New statistics show that the U.S.—thanks largely to fracking and energy efficiency—has energy-related CO2 emissions down 12% from the peak in 2007
Why We Don’t Care About Saving Our Grandchildren From Climate Change
A new study shows that human beings are too selfish to endure present pain to avert future climate change. That’s why we need win-win solutions now
Your City Might Not Be Ready for the Next Big Quake
More than 20 million people will take part in the Great ShakeOut today, raising awareness about earthquake risks. But it won’t help unless we fortify vulnerable buildings.
Freak Blizzard Kills Tens of Thousands of South Dakota Cattle—and Washington Does Nothing
An unexpectedly early winter storm buried cattle ranchers in South Dakota. They’re trying to rebuild, but the shutdown in DC and the lack of a farm bill holds them back.
As the Hajj Unfolds in Saudi Arabia, A Deep Look Inside the Battle Against MERS
For more than a year, Saudi Arabia has struggled to control the new disease MERS. Now, with millions of Muslim pilgrims descending on the country, the challenge will get that much tougher.
Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to EPA Climate Regulations
The Court could complicate ongoing efforts to restrict U.S. greenhouse gas emissions via regulations
40 Years After the 1973 Oil Embargo, the U.S. Is Stronger on Energy — but So Is the Middle East
The OPEC oil embargo marked the end of American dominance on energy. Four decades later, the shale boom and efficiency has U.S. oil imports down — but the Gulf states are still sitting pretty
A Storm and a Stampede in India Highlight the Ups and Downs of Disaster Response
A powerful storm yields only a small death toll thanks to smart response from the Indian government. But a tragic and deadly stampede shows how far the country needs to go.
Next-Generation Biofuels Are Inching Towards Reality, Gallon by Gallon
Advanced biofuels have been on the cusp of commercialization for years, but high prices and technological challenges have held them back. Is that starting to change?
Cold Years in the Future Could Be Hotter Than the Hottest Years Now
A new study calculates that by 2047, average temperatures across much of the planet will rise to levels higher than we’ve ever seen in recent history