News & Commentary

Meet the activists and NRDC staff propelling change, read our expert analysis, and learn about the latest challenges and solutions to advancing a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

Latest News

Stay on top of the latest research, policy updates, publication releases, and environmental news. 

Explainer

Get a breakdown of complex climate, public health, nature, and equity topics to inform your activism.

Dispatch

Read about activists tackling climate justice and other environmental causes in their communities and beyond.

Perspectives

Discover intersectional viewpoints from activists and artists on the environmental issues of the moment.

NRDC in Action

Find out how NRDC protects people and the planet by learning about some of our key fights.

Expert Blogs

Hear from our policy advocates, scientists, and litigators about the challenges and solutions for building a healthier and more just world.

The Petcoke Problem: Where to Store the Risky Tar Sands Refining By-Product

ExplainerUnited States, Canada, Chicago, Detroit, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Virginia
Petroleum coke, typically stored outdoors in big open piles, can blow right into nearby homes and cause serious health problems. Unsurprisingly, communities are fighting Big Oil to keep this noxious material out of their backyards.

The Long Road to Safer School Buses

NRDC in ActionWashington, California, New Jersey, TexasAmanda MacMillan
A landmark NRDC study showed that standard-issue diesel-spewing school buses could put kids at risk of cancer—and drove a national effort to clean the vehicles up.

Is Water a Human Right?

ExplainerUnited States, Flint, New York, Jackson, Michigan, MississippiBrian Palmer
A look at what U.S. and international laws have to say about our right to clean drinking water.

All’s Not Well

Latest NewsNorth DakotaSusan Cosier
North Dakota’s oil and gas boom is scaring away grassland birds.

The Soil Savior

DispatchTexasJeff Turrentine
A Texas farmer is bucking tradition by putting soil health above all else. The result? Water-retaining, nutrient-rich pay dirt.

China Commits to Cleaning Up

ExplainerChinaNicole Greenfield
The planet's largest carbon emitter is taking steps to brighten their future—and the world's.

Yes, in Your Backyard

PerspectivesTexasBrian Palmer
Texas tells local governments not to mess with oil and gas.

Coal-tural Revolution

Latest NewsChina
China wants to cap coal use by 2020. Can the world’s largest carbon polluter really do it?

Climate Game Change

Latest NewsChina
What you need to know about the historic U.S.-China climate agreement.