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.

Environmental Injustices Plague Parchman Prison, Mississippi

Expert BlogMississippiSarah Tallman, Natalia Ospina, Marisa Guerrero, Sara Imperiale

For years, the people incarcerated at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman have reported a host of problems relating to drinking water and sewage. Now, an investigation confirms repeated and likely ongoing environmental violations at the notorious Parchman prison.

Aiming for Clean Air, Blue Skies: Update from Gujarat

Expert BlogIndia, GujaratSameer Kwatra

During the national COVID-19 lockdown, residents in major Indian cities marveled at the unprecedented clear blue skies. Recognizing that it should not take a pandemic for people to breathe clean air, cities across India are implementing air quality plans.

Celebrating Year One of the Food Matters Regional Initiative

Expert BlogChicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Madison, Ohio, Baltimore, Jersey City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, North Carolina, Memphis, OrlandoMadeline Keating, Darby Hoover

A year after the launch of the Food Matters Regional Initiative, we are pleased to report considerable progress and accomplishments from the 15 regional initiative participants.

Colorado Basin Shortages Point to Need for State Action

Expert BlogColoradoEd Osann

This year's unprecedented shortage declaration for the Colorado River should galvanize all Colorado Basin states to redouble their efforts to curtail wasteful and unnecessary uses of water and build more resilient communities. 

NRDC Sets Region Specific Water Targets for Each Office

Expert BlogUnited States, New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Bozeman, Beijing, San Francisco, Santa MonicaMaria McCain

NRDC has seen a steady decline in total water usage institution-wide and has taken steps to advance water stewardship.

Constructing Change with Building Energy Codes in India

Expert BlogIndiaSameer Kwatra, Prima Madan

By 2030, India will have added nearly one billion square meters of new commercial floor space--more than the land area of New York City and Washington D.C combined. Building smart from the start is a real opportunity to reduce emissions…

Communities to Coal Plants: Clean Up Your Mess Before You Go!

DispatchTennesseeAustyn Gaffney
Distrust in the TVA runs deep in eastern Tennessee, and as the utility shutters two power plants—Bull Run and Kingston—local activists fear it will close up shop without safely containing its leaky pits of toxic sludge and ash.

All Eyes on India’s Plan for the Kigali Amendment

Expert BlogIndia, InternationalSameer Kwatra, Prima Madan

As parties to the Montreal Protocol are gathering virtually for the second part of the Open-Ended Working Group meeting this week, India is in the spotlight. Although India is already taking action on climate friendly cooling, it is now one…

Power Outages in Colorado: Why Now and How to Stay Safe

Expert BlogColoradoAriana Gonzalez, Sam Gilchrist

Hot days and climate-fueled disasters are the times we need reliable power the most, yet all too often, that’s when we experience blackouts. Keep reading to learn about why Colorado is experiencing blackouts, how to prepare and protect your family…

Colorado Steps Up for Healthy Homes and Good Jobs

Expert BlogColoradoAlejandra Mejia Cunningham

New laws will put Colorado’s building sector on track to meet the state’s climate goals and ensure that the transition to healthy, 100% clean energy buildings will result in good, family-sustaining jobs for those who need them most.

A Ray of Hope to Bridge the Climate Divide

Expert BlogIndiaSameer Kwatra, Charlotte Steiner

The most vulnerable people, including millions in India already battling a deadly COVID-19 pandemic, face the worst impacts of climate change. Climate disasters like the cyclone last month, coming on heels of the year-long pandemic, have exacerbated and laid bare…

Safer Drinking Water in Schools: NY Leg. Votes for Our Kids

Expert BlogNew YorkJoan Leary Matthews

The New York State Legislature passed a bill (S2122-A / A160-B) in the closing days of this legislative session to require more stringent measures to reduce lead in drinking water in schools. This is a huge victory for kids!