2012:
"Destination Science: Unpaved Orlando," Discover, March 2012. Theme parks put Orlando on the map, but it's also a gateway to quiet spots where Florida's lush tropical ecology is the real attraction.
"Bobcat Rescue," National Geographic Kids, March 2012. How Tampa's Big Cat Rescue sanctuary raised an orphaned bobcat kitten and helped her return to the wild.
2011:
"The Resource Curse," CQ Global Researcher, December 20, 2011. Are nations that depend on exporting oil, gas or minerals doomed to stagnation and corruption? An in-depth look at a controversial debate.
"Managing Public Lands," CQ Researcher, November 4, 2011. The U.S. government owns millions of acres of public lands, which have many valuable uses. And Americans have just as many views on how to manage them.
"Redistributing the Ceremonial Wealth," American Archaeology, Winter 2011-12. Researchers are finding that a Little League sports complex in southeastern Massachusetts served an unusual and mysterious function thousands of years ago.
"Gulf Coast Restoration," CQ Researcher, August 26, 2011.Scientists are still measuring damage from the BP spill, which is likely to lead to record fines and penalties. Experts say that restoration should also address long-term problems like eroding wetlands and pollution n the Mississipi Delta.
"Pollution Diet," AMC Outdoors, July/August 2011. EPA has approved a plan to cut nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment levels in the Chesapeake Bay after years of delay and failed voluntary state actions.
"Safe Harbor," All Animals, July/August 2011. The Cape Wildlife Center in Barnstable, MA, operated by the Humane Society of the United States, provides year-round care for sick and injured animals and teaches humans how to live with their wild neighbors.
"After the Meltdowns," Williams Alumni Review, June 2011. Perspectives from a physicist, a utility executive, and global climate change negotiator on the disaster in Fukushima, Japan and its implications for nuclear power.
"Energy Policy," CQ Researcher, May 20, 2011. A year after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, national leaders are hotly debating whether and how to shift the U.S. economy away from its heavy dependence on fossil fuel.
"Managing Nuclear Waste," CQ Researcher, January 28, 2011. Thousands of tons of spent fuel from comercial nuclear reactors are stored at more than 100 sites across the United States, but the federal government does not have a long-tem plan for managing it.
2010:
"Trouble Underfoot," AMC Outdoors, November/December 2010. Natural gas drilling threatens forests and water quality in New York and Pennsylvania.
"The Water Detective," Miller-McCune, September/October 2010. MIT professor Charles Harvey traces the source of widespread arsenic poisoning in Bangladesh, setting the stage for programs that could benefit 20 million people.
"The Doctor Is In the Studio," Williams Alumni Review, September 2010. A profile of doctor/journalist Richard Besser, senior health and medical editor at ABC News.
"Throwing Sharks a Lifeline," Defenders, Summer 2010. Many people see sharks as killing machines, but they're an essential part of healthy oceans, and the threat runs the other way: human predation is endangering sharks.
"Water Shortages," CQ Researcher, June 18, 2010. Pollution controls have made U.S. waters cleaner since the 1970s, but drought, overuse, and crumbling pipes threaten those gains today. Can Americans learn the true value of clean water? (Excerpts on request.)
"Power To the Revolution," The Daily Climate, April 28, 2010. Utilities are spending billions of dollars to make the U.S. electric grid more reliable, efficient and green. In the process they will drastically change how they do business.
"Bioengineers Turn Trees Into Tires," PopularMechanics.com, April 2010. Billions of gallons of oil are used worldwide every year to manufacture tires. Bioengineers are developing a plant-based substitute that could replace some of that oil within five years.
"Beavers: The Engineers of the Forest," Smithsonian.com, March 16, 2010. Beavers once were valued only for their pelts, but studies show that beaver ponds improve water quality and create rich habitat for animals, plants and birds.
"Where It's Always Shark Week," Stanford Magazine, March/April 2010. Cartoonist Jim Toomey, creator of the syndicated comic strip Sherman's Lagoon, finds the humor in ocean peril.
"One if by Radar, Two if by Laser," The History Channel Magazine, March/April 2010. Curators are using modern digital imaging tools to plan renovations around Paul Revere's house, the oldest building in Boston. (Copies on request.)
"Trendsetter: Jeff Corwin," Sierra, March/April 2010. Emmy-winning journalist Jeff Corwin talks about his new book, 100 Heartbeats, and the race to save the world's most endangered species.
