Environment and Health
Crony Capitalism Made Rick Perry Our Energy Secretary
Rick Perry has taken quite a tumble since being governor of Texas. He was a twice-failed GOP presidential wannabe and then ended up being a rejected contestant on Dancing with the Stars, the television show for has-been celebrities. But now, having kissed the ring of...
Why Does Pet Care Cost So Much?
Anyone who owns a pet knows that the cost of caring for old Fluffy or Fido has gone up considerably over recent years. Economists from Stanford and MIT have just published some research that details how dramatic this increase has been. Between 1996 and 2013, they...
In Bleak Times, This City Is an Example for the World
A few days before Donald Trump's stunning upset, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe glowed green in Paris. France was celebrating the Paris Climate Agreement, which came into force on November 4. It was a remarkable achievement. Less than a year after 196 countries...
This Deal Could Save the World
While the U.S. was distracted by an election that felt like it would never end, the world did something wonderful. It sounds boring and requires a mini chemistry lesson, but it's huge. In October, nearly 200 nations signed a deal to phase out the potent greenhouse...
Victim Blaming the Planet
Why Our Kids Are Coming in Last Place
The United States, anyone could reasonably argue, has the most accomplished elite athletes in the world. The best evidence? In Rio this past summer, young American men and women finished at a comfortable first place in the Olympic final medal tally. But what if we...
The Climate Change Debate is Over
Earlier this month, Hurricane Hermine caused storm surges that flooded the Florida coast, killed one person, and knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses. This is the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida since 2005's Category 3...
France’s Waste-Not Experiment
France has embarked on two experiments we should take note of. First, the nation just banned all non-biodegradable disposable plastic cups, plates, and utensils. Second, they passed a law requiring supermarkets to donate unspoiled food they don't want to charities...
Anti-pipeline Movement Gathers Steam
Thousands of Native Americans at Standing Rock in North Dakota are protesting a pipeline project that puts their water supply at risk, threatens to plow up their sacred sites, and would worsen climate change. Their rallying echoes hundreds of local struggles across...
Washing Our Hands of Toxins
Some people love to hate government regulations. Many believe they're just bureaucratic barriers that waste our time. But the Food and Drug Administration just passed a new regulation that'll actually protect us, and may save you a few bucks and an unnecessary...
