Our computers and smartphones might seem clean, but the digital economy uses a tenth of the world’s electricity — and that share will only increase, with serious consequences for the economy and the environment
energy
Nuclear Energy Is Largely Safe. But Can It Be Cheap?
Outside of the developing world, nuclear energy is on the retreat, thanks largely to the spiraling costs of new atomic plants. But innovative reactor designs could change the equation
From Forests to Fossil Fuels: U.S. Energy Consumption Since 1776
More than 200 years of U.S. energy statistics show the dominance of fossil fuels like oil and coal. Will the trend change in the future?
Radioactive Green: Pandora’s Promise Rethinks Nuclear Power
Early in the new documentary Pandora’s Promise, which opens nationwide today, British environmental writer Mark Lynas travels to the Japanese town of Fukushima, now famous as the site of a 2011 nuclear meltdown. Lynas is a …
The Unintended Consequences of Exporting Natural Gas
A move to increase U.S. exports of natural gas could pay off for the economy, but it could also lead to more pollution and higher carbon emissions
Why Innovation Alone Isn’t Enough to Win the Climate Fight
After the failure of cap and trade, many climate advocates have focused on energy innovation as a way to sidestep tough politics. But there’s avoiding the battle over climate change
2013: A Cloudy Forecast for Renewable Energy, with a Silver Lining
Wind and solar power had a great 2012, but they face major challenges in the new year
The U.S. Will Be an Oil Giant Again. But It Won’t Be Energy Independent
The IEA predicts that the U.S. will soon become the world’s biggest supplier of crude, thanks to a homegrown boom in production from shale oil. But while more domestic production will help the economy, it won’t ensure that the …
How Countries Like Iraq—Not the U.S.—Will Help Determine Gas Prices to Come
The Presidential candidates love to talk about increasing oil production here in the U.S. But a new report from the International Energy Agency underscores the fact that it will be foreign countries like Iraq that will continue …
Pro Sports Go Green. Do Fans Care?
Pro sports teams around the country are hyping their renewable energy use and promising to become more efficient. Will that help make their fans greener?