Sparse green spaces and smog-filled air have earned cities a reputation as heavy polluters. But with the right plans in place, they can become powerful agents in the fight against climate change. Cities can seem like the opposite of the natural world. Skyscrapers stand in the place of mountains, car horns drown out birdsong, and…
We all know that air pollution is harmful. But how bad is it, exactly? The answer lies in the connections between air quality, our health, and the health of our favorite blue sphere. The World Health Organization estimates that seven million deaths every year can be traced back to air pollution. That’s one in nine…
The clean energy revolution is here, and solar is leading the way. As our country continues on this path to a cleaner future through solar power, though, we need to take a careful look at who is benefiting–and build a movement for equitable clean energy access. As in any major time of change, there will…
For the last 40 years, the United States electricity sector has been the country’s leading source of greenhouse gas emissions. Now, that’s changing–here’s how.
Sometimes it can be hard to grasp the idea that climate change is really happening in 2018, especially when you don’t see its impacts every day. In fact, studies from Yale University show that although most Americans believe that climate change is real, very few believe that it will actually affect them. Far fewer realize…
The future of solar energy is looking bright. Recent developments in the energy world have experts saying that solar will, before long, replace fossil fuels to become the leading energy source of the future. Its advantages have been convincing enough that everyone seems to be jumping on board— from households to big businesses, from environmentalists to…
“This last year has been a turbulent one for the solar industry, between new tariffs and threats to federal funding for energy innovation programs…With all that’s going on, you’re not alone if you find yourself asking: what can the average person do to support local clean energy?” Solar has been through its share of challenges, though,…
Solar is booming in America, and there are many options for getting access to your own solar power, so it can be difficult to know which option is best for you. Today, we’re going to lay out the most common solar options and help you understand their benefits and drawbacks. The first thing to consider…
Since the turn of the 20th century, a succession of outspoken voices has warned of an imminent crisis referred to as “peak oil”. The idea is that once we’ve reached the apex of available oil reserves, oil production can only plateau or decrease, causing energy prices to skyrocket and limiting the development of modern society.…
Some skeptics point out that the energy from your local solar garden will have to flow through the electricity grid to reach your home. But while there might be some level of satisfaction from using electrons produced on your very own rooftop, many overestimate the independence that on-property solar affords its owners. Community Solar is…