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What's a "carbon border adjustment mechanism," and what does it mean for U.S. exports?

Dec 14, 2022
The EU already imposes an environmental charge on EU-made goods. Its new plan would assess the same charge on imports.
The European Union implemented the world’s first tax on the carbon content of imported goods Tuesday. Above, a container ship at the port of Hamburg, Germany.
Gregor Fischer/Getty Images

E-bikes are soaring in popularity, but some still have reservations 

Oct 14, 2022
"I find myself looking at the other bikers going slowly and going ‘just get out of my way,’" says Ian Bogost, contributing writer at The Atlantic.

Fracking flourishes as era of net-zero carbon looms

Aug 15, 2022
The energy industry is emphasizing the controversial technique over traditional drilling, partly for its shorter timetable.
David McNew/Getty Images

The private jet business is bigger than you think

Aug 1, 2022
While reducing carbon emissions is an urgent issue, private jet flights have only increased since the pandemic.
Private jet use has become normalized in recent decades . Above, a private jet in Sun Valley, Idaho, last month.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Alaska Airlines, Microsoft and carbon capture firm join forces to develop sustainable fuels

Jul 14, 2022
Sustainable aircraft fuel is tricky — electric batteries and biofuels have big drawbacks. A startup is converting carbon dioxide into jet fuel.
Most existing sustainable fuel options are biofuels, which are made out of animal fat or used cooking oil. Those present their own sustainability challenges.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Can The New American Home inspire builders to go green?

Mar 1, 2022
The house with three kitchens, a 12-nozzle shower for two and a tiled washing station for one lucky dog is designed as a "net-zero" energy home.
The New American Home 2022, unveiled at last month's International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida, boasts several green building certifications.
Amy Scott/Marketplace

Firms race to liquefy more natural gas as global demand soars

Jan 3, 2022
LNG is proving popular as a "bridge fuel" while countries transition from coal and oil to renewables.
LNG could play a crucial role in the transition to net-zero carbon emissions. Above, a ship containing liquefied natural gas at Adriatic LNG Terminal, off the coast of Italy.
Marco Sabadin/AFP via Getty Images

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There isn't enough space for all of the trees companies want to plant

Nov 8, 2021
By one estimate, the pledges out there already would require a forest five times the size of India.
New research by Oxfam indicates that there may not be enough room to plant all the trees proposed in corporate climate pledges. Above, native birch trees grow next to a desert of volcanic sand in Iceland.
Sean Gallup via Getty Images

How does a cap and trade system for carbon emissions work?

Nov 4, 2021
It's a market-focused alternative to carbon taxes.
There are more than 50 cap and trade programs across the world to address carbon emissions.
Kevin Frayer via Getty Images
World leaders at the COP26 conference in Glasgow, Scotland, on Tuesday. Among other issues, they have discussed the need for additional investment in climate resilience for developing countries.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images