Road hazard: Evidence mounts on toxic pollution from tires
Researchers are only beginning to uncover the toxic cocktail of chemicals, microplastics and heavy metals hidden in car and truck tires. But experts say these tire emissions are a significant source of air and water pollution and may be affecting humans as well as wildlife. Read More
Beyond the yuck factor: Cities turn to ‘extreme’ water recycling
San Francisco is at the forefront of a movement to recycle wastewater from commercial buildings, homes and neighborhoods and use it for toilets and landscaping. This decentralized approach, proponents say, will drive down demand in an era of increasing water scarcity. Read More
Global 'stilling': Is climate change slowing down the wind?
As carbon dioxide levels rise and the Earth’s poles warm, researchers are predicting a decline in the planet’s wind speeds. This ‘stilling’ could impact wind energy production and plant growth and might even affect the Gulf Stream, which drives much of the world’s climate. Read More
Smart cities are losing their luster — here's why
“Smart cities” built from scratch have so far failed to live up to their much-hyped promise. Read More
Could green hydrogen be key to a carbon-free economy?
Green hydrogen's boosters say the fuel could play an important role in decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors of the economy, such as long-haul trucking, aviation and heavy manufacturing. Read More
From the lab to the field, agriculture seeks to adapt to a warming world
With rising temperatures, the world’s food supplies are at risk, with deceasing yields in key staple crops. Researchers and innovators are looking at more resilient crops and farm animals — from heat-resistant wheat, to drought-resistant rice, to Naked Neck chickens that stay cooler. Read More
As mass timber takes off, how green is this new building material?
Climate-positive mass timber construction is on the rise — but will producing the new material outweigh its benefits? Read More
