News & Commentary

It’s the End of the Beginning of the End for U.S. Coal

January 15, 2016 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

The government has just suspended new coal leases on federal land. The coal industry may never recover.

Mo Methane, Mo Problems

January 14, 2016 ExplainerUnited StatesPerrin Ireland

When it comes to harmful greenhouse gases, methane’s some pretty potent stuff. Here’s why.

The Dirty Fight Over Canadian Tar Sands Oil

December 31, 2015 NRDC in ActionCanada, United StatesMelissa Denchak

For more than a decade, we've fought to keep this filthy fossil fuel from being dredged up and piped through the United States.

A Victory for Free Speech

December 31, 2015 NRDC in ActionNew YorkEli Chen

NRDC's Community Fracking Defense Project allows residents to stand up to oil and gas companies.

The Most Eye-Opening Stories of 2015

December 28, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesClara Chaisson

Ten environmental visuals from this year that deserve another look.

All’s Not Well

December 17, 2015 Latest NewsNorth DakotaSusan Cosier

North Dakota’s oil and gas boom is scaring away grassland birds.

Save Our Heritage!

December 16, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesAlisa Opar

A popular conservation program became a bargaining chip in a bid to lift the crude oil export ban.

Promises, Promises

December 15, 2015 ExplainerUnited States, InternationalBrian Palmer

Cities, states, and businesses—not just those world leaders in Paris—will save us from climate change. Here’s what they’re going to do.

Stop, Drop, and Roll

December 9, 2015 DispatchChicagoSusan Cosier

Every week, barrels upon barrels of volatile crude oil crisscross Chicago by rail, endangering tens of thousands of schoolkids.

The Maple Leaf Lag

November 13, 2015 Latest NewsCanadaJeff Turrentine

Under Justin Trudeau, Canada has a chance to make amends for a decade of climate inaction. But if it’s ever to catch up, it needs to start right now.

Life After KXL

November 6, 2015 Latest NewsBrian Palmer

It's the end of the line for the Keystone pipeline (probably), but not for battles over tar sands and climate.

Is Justin Trudeau Canada’s Climate Savior?

October 20, 2015 Latest NewsCanadaBrian Palmer

The complicated environmental policies of Canada’s new prime minister.

Just About Everyone vs. Gina McCarthy

October 14, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

This is who will be attacking President Obama’s Clean Power Plan in court.

Bring Out Your Dead

September 30, 2015 Latest NewsCanadaBrian Palmer

TransCanada makes a desperate bid to revive the persistently vegetative Keystone XL pipeline.

Hold the Applause

September 29, 2015 Latest NewsArcticBrian Palmer

Shell has left the Arctic for now, but the region isn’t safe from oil drills until the president locks the door.

If You Build It, Climate Change Will Come

September 17, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

We’ve already built enough coal-fired plants to create a climate change calamity.

Throw Another Glacier on the Barbie!

September 14, 2015 Latest NewsInternationalBrian Palmer

Australia just ousted its climate change–denying prime minister. Will the new guy be better?

Kotzebue Calling

August 31, 2015 DispatchAlaska, ArcticBruce Barcott

President Obama’s trip to the Arctic will reveal some cold, hard truths about the fossil-fuel industry’s impact on Alaskans.

The Speed Sweet Spot

August 28, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Not too fast, not too slow—how driving speed and free-flowing traffic can lower the carbon emissions from our tailpipes.

Not-So-Vacant Lots

August 28, 2015 DispatchNew Orleans, LouisianaAlisa Opar

From birds to trees to rats, post-Katrina New Orleans is a study in “disaster ecology.”