News & Commentary

Meet the activists and NRDC staff propelling change, read our expert analysis, and learn about the latest challenges and solutions to advancing a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

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Explainer

Get a breakdown of complex climate, public health, nature, and equity topics to inform your activism.

Dispatch

Read about activists tackling climate justice and other environmental causes in their communities and beyond.

Perspectives

Discover intersectional viewpoints from activists and artists on the environmental issues of the moment.

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Expert Blogs

Hear from our policy advocates, scientists, and litigators about the challenges and solutions for building a healthier and more just world.

Viewing 1 - 17 of 17

America’s Failing Drinking Water System

ExplainerUnited States, Buffalo, Houston, Puerto Rico, California, FlintNicole Greenfield

First, Flint, Michigan; then, Jackson, Mississippi. Communities around the country wonder if their water quality problems will lead to the next national crisis.

Three Ways We Can Make Schools Healthier This Year

ExplainerUnited StatesNicole Greenfield
From lead plumbing to a lack of air-conditioning, schools across the United States are jeopardizing the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff.

What Can We Do to Fix the Drinking Water Problem in America?

ExplainerUnited States, Flint, Newark, Michigan, New Jersey
Seth Siegel, author of the new book “Troubled Water: What’s Wrong with What We Drink,” says we must change people’s mind-sets and get to the root of the issue to ensure safe drinking water for everyone.

We Could Do a Lot More to Regulate Fracking

ExplainerUnited States
Lax monitoring of the country’s fracking boom does little to allay concerns about the air, water, and health impacts of this oil and gas extraction method.

Why We Need the EPA

ExplainerPuerto Rico, New York City, United States, ClevelandBrian Palmer
Let’s not forget what America looked like before we had the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Our rivers caught on fire, our air was full of smog, and it stank (literally).

Is Water a Human Right?

ExplainerUnited States, Flint, New York, Jackson, Michigan, MississippiBrian Palmer
A look at what U.S. and international laws have to say about our right to clean drinking water.

Lead by the Numbers

ExplainerFlint, Michigan, United StatesNicole Greenfield
This Harper’s-inspired index on lead puts the Flint Water Crisis into new perspective.

Go Easy on the Salt

ExplainerFlint, Michigan, United StatesBrian Palmer
Did road salt help cause the Flint water crisis?

How California Will Weather Drought

ExplainerCalifornia, United States, West
Researchers outline four key actions the Golden State must take to ensure there's enough water to go around.

Hot Water

ExplainerWest, United StatesBrian Palmer
Uranium mining threatens aquifers that could provide the drought-stricken West with emergency water supplies.

More Than a Drop in the Bucket

ExplainerUnited StatesJason Bittel
Making sure the Clean Water Act covers small streams and headwaters would protect the drinking water of millions of Americans.