Greenland’s rapidly melting ice and landslide-prone fjords make the oil and minerals Trump covets dangerous to extract

Melting ice, thawing permafrost and crumbling fjord walls are just a few of the risks climate change poses for those living and working in Greenland.

Paul Bierman, Fellow of the Gund Institute for Environment, Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Vermont • conversation
Feb. 19, 2025 • ~11 min

Trump’s effect on critical minerals could be crucial for the future of green energy

If Trump turns towards oil and gas, it could affect the minerals needed for the clean energy transition.

Carlo Pietrobelli, Professor of Economics, Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), United Nations University • conversation
Feb. 19, 2025 • ~6 min

Trump’s Greenland bid is really about control of the Arctic and the coming battle with China

Trump’s bid to buy Greenland is partly based on security concerns about Chinese and Russian access to the Arctic.

Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham • conversation
Jan. 9, 2025 • ~7 min

China has banned US exports of key minerals for computer chips – leaving Washington with limited options

The US could open up domestic mining, or try to recover more of the minerals through recycling of electronic waste.

Jorge Valverde, PhD Fellow, UNU-MERIT, United Nations University • conversation
Dec. 23, 2024 • ~6 min

Is hard water bad for you? 2 water quality engineers explain the potential benefits and pitfalls that come with having hard water

Hard water might dry out your hair and skin − but having hard water isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Timothy Ellis, Associate Professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Iowa State University • conversation
May 20, 2024 • ~7 min

Gold, silver and lithium mining on federal land doesn’t bring in any royalties to the US Treasury – because of an 1872 law

Hard rock minerals like gold, silver, copper and lithium on public lands belong to the American public, but under a 150-year-old law, the US gives them away for free.

Sam Kalen, Associate Dean and Professor of Law, University of Wyoming • conversation
Feb. 15, 2024 • ~11 min

‘We miners die a lot.’ Appalling conditions and poverty wages: the lives of cobalt miners in the DRC

Cobalt is a critical component in the production of batteries, smartphones, jet engines and electric vehicles. Yet miners who risk their lives digging it up receive almost none of the profits.

Roy Maconachie, Professor of Natural Resources and Development, University of Bath • conversation
Jan. 30, 2024 • ~24 min

How do crystals form?

There are a lot of myths about crystals − for example, that they are magical rocks with healing powers. An earth scientist explains some of their amazing true science.

Natalie Bursztyn, Lecturer in Geosciences, University of Montana • conversation
Nov. 20, 2023 • ~7 min

Thanksgiving sides are delicious and can be nutritious − here's the biochemistry of how to maximize the benefits

The turkey doesn’t have to be the star this Thanksgiving. Vegetable side dishes are packed with nutrients − depending on how you prepare them, they can help keep you energized this holiday season.

Julie Pollock, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Richmond • conversation
Nov. 17, 2023 • ~8 min

Solar power expected to dominate electricity generation by 2050 – even without more ambitious climate policies

Solar energy is set for a rapid expansion – but only if several barriers are overcome, according to new research.

Jean-Francois Mercure, Associate Professor in Climate Change Policy, University of Exeter • conversation
Oct. 26, 2023 • ~8 min

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