Are current climate initiatives unfair to developing nations?

Nov 17, 2022
Rahul Tongia of the Brookings Institution argues that a swift, large-scale energy transition is unrealistic for poor countries, and unnecessary.
Participants arrive Thursday at the COP27 climate conference, where world leaders are discussing plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the impacts of  climate change.
Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images

Low Mississippi River water levels drive up shipping costs

Nov 15, 2022
The river is a critical pathway for all kinds of agricultural products, including grains and soy beans.
Barges, stranded by low water, sit at the Port of Rosedale along the Mississippi River.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

What's happened so far at the UN's COP27 climate summit?

Nov 15, 2022
The Economist's Vijay Vaitheeswaran says that delegates have discussed issues like reparations and other aid for developing countries.
This year's UN climate summit has brought attention to issues like climate reparations for developing countries, says Vijay Vaitheeswaran, Global Energy and Climate Innovation Editor at The Economist.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

A power plant that captures carbon is coming to Texas, thanks to federal incentives

Nov 8, 2022
The plant will generate almost no greenhouse gas emissions, Net Power says. But critics say there are better alternatives.
Net Power says its planned electric plant will use natural gas but release almost no CO₂. Some critics, though, think wind and solar generation would be better choices. Above, a wind farm and power station in West Virginia.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

When prescribed burns spiral into devastating wildfires, who pays the price?

Oct 21, 2022
A prescribed burn that went awry in New Mexico has some questioning the value of the practice, but scientists say we need prescribed burns more than ever because of climate change.
A scorched structure and vehicle stand on a property mostly destroyed by the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire on June 2 near Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Disappearance of Alaska snow crabs means some businesses might disappear, too

Oct 21, 2022
Scientists don't know exactly why some 7 billion crabs are missing from the waters around the state, but the impact on fishing-related industries is much less mysterious.
Local fishing around Alaska has felt the impact of billions of snow crabs missing from the surrounding waters.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images

"Our whole life is in this house": Florida residents begin recovery after Hurricane Ian

Oct 14, 2022
The economic damage from Hurricane Ian could exceed $100 billion.
An aerial view of a neighborhood in North Port, Florida, in the wake of Hurricane Ian on Oct. 1.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

The case for calculating climate risk into retirement plans

Retirees may want to consider climate change risk when choosing a spot to settle down, says Chris Farrell.
Popular retirement destinations like Florida and Arizona are experiencing the effects of worsening climate change, says Marketplace senior economics contributor Chris Farrell.

Study finds persistent coal ash pollution in lakes

Oct 3, 2022
Climate events like more intense hurricanes are spreading the byproduct of burning coal to water used for drinking and recreation.
The coal ash left behind when coal is burned for electricity contains carcinogens and neurotoxins. Wind turbines, like the one above, are favored as an alternative by advocates of battling climate change and reducing pollution.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Napa Valley's vineyards are in "climate crisis," winemaker says

Oct 3, 2022
Between heat waves, droughts and wildfires, the grapes of California's wine region are suffering nature's wrath. Producers are trying to adapt.
The climate crisis, which worsens drought and wildfires, is changing agriculture. That includes vineyards.
Samuel Corum/AFP via Getty Images