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.

Honolulu's New Climate Laws Will Save Energy and Money

Expert BlogHonolulu, HawaiiElizabeth Stampe
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell today signed a long-awaited package of climate legislation that will help reduce carbon emissions and save money for residents and the City.

Cities Are Leading the Way: 2020 Wins & Look Ahead

Expert BlogUnited States, Charlotte, Honolulu, Pittsburgh, St. LouisJay Orfield, Kimi Narita
Cities made tremendous progress in their climate challenge goals throughout a difficult 2020. Now, cities are eyeing all that is possible in the new year.

Monarch Butterflies Struggle as Feds Delay Protection

Expert BlogMexico, United StatesDr. Sylvia Fallon
In the last six years, many voluntary efforts have been made to help boost monarch populations. Now the butterflies will have to wait even longer to receive more help.

Just Transition Milestone: Solar Power for Peoria’s ART Inc.

Expert BlogPeoria, IllinoisSelena Kyle, Alyssa Brown
Peoria, Illinois has hit a new milestone in its efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. One of the projects funded through our Clean Air Act settlement with the owners of the E.D. Edwards power plant is done!

Honolulu’s New Bus-Only Lane Puts People and Climate First

Expert BlogHonoluluElizabeth Stampe, Amanda Eaken
Honolulu has rolled out the red carpet for public transit with its brand new bus-only lane, the city’s first in 30 years. Now, the most sustainable and safe form of transportation will move people faster and more reliably, too.

Trump's Eleventh Hour Attacks on America's Natural Treasures

Expert BlogUnited States, Utah, Alaska, Minnesota, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, New MexicoSharon Buccino
In his final days, President Trump is selling our public lands and waters to the highest bidder to dig, drill and mine.

Compost Matters—But Food Matters More

Expert BlogBaltimore, United StatesYvette Cabrera
With food waste reduction in mind, the Baltimore Food Matters team created a resource that could serve as a reminder to be cognizant of food waste, what we can do to prevent it, and how anyone can compost locally.

Chicago Takes a New Step Toward Renewable Energy

Expert BlogUnited States, Illinois, ChicagoStefan Schaffer, Jay Orfield

Chicago is taking an exciting step toward renewable energy for the city’s buildings by announcing a Request for Proposals.

Defender of Housing Justice

NRDC in ActionNew Orleans, United States, LouisianaJenny Shalant
Energy efficiency and social safety net advocate Khalil Shahyd explains why supporting affordable housing is intrinsic to the climate fight.

Illinois’ Recovery Starts with the Clean Energy Jobs Act

Expert BlogIllinoisJ.C. Kibbey
The Clean Energy Jobs Act is an essential part of Illinois’ economic recovery. It protects public health and creates good-paying jobs, while ensuring that the people most in need of good jobs and clean air are at the front of…

What Does a Just Recovery Look Like for Illinois?

Expert BlogIllinoisJ.C. Kibbey
Our economic recovery will ask this unavoidable question: will we double down on the old system—a fossil-fueled, profoundly unequal system that leaves many of us sick and impoverished, and leads us towards climate catastrophe? Or will we learn from our…

Food Systems Analyst

NRDC in ActionBaltimore, Nashville, Denver, Maryland, Tennessee, ColoradoJeff Turrentine
Andrea Spacht Collins is working to minimize food waste by changing the way we think about what we eat—and what we don’t eat, where it comes from, and where it ends up.

Solar Energy Is Better with Neighbors: Orlando's 2nd Co-op

Expert BlogOrlando, FloridaEloisa Portillo-Morales
On June 5th, 2020 (World Environment Day), the City of Orlando launched its second solar co-op, providing residents an opportunity to come together to learn the ins and outs of the solar process and get a bulk purchasing price on…

Why Illinois Needs a New “Normal”

Expert BlogIllinoisJ.C. Kibbey
Illinois can’t go back to the old “normal,” but as we recover from coronavirus, we can chart a new path forward that centers equity and sustainability.

Pollution Strikes Again on the Southeast Side

Expert BlogChicagoGina Ramirez
The EPA has begun remediation of another nearby ballfield, this time because of shockingly high levels of lead and arsenic in the soil that require immediate removal.

Urban Innovator

NRDC in ActionCharlotte, North Carolina, St. Petersburg, Florida, St. Paul, Minnesota, Austin, TexasKeith Mulvihill
Through her work in the buildings sector, Wendy Lee helps propel cities into a fairer and more energy-efficient future.