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Environment
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November 3, 2015
The Costs of Solar Energy to the Environment
As the use of alternative energy increases, can huge solar power installations contribute efficiently and safely?
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June 22, 2015
The Pope’s Power at the Polls
Will his pleas for political action on climate affect Catholic voters, and Republican candidates who disagree? Is there a 'Catholic Vote'?
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May 19, 2015
Global Priorities in the Arctic
How should the international community balance environmental protection, economic development and social equity in the North Pole?
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February 18, 2015
Resuming Drilling in the Atlantic
Given the slump in oil prices, why has the Obama administration moved to open up the Atlantic coast to offshore drilling exploration?
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September 28, 2014
Can We Do Without a Global Climate Treaty?
Some say it's a pipe dream, and vital steps shouldn't wait for one.
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August 3, 2014
Virtuous Fast Food
Can a new wave of fast food restaurants nurture healthier alternatives and sustainable practices, or is it all just buzzwords and aggressive …
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June 1, 2014
Can the Market Stave Off Global Warming?
Is cap and trade the best chance for stemming climate change, or are other methods needed?
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May 8, 2014
Climate Debate Isn’t So Heated in the U.S.
Why are Americans less concerned about global warming than are people in other countries?
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April 1, 2014
Global Warming and the Developing World
What should be done to address the effects of climate change in developing countries?
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February 12, 2014
Is Keystone Worth the Fight?
Given the State Department's recent report, was the pipeline the right issue for environmentalists to get behind?
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January 26, 2014
Who Should Be Invited to the State of the Union?
To highlight certain priorities, the president invites a few guests each year to sit in the viewing gallery. Experts and readers can …
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November 18, 2013
Natural Disasters or ‘Acts of God’?
When the law and people of faith refer to an event as an "act of God," is that constructive or a distraction?
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November 14, 2013
Is Nuclear Power the Answer?
A group of climate scientists want environmentalists to see nuclear power as a way to combat climate change. Are they on to …
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October 30, 2013
Too Many Bodies, Too Little Space
The world’s cities are running out of places to bury their dead. What is the solution?
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September 15, 2013
Is Creativity Endangered?
Education, geography, management styles: What factors suppress innovation, and what could reverse that trend?
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September 2, 2013
How to Make New York City More Livable
Electricity, flooding, waste management, housing, rezoning, development. Where should the next mayor of New York start?
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August 11, 2013
Deconstructing Lyme Disease
Why is this mysterious affliction so controversial, and what are the next steps to better understanding it?
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August 1, 2013
Preserving vs. Enjoying Our National Parks
Do the plans to remake Yosemite National Park go too far in limiting access to an American treasure? Or are they necessary …
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June 2, 2013
Let’s Make a (Transnational) Deal
Is the American government too cautious about foreign business deals, or too eager to allow them?
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March 3, 2013
Too Few Fish in the Sea
Is there a way to meet consumer demand for quality seafood and protect threatened marine life at the same time?
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January 27, 2013
Is Divestment an Effective Means of Protest?
Calling on companies to cut their ties with certain companies may be a worthy goal, but does it bring about change?
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September 23, 2012
Information’s Environmental Cost
Is the speed and reach of the Internet worth the energy used by data centers or should we abandon our need for …
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July 30, 2012
Responsible Shoppers, but Bad Citizens?
Does environmentally responsible spending make a difference, or just make people feel better about buying things?
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July 25, 2012
How Can We Prevent Another Dust Bowl?
Is the current drought raising the possibility of another Dust Bowl? If so, what can we do to prevent it?
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July 5, 2012
Does Captive Breeding Distract From Conservation?
Instead of expensive breeding programs in zoos, should scientists and activists be focused on other goals, like freezing genetic material or preserving …
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June 21, 2012
Should Air-Conditioning Go Global, or Be Rationed Away?
Is air-conditioning a modern-day right like clean water or the Internet, or an unsustainable luxury that we should give up or ration?
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April 26, 2012
A Glimpse of Nature, No Sunscreen Required
Do nature shows connect viewers with the natural world, or contribute to "nature deficit" and keep us indoors?
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March 19, 2012
The Siren Song of Energy Efficiency
If buying energy-efficient products is not helping the planet, what can consumers do that would be more effective?
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February 21, 2012
The Farm Bill, Beyond the Farm
In this sprawling legislation, what is missing that should be added? What is in the bill but should be eliminated?
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January 26, 2012
Does California Need High-Speed Rail?
Some say the state can't afford to build a rail line from Los Angeles to San Francisco. But maybe it can't afford …
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