Invoking noble coal miners is a mainstay of American politics
In the abstract, this near-mythic figure represents bravery, hard work and manliness.
April 25, 2018
596
Environment
Global timber trafficking harms forests and costs billions of dollars – here's how to curb it
The illegal timber trade is a huge global business worth up to US$150 billion yearly. One way to curb it is by convincing…
April 24, 2018
713
Wind energy's swift growth, explained
Experts expect the wind business to remain brisk in the US and abroad, on land and offshore.
April 23, 2018
513
Climate change may scuttle Caribbean's post-hurricane plans for a renewable energy boom
The 2017 hurricane season showed that Caribbean nations urgently need more resilient power grids. But the effects of climate…
April 20, 2018
655
Market forces are driving a clean energy revolution in the US
A recent survey of electric utility leaders finds that Trump administration efforts to promote coal energy and roll back…
April 20, 2018
696
Is Earth's ozone layer still at risk? 5 questions answered
Earth's ozone layer shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Nations have been working to reduce ozone-depleting…
April 20, 2018
551
Climate change could alter ocean food chains, leading to far fewer fish in the sea
Fish are a key food source for millions of people worldwide. But a recent study finds long-term warming over the next 200…
April 19, 2018
529
Bike-share companies are transforming US cities – and they're just getting started
Dozens of US cities have launched bike-share programs in the past decade. There have been bumps – critics want wider access,…
April 19, 2018
535
What Earth Day means when humans possess planet-shaping powers
It's time to admit the age of pristine nature is over. In its place is humanity and planet-shaping technologies, from…
April 18, 2018
532
US rivers are becoming saltier – and it's not just from treating roads in winter
Recent research shows that US rivers are becoming saltier and more alkaline. Salt pollution threatens drinking water supplies…
April 17, 2018
584
The Trump administration's new migratory bird policy undermines a century of conservation
The Interior Department is narrowing protection for migratory birds to cover only deliberate harm such as hunting, but not…
April 15, 2018
561
I'm an expat US scientist – and I'm returning to Trump's America
On the eve of the March for Science, a marine biologist explains why she's returning from abroad to speak out for science…
April 13, 2018
544
Wealthy Americans know less than they think they do about food and nutrition
Affluent consumers may have more access to information about food than lower-income earners, but they are just as vulnerable…
April 13, 2018
906
Supreme Court case tests weight of old Native American treaties in 21st century
A Supreme Court case deals with the narrow issue of tribal salmon fishing rights in the Northwest, but raises fundamental…
April 13, 2018
512
The urgency of curbing pollution from ships, explained
The maritime pollution that drifts to dry land, causes an estimated 400,000 premature deaths and 14 million cases of childhood…
April 12, 2018
596
Now that Russia has apparently hacked America's grid, shoring up security is more important than eve
It's easier to see how customers benefit from increased grid security than it is to justify making them pay for it.
April 11, 2018
674
The Trump administration, slanted science and the environment: 4 essential reads
The March for Science on April 14 and Earth Day on April 22 are likely to generate big crowds demonstrating against Trump…
April 10, 2018
556
Why nuclear fusion is gaining steam – again
As fusion becomes more technically viable, it's time to assess whether it's worth the money because breakthroughs…
April 9, 2018
552
Why California gets to write its own auto emissions standards: 5 questions answered
Air pollution could be the next battleground between California and the Trump administration, which is reviewing the Golden…
April 6, 2018
572
Coral reefs are in crisis – but scientists are finding effective ways to restore them
With coral reefs in crisis around the world, many organizations are working to restore them by growing and transplanting…
April 6, 2018
532