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…
Energy communities bring renewable power to the people
Squeezed between the war in Ukraine, the pandemic and climate change, the European energy system is experiencing an unprecedented crisis. Bill payers are coping with…
How heat pumps of the 1800s are becoming the technology of the future
By Chris Baraniuk Innovative thinking has done away with problems that long dogged the electric devices — and both scientists and environmentalists are excited about…
Consumers shouldn’t have to pick up the bill for expensive hydrogen experiments
Opening the door to hybrid heat pumps and hydrogen boilers will impact consumers, and make it more difficult for them to transition to clean heating…
Look to cities, but past their mayors, for new climate solutions
A little over three months after the COP27 climate summit in Sharm-el-Sheikh drew to a close, the global community is no closer to finding a…
Now and then: how climate change messes with microbes
Climate change means more than warmer days, less rainfall and rising sea levels – it can have a big impact on tiny microbes. During the…
Tracing the Flow of Forever Chemicals Into Waterways and Wildlife
Martha Spiess, a retired veterinarian, began testing streams and ponds in Brunswick, Maine, after hearing that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFASs, had contaminated farms…
Jordan’s electric car users battle with batteries
Electric car early adopters in oil-poor Jordan are now having to grapple with the thorny question of battery disposal, as demand for the technology accelerates…
Weather Whiplash: How Climate Change Killed Thousands of Migratory Birds
Can we help species adapt to the evolving threat of compound climate extremes? When dead birds fall from the sky, you know something is wrong….
How teaching kids energy efficiency in schools can benefit families at home
Students’ enthusiasm for energy efficiency can ripple outward, making an impact beyond the classroom. What kids learn at school doesn’t stay at school. So by teaching…
Can We Game Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis?
Climate-themed board games are growing in popularity. Their designers hope they can spark action. Europe is planting trees to offset its emissions but is swiftly…
Bamboo can help us fight both climate change and poverty
The need for climate change solutions grows increasingly dire as extreme weather events continue wreaking havoc on nations and populations worldwide. Many societies have dipped…
The road to low-carbon concrete
By M. Mitchell Waldrop For thousands of years, humanity has had a love affair with cement and concrete. But now, industry groups and researchers are…