"Modernizing the Grid," CQ Researcher, February 19, 2010. The Obama admninistration and utilities are spending billions of dollars to make the U.S. electric power grid bigger and smarter. Advocates say these changes will reduce pollution and save money, but not everyone is convinced. (Excerpts on request.)
"Wind, Water and Wings," Defenders, Winter 2010. Offshore wind power is a promising clean energy source, but can it be made safe for birds?
"Green Economy," Forest Magazine, Winter 2010. An interview with Sally Collins, director of the new Office of Ecosystem Markets at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about selling forest "goods" other than timber.
2009:
"For Clean Energy, Britain Looks Out to Sea," The Daily Climate, December 3, 2009. The United Kingdom has set ambitious targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and needs lots of offshore wind power to reach them.
"Wild Turkeys Come to Town," National Geographic Kids, November 2009. From forests to city streets, wild turkeys are on the move. (Copies on request.)
"Nuclear Disarmament," CQ Researcher, October 2, 2009. Would eliminating nuclear weapons make the U.S. more secure? And is it even possible? (Excerpts available on request.)
"Watch This Space," Stanford Magazine, September/October 2009. Tom Kiernan, president of the National Parks Conservation Association, keeps a close eye on U.S. national parks.
"Solar Express," Boston Globe Magazine, August 2, 2009. Tufts University and Boston Architectural College students team up to build a solar-powered house that generates as much energy as it uses.
"Leader of the Aquarium's Next Wave," Boston Magazine, July 2009. When the New England Aquarium opens its new marine mammal center, curator Jenny Montague will be slinging a lot of squid.
"Rapid Urbanization," CQ Global Researcher, April 2009. More than half of the world's population now lives in cities, and this share is increasing, esepcially in the developing world. How can we make cities greener, healthier, and more functional places to live? (Excerpts on request.)
"Back in the Black," Forest Magazine, Spring 2009. Virginia's black bears were nearly hunted to extinction a century ago, but today they're thriving, and humans are learning to coexist with them.
"Diagnosis: Mercury," On Earth, Spring 2009. Physician Jane Hightower had dozens of patients with mysterious symptoms like fatigue, joint pain and hair loss. The cause: mercury poisoning from eating seafood.
"Yellow Fever," Audubon, March/April 2009. A uranium mining rush is pressing up against Grand Canyon National Park, and could threaten the canyon's streams and wildlife.
"Climate Change Comes to Your Backyard," The Daily Climate, March 23, 2009. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is revising its plant hardiness zone map, and plant experts expect the new version to show many parts of the U.S. getting warmer.
"From Bombs to Birds," Defenders, Winter 2009. How a former nuclear weapons production site in Colorado became a wildlife haven.
"Regulating Toxic Chemicals," CQ Researcher, January 23, 2009. Should chemicals have to be proven safe before they can be marketed? A 24-page overview of the U.S. approach to managing chemical risks. (Excerpts available on request.)
"Saving the Blue Iguana," National Geographic Kids, February 2009. Grand Cayman is working to save its rare blue dragons from predators and development. (Copies on request.)
"Food for Thought," Williams Alumni Review, January 2009. Although she's not a farmer, Kathleen Merrigan has cultivated organic farming for nearly 20 years. Here she shares her thoughts about the benefits from eating organic and the future of the industry. (Second article in a 2-story package)
"Tilting Toward Windmills," Forest Magazine, Winter 2009. Wind power projects have been proposed for national forests in Vermont, Virginia and Michigan. Does this fit within "multiple use"?
2008:
"Birds of a Feather," Audubon, November/December 2008. The National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count is a yearly tradition, especially for a grandmother/ grandson team with birding in their blood. (Extended version online)
"Carbon Trading," CQ Global Researcher, November 2008. Will the booming market for carbon emissions permits really slow climate change? (Excerpts available on request.)
"Planet Earth 101," Boston Globe Magazine, October 5, 2008. The green campus movement is sweeping U.S. colleges and universities because it makes environmental, moral and financial sense.
"Protecting Wetlands," CQ Researcher, October 3, 2008. Wetlands are vital resources, but not all wetlands are equal, and important areas like Louisiana's Gulf coast are eroding daily. (Excerpts available on request.)
