Articles by David Roberts

When’s Obama gonna do something?

I must confess that my initial infatuation with Sen. Barack Obama (D-Mount Olympus) is wearing off.

Yes, he's got the charisma, the personal history, the zeitgeist on his side ... but he hasn't done anything, and shows no signs of planning to do anything, of any daring or significance. Someone in his position, with that much media attention, that much popular support, has a responsibility to use that power to make something happen -- something other than political advancement. The jury's still out, but the clock is ticking, to mix metaphors.

Obama's on the cover of two national magazines this week: Time (along with an excerpt from his new book and a photo spread) and Harpers (not online). Though the pieces are written from decidedly different perspectives, they both tell the same basic story: look how amazing this guy is ... just imagine when he does something!

Want to see something that captures my mixed feelings? Watch this video:

Melting of Larsen B ice shelf connected to climate change

Introducing a new regular feature here on Gristmill: the Inhofe Alert.

Inhofe Alerts are not about Sen. James Inhofe (R-Mongo) himself. They're about the ever-accumulating evidence for global warming. Remember: based on the logic of the position he has taken, Inhofe must dismiss every one of these studies. He must claim each one is false, or that it is fabricated by brainwashed scientists seeking the approval of their peers. Or scrabbling for funding. Or acting on behalf of the New World Order. Or something.

Without further ado, today's Inhofe Alert:

E.O. Wilson chats about his new book on the intersection of science and religion

E.O. Wilson. Photo: Jim Harrison In 1967, E.O. Wilson coauthored the book that founded island biogeography, a new field of scientific study. He could have retired then with a distinguished record. Instead, in the ensuing four decades, he’s gone on to discover hundreds of new species, generate major advances in entomology, win the National Medal […]

An interview with environmental scientist and evangelical leader Calvin DeWitt

No one has worked longer at the intersection of environmental science, evangelical ethics, and practical activism than Calvin DeWitt. Calvin DeWitt. A respected scientist with advanced degrees in biology and zoology, DeWitt spent over 25 years as director of the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, where he worked to help college students learn the […]