“An urgent national security threat.” That’s the phrase U.S. Director of National intelligence Avril Haines used in describing climate change at the White House Climate Summit on Earth Day a few weeks ago. It’s the kind of language that national security interests have applied previously, but not since the Trump administration took office on January […]
Posted inAudio
Women scientists launch ‘Science Moms,’ a climate campaign aimed at mothers
Sixty-six percent of Americans are worried about global warming. Among moms, that number is even higher. “We know that climate change is a threat to all people, and in particular our kids,” says Melissa Burt. Burt has a young daughter and she’s a climate scientist at Colorado State University. She says that although many moms […]
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New tool called ‘Vulcan’ could help cities better estimate their carbon dioxide emissions
A lot of cities have ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But to achieve those goals, they first need to know exactly how much carbon pollution they produce now and where it comes from. “It’s very important for them to have accurate numbers to be able to keep track of where they’re at,” Kevin […]
Posted inAnalysis
Most newspaper editorials mum on Biden 50% by 2030 pledge
On Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd, at the start of the virtual global summit he had convened on climate change, President Biden confirmed the rumors: The U.S. would reduce global warming pollutants by half by 2030. For climate activists, communicators and scientists, this was a big story. But how much did it matter to the […]
Posted inAsk Sara
‘Which climate change jobs will be in high demand in the future?’
Hi Sara, What kind of careers are going to be in high demand in the future? Climate science? Engineering? Animal conservation? Will we wake up and try to save what’s left of the species on this planet? — Christina F. Dear Christina, Oh my, after the year we’ve all had, it feels risky to make […]
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Environmental engineer launches group for Latinos in sustainability
When Cristina Garcia began her career as an environmental engineer, she saw few other Latinos or people of color in the industry. “I saw there was a real lack of diversity,” she says. “All of my colleagues, everyone that I saw on meetings, were white. And we’re in New York City. I felt that there […]
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Affordable housing could be hit hard as sea levels rise
As sea levels rise, flooding threatens many homes near the coast. And as the problem gets worse, people living in affordable housing could be hit hard. Ben Strauss is chief scientist at Climate Central, a non-profit research organization. His team analyzed the inventory of subsidized and low-rent housing units in coastal communities around the United […]
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Empire State Realty Trust agrees to buy 300 million kilowatt hours of wind energy
For almost a century, the tall spire of the Empire State Building has lit up the New York City skyline at night. In recent years, those lights have been powered by renewables. Since 2011, the skyscraper has been buying wind energy to offset 100% of its electricity use. Now Empire State Realty Trust, which owns […]
Posted inClimate Explained
Why is it raining so hard? Global warming is delivering heavier downpours
When it rains, it pours. Today’s rainstorms give new meaning to this age-old expression. Extreme precipitation has increased in nearly every region of the mainland United States since the start of the 20th century, according to the Fourth National Climate Assessment, a comprehensive scientific report about climate change in the U.S. The Southwest is the […]
Posted inEnergy
Cities’ notable efforts on climate change
In 2020, some 56% of the world’s people lived in cities, a proportion that is expected to keep increasing in coming years. The United Nations reports that cities use 78% of the world’s energy and produce more than 60% of its greenhouse gas emissions. So what happens there matters greatly to everybody’s future. Fortunately, lots […]
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Four electric cargo cycles deliver packages in Miami
In many cities, delivery trucks and vans often end up circling blocks, parking illegally, or idling in the street while the driver hops out to drop off a package. But some companies have found an alternative that takes up less parking space and creates less pollution: three-wheeled electric cycles that are equipped with cargo containers. […]
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Children’s ideas for cooling a Philadelphia neighborhood on hot days
On a sweltering summer day, residents of the Grays Ferry neighborhood in Philadelphia fan themselves on their stoops, cool off in kiddie pools, and line up for a cold treat from the ice-cream truck. Beating the heat can be hard. “Grays Ferry lacks the investment that more affluent neighborhoods in Philly have, like air-conditioned housing, […]