Competition heats up in the melting Arctic, and the US isn't prepared to counter Russia

Russia is attempting to claim more of the Arctic seabed – an area rich in oil, gas and minerals – and its fleet of icebreakers is helping shipping expand. The US needs some creative ideas to catch up.

Rockford Weitz, Professor of Practice & Director, Fletcher Maritime Studies Program, The Fletcher School, Tufts University • conversation
April 19, 2021 • ~9 min

The Texas blackouts showed how climate extremes threaten energy systems across the US

There will be more weather-driven disasters like February's deep freeze in Texas, and energy planners aren't prepared.

Roshanak (Roshi) Nateghi, Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
March 2, 2021 • ~9 min

What's really driving coal power's demise?

Contrary to popular belief, falling natural gas prices didn't accelerate coal power plant retirements. Here's what did.

Jeffrey York, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
March 1, 2021 • ~6 min

Power outages across the Plains: 4 questions answered about weather-driven blackouts

Heat waves, droughts and deep freezes can all strain the electric grid, leading utilities to impose rolling blackouts. Climate change is likely to make these events more common.

Michael E. Webber, Josey Centennial Professor of Energy Resources, University of Texas at Austin • conversation
Feb. 16, 2021 • ~9 min

Fossil fuel subsidies amount to hundreds of billions of dollars a year – here's how to get rid of them

The costs that fossil fuels impose on public health through air pollution alone are enormous.

Radek Stefanski, Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of St Andrews • conversation
Feb. 11, 2021 • ~7 min

Magnetic induction cooking can cut your kitchen's carbon footprint

Shifting from fossil fuels to electricity is climate-friendly, but serious cooks don't think much of electric stoves. Will induction cooking finally catch on as an alternative?

Kenneth McLeod, Professor of Systems Science, and Director, Clinical Science and Engineering Research Laboratory, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
Dec. 23, 2020 • ~9 min

Oil field operations likely triggered earthquakes in California a few miles from the San Andreas Fault

California was thought to be an exception, a place where oil field operations and tectonic faults apparently coexisted without much problem. Not any more.

Thomas H. Goebel, Assistant Professor, University of Memphis • conversation
Nov. 10, 2020 • ~7 min

Fracking takes a toll on mental health as drilling and truck traffic rattle neighborhoods

Living near oil and gas production can affect mental health, driving stress and feelings of depression.

Stephanie Malin, Associate Professor of Sociology; Co-Founder and Steering Committee Member, Center for Environmental Justice at CSU, Colorado State University • conversation
Oct. 22, 2020 • ~8 min

When fracking moves into the neighborhood, mental health risks rise

Living near oil and gas production can affect mental health, driving stress and feelings of depression.

Stephanie Malin, Associate Professor of Sociology; Co-Founder and Steering Committee Member, Center for Environmental Justice at CSU, Colorado State University • conversation
Oct. 22, 2020 • ~8 min

It's time for states that grew rich from oil, gas and coal to figure out what's next

The pandemic recession has reduced US energy demand, roiling budgets in states that are major fossil fuel producers. But politics and culture can impede efforts to look beyond oil, gas and coal.

Morgan Bazilian, Professor of Public Policy and Director, Payne Institute, Colorado School of Mines • conversation
Sept. 23, 2020 • ~10 min

/

9