Thinking about a heat pump? Here are a few things to consider
One consumer’s quest for a climate-friendly heating system yields useful information for those poised to take advantage of Inflation Reduction Act credits. When a powerful…
Articles by Ensia
A Solar solution to the West’s changing climate?
The summer of 2022 was tough for farmers in the American West: Hot, dry conditions led snow to melt early, reservoirs to run low and…
The surprising role of land use in alleviating the climate crisis
When people think of turning the tide on climate change, we often think of reforming energy use. But there’s another group of actions with big…
The next eight years will make all of the difference
In the very short time between now and 2030, emerging technologies will change our lives dramatically. It’s up to us, now, whether it’s for better…
Are life-cycle assessments worth the (recycled) paper they’re printed on?
Developed to provide a blueprint for environmental action, LCAs often sow seeds of discord. What can be done to fix that? Single-use items — which…
Life-saving drinking water disinfectants have a “dark side”
Disinfecting drinking water against spathogen is necessary, but by-products from the process are a ubiquitous — and likely growing — problem across the U.S. Solutions…
How do climate change, migration and a deadly disease in sheep alter our understanding of pandemics?
A new framework for pathogen evolution exposes a world much more vulnerable to disease outbreaks than we previously believed, but it also reveals new insights…
Of hemp’s many uses, one of the most promising could be in construction
“Hempcrete,” made from the woody core of hemp, is showing promise as an environmentally friendly building material. October 6, 2020 — It has become almost…
More and more homeowners are renovating existing homes to make them “net zero” energy consumers. Here’s how.
Energy-conscious retrofits can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of housing without the need to start from scratch January 7, 2020 — With the world in…
Mexico City is proposing to build one of the world’s largest urban parks. Will it serve as a climate adaptation example for other cities?
An architect and officials are hoping that a huge park in Mexico City can restore the water systems of the region and serve as a…