"Wind Power: Turbulence Ahead," Backpacker, September 2008. Wind energy can help reduce air pollution and slow climate change, but can hikers accept turbines on scenic ridgelines?
"Blast From the Past," Boston Globe Magazine, August 3, 2008. A conversation with Victor Mastone, underwater archaeologist for the state of Massachusetts, about conserving shipwrecks and other sunken treasures.
"Hazy Forecast," Forest Magazine, Summer 2008. New Hampshire's White Mountains are among the most popular outdoor destinations in the Northeast, but climate change could profoundly affect conditions for hiking, biking, skiing, and other area sports.
"Nuclear-Free Hiking," Backpacker, May 2008. After multi-billion-dollar cleanups, some of the Cold War's dirtiest military sites are morphing into parks and wildlife refuges.
"How Now, Brown-Headed Cowbird?" Nature Network Boston, May 9, 2008. Massachusetts Audubon is updating its Breeding Bird Atlas, a map of birds' status across the state that was first produced in the 1970s. Early findings clearly show human impacts on wildlife.
"Remembering Our Atomic Past," High Country News, April 28, 2008. As the U.S. cleans up former nuclear weapons production sites, preservation advocates are documenting what took place there.
"For Sale: Carbon Emissions," Nature Network Boston, March 26, 2008. An interview with Tufts University professor and climate change expert William Moomaw about what it's like participating in the Chicago Climate Exchange.
"Buying Green," CQ Researcher, February 29, 2008. Americans will spend an estimated $500 billion in 2008 on products and services that claim to be earth-friendly, but some of those purchases may not do much to help the planet. A look at which green goods are worth the price. (Excerpts available on request.)
"Hold the Salt," High Country News, February 4, 2008. The latest phase in the 40-year resurrection of San Francisco Bay is a massive project to turn industrial salt ponds back into wetlands.
"From Mold to Gold," Preservation, January/February 2008. How a crumbling Cambridge, Mass. landmark became a showpiece for green design.
2007:
"Future of Recycling," CQ Researcher, December 14, 2007. Today the U.S. recycles and composts about one-third of its municipal solid waste. How much higher can we go? (Excerpts available on request.)
"Growing Pains," Preservation, November/December 2007. Harvard University has a 50-year plan for expanding into adjoining North Allston. Neighbors would like some more details before they put out the welcome mat.
"Coal's Comeback," CQ Researcher, October 5, 2007. Coal is cheap, plentiful, and high-polluting. What role will it play in U.S. energy policy over the coming decades? (Excerpts available on request.)
"Bambi on Birth Control," Plenty, October/November 2007. Wildlife managers are using contraception to manage species from grey squirrels to elephants. The science of animal birth control is straightforward, but the politics are contentious.
"Taking the Awe Out of Autumn," National Wildlife, October/November 2007. A look at how global warming could affect one beloved species: sugar maples, which give us maple syrup and brighten fall foliage displays.
"All Clear," Audubon, September/October 2007. Colorado's Interstate Highway 70 is a Berlin Wall for migrating animals. A proposed wildlife bridge would connect national forests on both sides and keep critters out of traffic.
"Fish Farming," CQ Researcher, July 27, 2007. Aquaculture is producing a growing share of world seafood supplies. Fish is an important source of healthy protein, but if fish farming is done poorly it can pollute the oceans and damage wild fisheries. A 24-page look at this growing industry (excerpts available on request).
"Making the Leap," Williams Alumni Review, Summer 2007. Consensus is building for action to stem global climate change. Scientists, business leaders, government officials, and educators all have roles to play.
"Power Plants," Plenty, June/July 2007. There's more to ethanol than corn. Switchgrass, poplars, willows, and other energy crops are poised to take biofuels to a new level.
"Mother Nature's Helpers," New York Times, May 11, 2007. Citizen science projects let amateur naturalists contribute to science and have fun outdoors with like-minded people.
"Cleaning Up Old King Coal," Nature Network Boston, March 15, 2007. A new study from MIT says that coal energy can be part of a low-carbon future -- but only if we work harder and faster on technology to capture and store CO2 emissions.
"Factory Farms," CQ Researcher, January 12, 2007. Large animal farms produce lots of affordable meat, milk, and poultry, but critics say they are major polluters and treat animals inhumanely. Is this the best way to feed the nation? (Excerpts available on request.)
"Of Time and the Forest," Williams Alumni Review, January 2007. In long-term ecosystem research, "How's it going?" can be a complicated question.
