Environmentalism grows more diverse
In this edition: Signs of convergence between the environmental movement and communities of color; a federal-lands rule that pits renewable-energy companies against green groups; and a sobering tally of global wildlife.
What we're writing
Flint effect? Environmentalism shifts to racial justice, inclusion.
The green movement is reaching out to communities of color. This story explains the trend and the varied forces at work. It comes as the EPA, too, puts new focus on "environmental justice." // Zack Colman, Mark Trumbull
Federal-lands rule pits green groups vs. wind, solar firms
Have you heard about the environmental groups tussling with energy companies that want to use federal lands? OK maybe, but in this case the energy is solar and wind. It's not that green groups suddenly don't like renewables, but the two sides don't see eye to eye on a coming rule to base permits on competitive bidding. // Zack Colman
One state tests if liberals can rally around a carbon tax
In Washington State, voters will decide whether to address climate change by imposing the nation's first-ever tax on carbon emissions. But many environmentalists say the tax isn't designed ambitiously enough. // Zack Colman
Where has all the wildlife gone?
Wildlife populations have declined an average of 58 percent from 1970 levels worldwide, according to a report by the conservation group WWF. We also have a story looking at how tree cover can offer a shortcut to estimating biodiversity and another about a court ruling to give bearded seals "endangered" status – not because of their current populations but because of future climate risks. // Joseph Dussault, Rowena Lindsay, Zhai Yun Tan
How a president Trump could pull US from climate deal
Here are three ways Donald Trump, if elected, could follow through on his call for the US to back away from greenhouse-gas reductions pledged in Paris. // Zack Colman
US negotiator: 'severe' damage without climate action
Nations will meet soon in Morocco to start putting flesh on the bones of last year's Paris climate agreement. The State Department's Jonathan Pershing says the parties should ramp up emission-cut targets and add mid-century goals to their agenda. His warning is rooted in rising greenhouse gas levels: Another Inhabit story looks into what it means that the world has passed 400 parts per million, a symbolic carbon dioxide threshold in the atmosphere. // Zack Colman, Ben Rosen
Podcast: Manufacturing a sustainable future
Inhabit's Zack Colman is the guest on this "sustainability month" discussion hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers. With humans putting a strain on the planet's ecosystems and resources, a key task for business is to drive progress through innovation.
What we're reading
Seabirds in a melting Arctic
Species are showing up that used to stay further south, a sign of changes below the ocean surface. // Undark
US calls on China to cut coal imports from N. Korea
China calls the purchases humanitarian, while the US says they prop up a dangerous regime. // The Associated Press
Shipping industry postpones climate plan until 2023
Critics say a London meeting ended with "nothing in the roadmap" for an industry that could see emissions double by 2050. // Climate Central
UN: Global farming needs ‘profound transformation’
For the first time, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s big annual publication focuses on the threat that climate change poses to food security and livelihoods. // The Washington Post
What's trending
Tribe says pipeline fight will continue
The Standing Rock Sioux tribe and its allies are determined, despite the arrest of more than 140 protesters against the Dakota Access Pipeline this past week. // Reuters
Green roofs take root around the world
San Francisco has become the first US city to require that certain new buildings have above-roofline plants. // National Geographic
Renewable energy capacity overtakes coal
Last year, clean energy sources accounted for more than half of newly added power capacity worldwide, the International Energy Agency reported. // BBC