Latest Articles

In a hospital, against the odds, people make a good place

The chemotherapy infusion unit is a lousy place to be. Except that in very important ways, it isn't. It's like a little neighborhood where every need is accounted for, and where all your neighbors can be trusted.

Leaked document shows EPA allowed bee-toxic pesticide despite own scientists’ red flags

An internal EPA memo leaked Wednesday shows that the agency has been ignoring warnings from its own scientists about the possible pollinator-killing side effects of clothianidin, a Bayer pesticide the EPA approved for widespread use on corn and other crops.

Clean energy grants extended for a year; still a dumb way to do things

It looks like a one-year extension of the renewable-energy grant program has made it into the tax bill now brewing in Congress. It's much, much better than the alternative, but it's also no way to run a country.

Why you should eat insects instead of meat [VIDEO]

Marcel Dicke (it's French or something, perv) argues that insects are a savory, eco-friendly alternative to meat. This is apparently not a joke.

The Climate Post: Some progress in Cancun climate talks, but mostly a morass of competing interests

Cancun climate talks negotiators got down to brass tacks. There were comic relief moments, like the removal of climate skeptic Christopher Monckton from a luncheon

WikiLeaks: U.S. turned the pope into its enforcer on Copenhagen climate talks

WikiLeaks today published a cable indicating Pope Benedict XVI has been pulling strings on behalf of the U.S. And he might get an electric popemobile.

New report shows dirty coal doing even more damage than you thought

A new study shows EPA has been undercounting the externalities imposed by ozone pollution, and thus understating net benefits of its new ozone rules.

How the West is winning against coal

The past month across the western U.S. has been filled with victories against coal.

Regional cap-and-trade advances

Everyone is disappointed about climate policy prospects. I can't say that I'm thrilled, but we should take heart at what's happening on the state level

Ask Umbra’s Book Club: Would you blow up a mountain to save a bird species?

Umbra's discussion of her Book Club pick "Freedom" kicks off with a video of author Jonathan Franzen talking about compromises and energy options.