park and Garden of Wakehurst and the wider landscape and reserves. The plan will cover the past, present and future of the designed landscape at Wakehurst including the period since Kew took over management in 1965 to the present day.AdvertisementIn 2018 Kew's strategic objective for Wakehurst was to be a 'world-leading botanic garden' which requires purpose and ambition beyond the local leisure market - an approach epitomised by the transformative and celebrated Millennium Seed Bank, constructed in 2000.To grow this vision further and make it reality, Kew have spent the last four years developing a robust masterplan for Wakehurst, which sets out a clear strategic path to grow the site into a world leading botanic garden with a focus on science and education. The aim is to transition the site from the local to the national stage becoming an exemplar attraction and world leader in horticultural research.RBG was founded in 1840 on the site of a former Royal estate overlooking the River Thames in west London. The visitor attraction and botanical research centre features 27,000 different plants in its collection including around 14,000 trees. Donald Insall restored RBGs Decimus Burton-designed 1863 Temperate House five years ago.Contemporary architectural features on Kews south west London estate include Wolfgang Buttress and BDP Hive pavilion originally created for the 2015 Milan Expo, John Pawsons 2006 Sackler Crossing, Wilkinson Eyres 2006 Davies Alpine House, and the 2008 Kew Tree Top Walkway by Marks Barfield Architects.The search for a design team comes three years after RBG Kew announced a new 4 million architectural services framework covering a range of improvement, refurbishment, and conservation projects across its main 132ha UNESCO World Heritage Site in London. Winning teams included Acanthus Clews Architects, Martin Ashley Associates and Hugh Broughton Architects.AdvertisementBids for the latest commission will be evaluated 80 per cent on quality and 20 per cent on price. Applicants must hold public liability insurance of 5 million and professional indemnity insurance of 2 million.Competition detailsProject title Commercial Development at Otford Road, Sevenoaks - Architect and Principal DesignerClientContract value 25,000-to-50,000First round deadline Midday, 12 February 2025Restrictions TbcMore information https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/a8b61b59-9d23-4bac-8618-e6bcc248eb68

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Looking for the most recent Wordle answer?Click here for today's Wordle hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.Monday'sWordle answerhas multiple meanings. It has a medical meaning, but can also be used in the railroad or electrical industries. Need hints and the answer? Read on. Today's Wordle hints Before we show you today'sWordleanswer, we'll give you some hints. If you don't want a spoiler, look away now.Wordle hint No. 1: RepeatsToday's Wordle answer has no repeated letters.Wordle hint No. 2: VowelsThere is one vowel in today's Wordle answer.Wordle hint No. 3: Start letterToday's Wordle answer starts with the letter S.Wordle hint No. 4: Health care meaningToday's Wordle answer can refer to a medical device.Wordle hint No. 5: MeaningToday's Wordle answer may refer to pushing or diverting something.TODAY'S WORDLE ANSWERToday's Wordle answer is SHUNT.Yesterday's Wordle answerYesterday's Wordle answer, Jan. 26, No. 1,317, was SUNNY.Recent Wordle answersJan. 22, No. 1,313: REACHJan. 23, No. 1,314: UPPERJan. 24: No. 1,315: CREPEJan. 25, No. 1,316: CRISPWill Wordle run out of words?When Wordle began, creator Josh Wardle used a list of five-letter words he'd shared with his partner, picking only the words they recognized. While that's more than 2,000 words, more than half of them have already been used.Wordle editor Tracy Bennett admitted that the game will eventually have to come to grips with the fact that the word list is not eternal."One possibility is that we could recycle old words at some point, like when we get close to the end," Bennett told a Wordle player on TikTok.She also said the editors might throw all the words back in and reuse them, or allow plurals, or past tense, something that's not done now.Bennett hasn't commented on it, but it seems possible Wordle could expand to six-letter words, too. Options abound.

