Since the Industrial Revolution our civilization has depended on fossil fuels to generate energy—first it was coal; then petroleum. But there are two problems: the first is that petroleum isn’t an infinite resource; and the second is that burning coal and oil puts billions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, trapping heat. Temperatures [...]

Yes, today is the 43rd annual Earth Day recognition worldwide. A number of live and online events are taking place; see a list below for some unusual items. But in 2013, to me, the day raises a central question about how to power the human race without killing the planet in the process. Two recent [...]

Want your image to appear worldwide on Earth Day this April 22? The Earth Day Network has launched a photomosaic Web site depicting “the face of climate change.” The site is accumulating photos that reflect society’s concerns about our planet. Photos can show people, animals and places that are being affected or threatened by climate [...]

April 22 marks the 42nd annual Earth Day observance. In recent years, the week running up to Earth Day has become increasingly filled with a riotous mix of news that ranges from inspired initiatives to thinly veiled partisanship and shameless exploitation. As a journalist who covers energy, environment and sustainability issues, I get many of [...]

The fuel of the future isn’t gasoline, ethanol or even hydrogen—it’s education. Specifically, the science and engineering education that will enable a fresh group of smart young people to tackle the world’s ongoing energy crisis. Solve the energy crisis and you go a long way’s toward solving a host of environmental problems: pollution, environmental health [...]

A casual spin last night through the pile of ads inserted inside my local Sunday newspaper made it clear to me that the best possible thing we all can do this week to honor Earth is to shop till we drop. The first screaming banner I saw was this: "Chop Your Food Bill and Protect [...]

Some people take Earth Day more literally than others. Howard Garrett is one of them. Better known as the Dirt Doctor, Garrett believes that the health of the planet begins with the earth beneath our feet; it starts with cultivating strong vibrant soil, and blossoms outwards from there. “Without healthy soil, we won’t have healthy [...]