All Environment
- Points of ProgressExpanding possibilities for renters who want solar, and for animation in Africa
Progress roundup: New choices emerge for African animation fans, German apartment renters who want solar panels, and arts groups facing rising costs.
- The ExplainerDo you really know how the US power grid works? You should. Here’s why.
Warnings about the power grid’s reliability are common. Here’s a primer on what “the grid” is and why it’s so complicated to update.
- Points of ProgressStubborn problems overcome: Where hunger is dropping and weeds build homes
Progress roundup: Hunger declines in Latin America. And in Namibia, innovative management of an invasive species is helping to boost housing stocks.
- Air conditioning gets expensive. Here’s how to save money – and help the planet.
Increased air-conditioning demand, alongside rising energy prices in some places, is causing some consumers to feel strained. Here are charts on AC usage in the U.S. and tips on how to lower costs.
- Is climate change causing extreme weather? The science is complicated.
Extreme weather and climate change are often linked, but scientists are still learning about their connections. That impacts decisions in a wide array of fields.
- FocusHow a gas company and environmentalists united on a first-of-its-kind geothermal project
The largest gas utility company in Massachusetts partnered with environmental activists to create the country’s first pilot program in which a major utility delivers geothermal energy.
- Points of ProgressIn sports and the arts, making room for mental health and disabilities
Progress roundup: Fans are recognizing that athletes have mental health needs. And in formal venues, rules soften so more people can enjoy the arts.
- Points of ProgressSenior housing that doesn’t isolate, and how community lifts Mexican women farmers
Progress roundup: Community benefits for senior living, and the Mexican women farmers reviving the Indigenous practice of working for the group.
- Points of ProgressFrom Illinois to Sierra Leone, laws on child labor and child marriage
Progress roundup: Social media family vlogs must set aside pay for children in Illinois. And child marriage is outlawed in Sierra Leone.
- Cover StoryTo hug or to cut? A new generation of foresters says do both.
Cutting timber the right way can actually make forests more dynamic, says a new generation of foresters who focus on ecology and climate change.
- Tropical Storm Debby tests severe-weather readiness
Tropical Storm Debby is an example of how, as storms and extreme weather events become more frequent, towns and residents are trying to adapt.
- Points of ProgressWhere texts and lots of photos are critical data for farmers and residents
Progress roundup: Southern California addresses industrial boilers as source of pollution; chocolate gets a makeover using more of the cacao pod.
- Staying alive: Why Californians are escaping nation’s biggest wildfire
Northern California’s Park Fire, like others burning across the country, is forcing thousands to evacuate, testing survival and management skills.
- The ExplainerYou put stuff out for recycling. What happens next might surprise you.
Differing standards and industry practices for curbside recycling programs can confuse consumers. We sort out some questions about recycling in the U.S.
- Giant California fire fits a pattern: Rising risks, human causes
As California’s Park Fire continues to burn and prompt evacuations, the state is wrestling to control it, with rising costs and growing humility.
- Can that gas be remoooved? The quest for climate-friendly cows.
Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases. Researchers are trying to lower methane emissions from cows by studying the effects of what they eat.
- First LookPaw-sitive safety measures to protect family pets during summer heat
As summer temperatures rise, it’s not just humans who need to be careful. Furry family members must also be protected. Here are tips to keep pets safe and cool.
- First LookWildfires blaze across Western US and Canada. How big are they?
Wildfire season is underway across Canada and the Western U.S. states with nearly 80 fires burning. Jasper National Park in Canada evacuated its 5,000 residents and 20,000 park visitors.
- First LookPaul Watson goes to extreme lengths to protect whales. Japan says he belongs in jail.
Paul Watson, known for his aggressive anti-whaling activism, has been arrested on a warrant from Japan. He could face 15 years in prison.
- First LookNew Jersey got the brunt of Superstorm Sandy. A superfund could prepare for the next one.
To protect from future big storms on par with Superstorm Sandy, a new initiative in New Jersey recommends implementing a 2% surcharge on property insurance policies and mandatory fees on the oil and gas industries.