2006:
"Professor Cellulose," Grist, December 12, 2006. Biofuel expert Lee Lynd sees a cellulosic ethanol industry taking shape.
"Are We There Yet?" Grist, December 11, 2006. Cellulosic ethanol, which promises to be a bigger energy breakthrough than its corn-based cousin, may be commercialized in the United States within the next five years.
"An Allston Metamorphosis?" Harvard Magazine, November-December 2006. Harvard University takes its first steps toward building a new, green campus in Boston.
"New England Warming," Nature Network Boston, October 5, 2006. A new study predicts that by 2100 summer in Boston could feel like being in Maryland, or even South Carolina.
"Deconstruct Your House," Plenty, October/November 2006. If you're tearing down or renovating a home, you can recycle what comes down.
"Painting the Campus Green," Nature Network Boston, July 6, 2006. Harvard, Tufts, and MIT are charting paths toward sustainability, and saving money in the process.
"Nuclear Energy," CQ Researcher, March 10, 2006. Advocates see nuclear power as an important source of clean energy, but critics argue that the industry has major waste, safety, economic, and security issues to solve. A 24-page look at prospects for building new nuclear power plants. (Excerpts available on request.)
"A Year-Round Urban Harvest," In Business, January/February 2006. ReVision House, a women's shelter in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, operates a thriving organic farm that provides job training skills and builds community.
"Sparks Fly Over a National Park," Preservation Online, January 20, 2006. Are wind turbines compatible with recreation and historic preservation on the Boston Harbor Islands? How about a liquefied natural gas terminal?
"Sun City," Popular Mechanics, January 2006. Four high-scoring houses from the 2005 Solar Decathlon competition merge style and comfort with sustainability. (Photographs posted with permission from Preston-Schlebusch).
2005:
"Mixed Company," Grist, November 15, 2005. Two new books consider corporate social responsibility from opposite ends of the telescope.
"Fishing for Answers," Natural Food Network Magazine, November/December 2005. Consumers are hearing mixed messages about the benefits and risks of eating seafood. Retailers can help them sort through the issues and make healthy choices.
"And Vermont Makes 48," Wildlife Conservation, November/December 2005. Chick by chick, a public/private partnership is working to restore breeding bald eagles to Vermont for the first time in 70 years.
"Highly Combustible: Debating the Risks and Benefits of LNG," E Magazine, November/December 2005. The U.S. needs more natural gas to heat homes, generate electricity, and power businesses, but many communities worry that liquefied natural gas terminals are safety threats and don't want them nearby.
"Domestic Energy Development," CQ Researcher, September 30, 2005. U.S. oil and gas prices are at record levels. Should we drill more? Conserve more? Switch to other sources? A 24-page overview of the economic, environmental, and security implications of U.S. dependence on oil and natural gas. (Excerpts available on request.)
"Landfills Expand Energy Output," BioCycle, August 2005. Depending on how it's handled, landfill gas can be an environmental hazard or a renewable energy source. New technologies are opening up many economic applications for landfill gas energy.
"Wind Resistance," On Earth, Fall 2005. It's full sail ahead for offshore wind energy projects in Europe; the United States is just starting, with mixed results so far.
"Just a Viscous Rumor," Grist, June 7, 2005. In Beyond Oil: The View from Hubbert's Peak, geologist Kenneth Deffeyes considers options for powering a world without oil.
"State Incentives for Biomass Electricity," BioCycle, January 2005. Many states have created portfolio standards, project development funds, and other incentives to support electricity production from biomass and other renewable fuels.
"Political Science," Grist, January 5, 2005. The Union of Concerned Scientists contends that Bush Administration policies are undercutting the role of sound scientific analysis in federal policy decisions.
2004 and earlier:
"Good Dirt," Boston Globe Magazine, November 14, 2004. A citywide food composting program would give new meaning to the moniker "Land of the bean and the cod."
"Why Not Wind?" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, January/February 2003. Wind power has many good environmental selling points, but developers have to pay careful attention to project impacts and work closely with potential host communities if they hope to win acceptance.
"Going Nuclear, Again: Let's Look Harder Before We Leap," Washington Post, May 13, 2001. Nuclear power may have a role to play in meeting future clean energy needs, but not until the industry answers serious questions about waste management, safety, proliferation, and cost.
