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.

Midwest Floods May Lead Illinois to New Solutions

Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisRob Moore

The Midwest floods of 2019 have caused hardship and loss but, Illinois has not seen much in the way of damages. Part of the reason is because Illinois has strong floodplain management regulations, something Governor Pritzker is expected to keep…

Climate Change Is Worsening Houston’s Housing Crisis

DispatchHouston, TexasTim Vanderpool
Since Hurricane Harvey, homelessness has gone up, some public housing residents are living in severely damaged homes, and others have been cast out to remote suburbs—to the detriment of local well-being and the economy.

Why Women Rule NRDC’s Science Center

NRDC in ActionSan Francisco, Washington, D.C., New York City, Ahmedabad, India, United StatesJenny Shalant
And why female leaders tend to be more attuned to issues of environmental equity.

Oregon Is Having a Tiny Home Boom

DispatchOregonBecca Cudmore
Some members of the small-house movement live off the grid—but Oregon’s cities want them to stay on it.

Why Build a Seawall When You Can Plant Some Grass?

DispatchAlabamaRobynne Boyd
As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers considers including “living shorelines” among its preferred erosion controls, Alabama is already leading the way to healthier coasts.

Healing the Anacostia's Troubled Waters

NRDC in ActionWashington, D.C., MarylandJeff Turrentine
After two centuries of neglect, NRDC is helping revitalize Washington, D.C.'s forgotten river.

Life on the Mississippi, Now

DispatchMissouri, Illinois, MidwestBarry Yeoman
We've spent billions of dollars on dikes, locks, and levees in a vain attempt to subdue what Mark Twain called "that lawless stream." Is it time to let the river have its way?

The Latin Quarter

ExplainerInternational, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, PanamaBrian Palmer
Latin America is key to addressing climate change at the Paris conference. Why doesn’t it get more attention?

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.

When to Bet Against the House

DispatchNevadaJeff Turrentine
Will the threat of water shortages be enough to convince Vegas to stop gambling on overdevelopment?

Blame It on the Rain

DispatchChicagoSusan Cosier
Chicago’s enormous drainage system will expand this summer, but it won’t be enough to handle climate change.