All Environment
- Biden wants to tackle climate change. His pitch is all about jobs.
When President Joe Biden introduced his $2 trillion infrastructure plan, he mentioned “climate” only once and jobs 28 times.
- This woman bridges climate change divides, one Maine voter at a time
Chloe Maxmin won office in rural, working-class Maine by not accepting a narrative of rigid political divides on issues like global warming.
- First LookWhy some climate scientists are joining the finance industry
Corporations, faced with tougher climate regulations, have ramped up hires of people with expertise in sustainability, attracting scientists who hope to play a role in decarbonizing these industries. But some criticize the efforts as insincere and “greenwashing.”
- Can Britain mine coal while it’s going green? It’s complicated.
A special kind of coal still plays a big role in steelmaking. Does that justify a new mine, during an era of transition away from fossil fuels?
- First LookNot so green after all? Hybrid cars could soon be phased out.
Hybrid cars, a popular choice for the climate conscious driver, may not be as green as they seem. Amid research into their CO2 emissions, new and tougher European regulations could see the cars phased out faster than previously envisioned.
- First LookBeehive deliveries keep New Yorkers buzzing on rooftops, backyards
Bees are thriving in New York hives. The city offers them a welcome variety of flowers and fewer pesticides than on rural farms.
- Ice Out: How N.H.’s rite of spring has become a symbol of climate change
On New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee, winter ice cover is melting earlier than it used to – a trend with implications for both ecology and culture.
- The ExplainerCarbon score card: Emissions are down but big tasks ahead for Biden
For four years, America’s president didn’t rank climate change as a priority, but the nation was still making considerable progress on clean energy.
- First LookWhy automakers are joining the push against deep seabed mining
BMW and Volvo need rare minerals to make the batteries for their electric vehicles. But the companies joined a call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining, which could be a new avenue for collecting the minerals, citing environmental concerns.
- Trees store carbon, but a wind farm produces power. Which is greener?
Put up a wind farm or preserve the forest? New York has ambitious climate goals, but local opponents have their own ideas.
- Do not disturb: In India, traditions and science protect sacred forests
Patches of virgin forest were long protected by worshippers of deities believed to live there. Scientists are cataloging the ways they’re important.
- First LookTo fight CO2 emissions, cities stake out their own solutions
Increasingly, cities are tackling climate change with their own initiatives. While sometimes constrained by national policies, cities are also responsible for a disproportionate amount of carbon dioxide emissions, says a new report.
- Why the Pentagon is serious about reducing its carbon footprint
Climate change challenges the U.S. military around the world, but it’s environmental damage at home that’s led the DOD to reduce its carbon footprint.
- First LookHow sea-level rise could affect Pacific nations' fishing rights
Pacific nations composed of far-flung islands are in a race against rising sea levels to thoroughly map their habitable territory. The hope is to lock in exclusive economic and fishing rights before islands are submerged.
- First LookBiden gives Massachusetts Vineyard Wind project new breeze
A large wind farm project off the coast of Massachusetts, Vineyard Wind, had been at a standstill for years. It could now be approved as soon as next month as part of President Joe Biden’s plan to double offshore wind production by 2030.
- The ExplainerZoom isn’t carbon-free. The climate costs of staying home.
We may be stuck at home, but at least we’re living green lifestyles, right? Actually, an hour of video chat can create up to a pound of CO2 emissions.
- For this community, trees bring more than shade. They represent justice.
In Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, residents banded together to oppose a road project that would cut down cherished trees.
- First LookWhy wasn’t Texas’ power grid prepared for cold weather?
The power failures in Texas can be seen as a result of a perfect storm of multiple things going awry at once. On the other hand, the state has for years largely resisted regulations and changes that could insulate its power grid from extreme temperature fluctuations.
- First LookWhy is it so cold? Also, why is it so warm? Scientists explain.
Record subzero temperatures and deep freezes in Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico cut millions of people off the power grid on Tuesday. But places like Greenland and Norway are seeing warm weather. Scientists shine light on what the polar vortex has to do with it all.
- First LookFighting climate change in America means changes to America
Progress toward a midcentury net-zero carbon goal will require Americans to make some lifestyle changes but won't dramatically alter day-to-day life.