January 27, 20255 min readUber Drivers Helped Evacuate L.A.But Were Left UnprotectedDrivers for ride-hailing apps helped evacuate people during the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. But by classifying such workers as contractors, Californias Proposition 22 excludes them from state rules that require companies to protect employees from workplace exposure to smokeBy Ariel Wittenberg & E&E News People evacuate their homes while the Palisades Fire burns during a powerful windstorm on January 7, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Ride-hailing workers are unprotected by state rules that safeguard other workers from wildfire smoke. Apu Gomes/Getty ImagesCLIMATEWIRE | James Jordan could work at almost any job in California and be protected by state rules that require companies to give their employees high-quality masks to block wildfire smoke.But James Jordan is an Uber driver.That means he's a contractor, not an employee, for the multibillion-dollar tech giant and unprotected by Californias first-in-the-nation regulations on worker safety related to wildfire smoke.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.Ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft are now part of Americas disaster response. Both apps have offered Los Angeles residents free rides to evacuation shelters during the deadly wildfires that have torched large area of the city a service they also offered ahead of hurricanes and other disasters around the country.But the drivers who venture into harm's way often have little gear or training to protect themselves or their riders from extreme weather.The rights of gig workers were also weakened by a California ballot initiative that was upheld by the state Supreme Court last year. The result: Uber and Lyft are exempted from state wildfire smoke protections for workers and the companies dont have to provide drivers with sick leave if they fall ill from inhaling wildfire smoke. Drivers also can't claim workers compensation if their lungs are irreparably harmed.We help their brand, and we serve the community so they can stay out of this hazard, but we dont get anything for putting ourselves at risk, Jordan said on a recent Saturday afternoon as Los Angeles County extended its unhealthy air quality warning and urged people to stay indoors as much as possible."Uber and Lyft each said their drivers provided about 10,000 rides to evacuation shelters in the first week after the wildfires started. In response to questions about what Uber was doing to protect its drivers, a spokesperson said it was "having ongoing conversations with drivers, couriers and merchants to listen to their needs to find the best way to support them."Lyft did not respond to requests for comment.Both companies said on their websites that their drivers are not allowed to enter active fire evacuation zones, but they said nothing about the dangers of wildfire smoke pollution, which at one point this month reached more than 13 times EPA's safe limit for daily average exposure.Lyfts webpage for its Disaster Relief Access Program, which describes policies related to rides to evacuation zones, tells riders that we prioritize our drivers safety and warns that arrival times may be longer than expected.The page tells drivers to use your best judgment when evaluating road conditions and suggests sharing their phone location with a loved one so they know where you are and can follow along in real-time.The page does not provide information about how drivers can protect themselves or what to do if they experience shortness of breath or other symptoms of smoke exposure.Thats a concern for Jordan, whose eyes and throat have been stinging as he drives this month. He said he has felt anxious when riders with labored breathing get in his back seat.One guy assured me he has asthma, that he wasnt about to have a heart attack or anything like that, but it was scary because I dont know what to do if he has an asthma attack in the middle of a ride, Jordan said.California cruisingIf Jordan wasn't an Uber driver, he might have received training about the symptoms caused by smoke exposure and how to know when to seek medical attention.In 2019, California established groundbreaking regulations to limit workers exposure to wildfire smoke. The rule requires employers to provide workers with N95 respirators when the Air Quality Index for particulate matter reaches 151, a level that EPA says is unhealthy for the general population. The smoky pollution can extend 50 miles from a blaze. The rule also requires companies to train employees to spot symptoms of smoke inhalation and on the importance of using a respirator versus surgical masks, which don't block the smoke as well.The California Department of Industrial Relations received more than 50 complaints about the rule being violated during the first week of the fires.But the protections don't apply to contractors, like Jordan and other gig workers. Thats thanks, in part, to Proposition 22, a ballot initiative supported by tech companies including Uber and Lyft that promised to increase their workers wages in exchange for legally classifying them as independent contractors.The ballot initiative also excludes contractors from other worker protections, including minimum wage and overtime requirements, and benefits like unemployment and workers compensation.Many workers have argued that the benefits promised by organizers of the ballot initiative have not materialized. But enforcing the law has proven complicated because the state Industrial Relations Department said its jurisdiction to resolve labor disputes extends to employees not gig workers.If youre a grocery store worker who collects the carts outside, your employer is required to provide you with a respirator for the smoke and give you paid sick days and workers compensation if you develop COPD from your on-the-job exposure, said Anastasia Christman, a senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project, referring to a chronic lung disease. But none of that applies to Instacart workers or Uber drivers who may be frequenting the same grocery store because they are independent contractors.The Los Angeles wildfires are just one example of extreme weather events endangering gig workers.On the front lines of climate changeIn September 2021, the remnants of Hurricane Ida dropped a record-breaking amount of rain on New York City, overwhelming the citys stormwater system and flooding streets, subway tunnels and basements.Thousands of food delivery workers were caught in the deluge, damaging some of their electric bikes.Because they were contractors, many had to pay for the repairs themselves, said Ligia Guallpa, co-founder of Los Deliveristas Unidos, a group that helps organize app-based delivery workers in New York City.Then in 2023, New York City delivery workers were exposed to smoky air from Canadian wildfires, oftentimes without masks or training, Guallpa said.These workers are on the front lines of climate change because their workplace is in the streets, so they are the ones breathing the smoke or being flooded, Guallpa said.Back in Los Angeles, Jordan says he is having to work more to make ends meet because of the fires. There are fewer riders than normal, he said, and many are taking shorter trips, for which he makes less money. He said he's working longer days up to 12 hours sometimes to earn the same amount he used to make in eight hours, about $200.Hes worried about the smoke and ash damaging his car, which has been flashing check engine alerts when the pollution gets especially thick.He tries to protect himself by keeping the windows up and wearing surgical masks the kind he had at home that were leftover from the pandemic. He knows they're not very protective, but it's what he had.He wishes Uber would communicate with its drivers. He wants hazard pay, or better masks or at least a 'thank you guys' from braving these conditions and helping the community.That type of messaging, we havent heard anything from them, Jordan said. [We] guys end up doing it because you need the money, not because you expect the corporations to have any humanity.Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2025. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.