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.

California’s Climate Whiplash

ExplainerCaliforniaNicole Greenfield
The state broke snowfall records after three of its driest years ever. Now floods wreak havoc. These swings are the new normal—and they’re very hard to manage.

Sharing the Road: Safer Streets Means Safe for Everyone

ExplainerUnited States, California, Missouri, Atlanta, San Jose (California), St. Louis, GeorgiaDan Reed
As they incorporate equity into transportation planning, a number of U.S. cities are making room for bicyclists, pedestrians, scooters, and wheelchairs in every part of town.

The Pesticide in Your Crisper Drawer

ExplainerUnited States, CaliforniaNicole Greenfield
Shown to be toxic to kids, chlorpyrifos is nevertheless still being sprayed on crops across the country—and making its way into our bodies. So why has the EPA refused to ban it?

Flint Drinking Water Settlement FAQ

ExplainerUnited States, Michigan, Flint, MidwestNRDC
The residents of Flint, Michigan, will finally get their lead pipes replaced and have access to safe drinking water. Here's what you need to know.

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.

How California Will Weather Drought

ExplainerCalifornia, United States, West
Researchers outline four key actions the Golden State must take to ensure there's enough water to go around.

Slip-sliding Away

Latest NewsCaliforniaAlisa Opar
Heavy El Niño rains could trigger mudslides in California this winter. These scientists are trying to figure out the whens and wheres.

Batten Down the Hatches

Latest NewsUnited States, VirginiaBrian Palmer
The world’s largest naval base is a major flood risk in a warming world.

6 Cities That Are Ready for Climate Change

ExplainerNew York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, Portland (Oregon), San AntonioKim Castleberry
By embracing green infrastructure, these urban areas have a solid defense against increased drought or flood.

Hotter = Drier

Latest NewsCaliforniaBrian Palmer
A new study shows how climate change is making the California drought worse.

Innovation Has Not Run Dry!

Latest NewsCaliforniaAlisa Opar
As summer heat compounds four years of drought, Californians are coping with water shortages in some wacky and smart (and desperate) ways.

I Hate Reruns

Latest NewsCaliforniaClara Chaisson
The Santa Barbara coast has yet another oil spill, thanks to a company that screws up royally—repeatedly.

A Beach of an Oil Spill

Latest NewsCaliforniaClara Chaisson
Santa Barbara’s pristine coastline is now coated in crude.

Bathroom Bandits

Latest NewsCaliforniaKatherine Ellen Foley
Law-breaking urinals? California's water rules will force new fixtures to toe the water line.

Cause Célèbre

Latest NewsLos AngelesAlexis Sobel Fitts
An L.A.-based eco-fashion line counts A-listers among its biggest fans.

Who's Ready for Climate Change?

ExplainerInternational, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Miami, India, New York City, Mexico CityJeff Turrentine
Five cities that are steeling themselves…and five that are fooling themselves.