Sustainable Futures

A recent data roundup by renewable energy industry analyst Paul Gipe shows that variable renewables are meeting much larger percentages of grid power than previously thought possible in some European countries.

Bag taxes/charges as a way to encourage environmentally sound practices.  While DC isn't generally a leader in innovative government initiatives, there are three exceptions, and one concerns waste--the passage a couple years ago of a bill requiring a charge of 5 cents for each plastic bag given to a customer for food sales.  This has resulted in a serious reduction in the use of plastic bags and a reduction in litter as well.

  It’s no secret, unfortunately, that many American downtowns and neighborhoods were disinvested, some severely, over the past several decades.  The consequences were devastating, as homes and storefronts were abandoned and once-thriving...

Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has shown what they call the "first fully integrated nanosystem for artificial photosynthesis".

An analysis of the nation's largest metro areas reveals some of the top urban destinations for people who love the outdoors.

The key, according to a new report, is forming partnerships with farmers.

America's green jobs movement parades as many green hues as our national parks, ranging from deep green work to pale green employment.

If managed effectively and accountably, oil, gas and minerals can stimulate economic development, but too often, secrecy, corruption and weak institutions obstruct effective development.

"When I brush my teeth, I try to remind myself to brush like I do when I’m camping (to conserve water)," designer Michael Buckley writes.

Editor's note: We're proud to support the Earth Policy Institute's online publication of Lester Brown's most recent book Full Planet, Empty Plates by publishing selections from the book.

An interview with Joseph Redwood-Martinez about the documentary 'One day, everything will be free' which explores a reforestation initiative in Haiti, namely Sadhana Forest.

Like many Midwest cities, St. Louis faces a future where both extreme flooding and drought are more common as a result of climate change.

In case you missed the memo, climate change is happening. Luckily those of us who wish to wise up and cut down on our energy consumption can do so in style.

Utilities are fighting with solar advocates over an obscure but important policy called "net metering." Here's what's at stake, and why it matters.

Texas leads the nation in wind power; in Washington, hydroelectric dams provide 60 percent of the state’s energy.

Mark Vander Meer gives a presentation on soil science as it relates to forestry. I was presenting in another room at the same time, so Mark gave permission to Jocelyn Campbell to record this for me. Once I saw it, I thought it was so good, that I asked Mark if it was okay to put it up on YouTube.

Representatives from 195 nations party to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification will meet in Windhoek to assess progress and plan future actions.

In the future, 3-D printers won’t just print replacement organs (like the type we’ve covered in the past).

Want to lower your carbon footprint? Looking at how you heat and cool your living space will likely make the most difference; your transportation choices are next on the list in terms of impact.