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.

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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.

Texas Needs a Smarter, More Resilient Electric Grid

Expert BlogTexasJohn Moore

Freezing cold temperatures put the Texas electric grid into distress this week, with likely dozens of deaths and other human suffering, more than 4 million losing power, and more than 40% of the state’s gas, coal, and nuclear fleet offline…

Taking Care of the Food Workers Who Take Care of Us

NRDC in ActionColoradoNicole Greenfield
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the inequities faced by food- and farmworkers who put their health in danger just by coming to work each day. NRDC is pushing to change that.

2021 A Pivotal Year for Clean Energy in North Carolina

Expert BlogNorth CarolinaLuis Martinez
As we look back at 2020 and reflect on what comes next for North Carolina in clean energy and climate one thing becomes clear, Governor Cooper’s climate and clean energy legacy will be determined by the ability to take the…

Latin America’s 2020 Climate Leaders and Laggards

Expert BlogInternational, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, BrazilAmanda Maxwell, Carolina Herrera, Jessica Carey-Webb, Marilyn Kunce
2020 was a turbulent year in Latin America—and a mixed bag on climate action. It will be important for the incoming Biden-Harris administration to put climate change front and center in its engagement with the region.

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.

Climate Change Floods North Carolina’s Housing Market

DispatchNorth CarolinaJodi Helmer
As sea level and extreme weather risks rise, larger down payments, inequities in insurance, and heirs’ properties could leave coastal residents drowning in debt and devalued homes.

Committing to Equitable Climate Action in Colorado

Expert BlogColoradoAriana Gonzalez, Arjun Krishnaswami

A new report outlines pathways for the state to achieve the greenhouse gas emissions reductions required by HB-1261—as well as the health and equity implications of statewide climate actions.

Public Health Scientist and Advocate

NRDC in ActionIndia, Ahmedabad, Pune, United StatesKeith Mulvihill
Vijay Limaye is pushing for public health safeguards and policy solutions in service of the communities most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Chicago River Flooding a Clear Sign of Bigger Issues to Come

Expert BlogChicagoKaren Hobbs

Who says you can't see climate change? Flooding all over Chicago, including rivers running backwards and bringing huge volumes of sewage to Lake Michigan, are a troubling reminder of growing infrastructure stresses that threaten the region.

A Translator for the Climate Crisis, Grief Included

NRDC in ActionNew York City, New York, Birmingham, AlabamaKaren L. Smith-Janssen
Writer, editor, teacher, and podcast host Mary Annaïse Heglar uses the art of storytelling to help people feel less alone in facing the climate crisis—and to build the movement for climate justice.

The City Insider Proving that Mayors Can Lead on Climate

NRDC in ActionChicagoNicole Greenfield
Chris Wheat, who helped make Chicago a greener place from inside its city hall, is now helping empower city governments across the country to realize their many climate ambitions.

NC's Missing the Big Picture on Climate Resilience

Expert BlogNorth CarolinaRob Moore

NC is applying for $168 million from HUD's CDBG-MIT fund. But NC is proposing to focus on a narrow range of projects and missing the larger opportunity to use these funds to make much-needed changes to a range of local…

Blueprint of a Buyout: Des Plaines, Illinois

Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisAnna Weber
The City of Des Plaines has purchased 68 flood-prone homes, but not without extensive time and effort between multiple local, state, and federal agencies.