Native American voices are finally factoring into energy projects – a hydropower ruling is a victory for environmental justice on tribal lands

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently ruled that it won’t approve energy projects on Native lands without tribal consent. But many more applications are pending.

Denielle Perry, Associate Professor, School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University • conversation
April 17, 2024 ~9 min

New York City greenlights congestion pricing – here’s how this toll plan is expected to improve traffic, air quality and public transit

One more reason not to drive into midtown Manhattan: Soon it will cost an extra $15 as New York City launches its long-debated congestion pricing system.

John Rennie Short, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
April 10, 2024 ~9 min


Heart attacks, cancer, dementia, premature deaths: 4 essential reads on the health effects driving EPA’s new fine particle air pollution standard

On Feb. 7, 2024, the EPA strengthened the federal limit for annual levels of fine particulate air pollution, or PM2.5. Many serious health effects have been linked to PM2.5 exposure.

Jennifer Weeks, Senior Environment + Cities Editor, The Conversation • conversation
Feb. 8, 2024 ~8 min

Biden’s ‘hard look’ at liquefied natural gas exports raises a critical question: How does natural gas fit with US climate goals?

The US, a minor liquefied natural gas supplier a decade ago, now is the world’s top source. That’s good for energy security, but bad for Earth’s climate. An energy scholar explains the trade-offs.

Emily Grubert, Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy Policy, University of Notre Dame • conversation
Feb. 7, 2024 ~8 min

Citizen science projects tend to attract white, affluent, well-educated volunteers − here's how we recruited a more diverse group to identify lead pipes in homes

For a project on identifying lead water pipes in homes, outreach through partner groups produced a more representative set of volunteers.

Valerie Ann Johnson, Dean of Arts, Sciences, and Humanities and Professor of Sociology, Shaw University • conversation
Dec. 6, 2023 ~7 min

Parasitic infections hit the health of low-income Black communities where states have neglected sewage systems

Though many Americans believe that parasitic infections exist in poorer countries, research shows that the problem exists in the US and has a higher impact in communities of color.

Theresa E. Gildner, Assistant Professor of Biological Anthropology, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
May 19, 2023 ~8 min

Biden's strategy for cutting carbon emissions from electricity generation could extend the lives of fossil fuel power plants

After the Supreme Court overturned the Obama administration’s strategy for reducing power plant carbon emissions in 2022, the Biden administration is taking a narrower but still ambitious approach.

Jennifer K. Rushlow, Dean, Vermont School for the Environment, and Professor of Law, Vermont Law & Graduate School • conversation
May 12, 2023 ~9 min

The EV transition isn't just about cars – the broader goal should be access to clean mobility for everyone

If the EV transition focuses exclusively on drivers in privately owned cars, it won’t meet many Americans’ mobility needs, particularly in underserved communities.

Sita M. Syal, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
Feb. 1, 2023 ~10 min


Loss and damage: Who is responsible when climate change harms the world's poorest countries?

That’s the big question at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP27, and it’s controversial.

Bethany Tietjen, Research fellow in climate policy, The Fletcher School, Tufts University • conversation
Nov. 2, 2022 ~8 min

Loss and damage: Who is responsible when climate change harms the world's poorest countries, and what does compensation look like?

That’s the big question at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP27, and it’s controversial. Here are some of the ideas being floated.

Bethany Tietjen, Research fellow in climate policy, The Fletcher School, Tufts University • conversation
Nov. 2, 2022 ~8 min

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