Latest Articles

Sunsetting of federal cash grant darkens solar industry's prospects

Unless Congress acts soon, renewable energy advocates will bid auld lang syne to a major federal cash grant program for big solar and wind projects.

Study says climate change could make a billion homeless

As the climate conference begins in Cancun, new research lays out a worst case scenario for a faster-warming planet.

350 EARTH pulls off world's biggest art project [PHOTOS & VIDEO]

Here?s a behind-the-scenes look at the biggest art project the planet has ever seen -- so big that in some places we needed to back up into outer space for enough perspective.

Thai game: artfully disposing of a meat surplus

Confronted with a sudden surplus of meat, I went Thai'd one on a chuck roast. And I didn't regret it.

High food prices affect the global poor in surprising ways

Policy makers generally assume that high food prices hurt the global poor, because they increasingly live in cities and have to buy their food. New research suggests that view could be wrong.

Ask Umbra on potentially toxic hair and nail salon treatments

Ask Umbra weighs in with some healthy alternatives to the potentially poisonous salon scene.

What can climate negotiations achieve in Cancun?

Unlike Copenhagen, this year’s climate meeting in Cancun, COP16, is not expected to result in a comprehensive legally binding agreement. However, countries could use the meeting to make significant progress toward change on the ground.

Do the childfree get the shaft at work?

CNN and The Fiscal Times look at how childfree people can get stuck working longer hours and less desirable days and shifts.

Friday music blogging: Daft Punk (Tron)

Tron came out in the summer of 1982, when I was just shy of 10 years old. They're remaking it, but frankly my hopes are not high. What CGI can impress us any more? On the bright side, they've commissioned Daft Punk to do the soundtrack.

Sandor Katz in The New Yorker, the food-politics writer as savior, and more

For your holiday-weekend pleasure, here's the best of what I've been reading lately, starting with a profile of home-fermentation wizard Sandor Katz.