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Published at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment, Ensia is a solutions-focused media outlet

reporting on our changing planet.

 

Here’s a peek at what will likely be powering the ships, planes, trains and automobiles of tomorrow nbsp; Feature Here’s a peek at what will likely be powering the ships, planes, trains and automobiles of tomorrow  
Opinion: What’s the best climate action you can take? You tell me. nbsp; Voices Opinion: What’s the best climate action you can take? You tell me.  
E-waste generation is accelerating five times faster than recycling rates. What to do about it?   E-waste generation is accelerating five times faster than recycling rates. What to do about it? Notable
Good news for manufacturers, builders and — well, everyone   Good news for manufacturers, builders and — well, everyone Notable
If you care about conservation, read this nbsp; Article If you care about conservation, read this  
Opinion: Why understanding limits is the key to humanity’s future nbsp; Voices Opinion: Why understanding limits is the key to humanity’s future  
Global pesticide use is on the rise   Global pesticide use is on the rise Notable
Thinking about a heat pump? Here are a few things to consider. nbsp; Feature Thinking about a heat pump? Here are a few things to consider.  
A solar solution to the West’s changing climate? nbsp; Feature A solar solution to the West’s changing climate?  
How do carbon dioxide removal strategies compare?   How do carbon dioxide removal strategies compare? Notable
Top conservation issues to watch out for in 2023 nbsp; Article Top conservation issues to watch out for in 2023  
Are China’s pledges to green its Belt and Road Initiative the real deal? nbsp; Feature Are China’s pledges to green its Belt and Road Initiative the real deal?  
Opinion: The next eight years will make all of the difference nbsp; Voices Opinion: The next eight years will make all of the difference  
Clawing our way to environmentally friendly packaging   Clawing our way to environmentally friendly packaging Notable
Look what’s on the conservation horizon nbsp; Article Look what’s on the conservation horizon  
In an arid U.S. West, water agencies look to delive​r​ purified wastewater directly to customers’ faucets​, despite “yuck factor” nbsp; Feature In an arid U.S. West, water agencies look to delive​r​ purified wastewater directly to customers’ faucets​, despite “yuck factor”  
Citizens across the country are questioning, and sometimes fighting, chloramines in drinking water nbsp; Feature Citizens across the country are questioning, and sometimes fighting, chloramines in drinking water  
What can organic solar cells bring to the table? nbsp; Feature What can organic solar cells bring to the table?  
Large food companies are looking to lock carbon in soil as a way to meet ambitious emissions goals nbsp; Feature Large food companies are looking to lock carbon in soil as a way to meet ambitious emissions goals  
Can global innovation competitions help unearth the next sustainability solution? nbsp; Feature Can global innovation competitions help unearth the next sustainability solution?  
PFAS chemicals are turning up in tap water across the country. How do we get them out? nbsp; Feature PFAS chemicals are turning up in tap water across the country. How do we get them out?  
There are worse viruses than Covid-19 out there. How do we avoid the next big one? nbsp; Feature There are worse viruses than Covid-19 out there. How do we avoid the next big one?  
What will 2021 bring in the world of conservation?   What will 2021 bring in the world of conservation? Notable
Why aren’t solar water heaters more popular in the U.S., even in solar-friendly states like California? nbsp; Feature Why aren’t solar water heaters more popular in the U.S., even in solar-friendly states like California?  
Of hemp’s many uses, one of the most promising could be in construction nbsp; Feature Of hemp’s many uses, one of the most promising could be in construction  
Should we bank on innovation to hold back global heating? History says it’s a risky bet   Should we bank on innovation to hold back global heating? History says it’s a risky bet Notable
When people turn to nature to solve human problems, sometimes nature benefits, too nbsp; Article When people turn to nature to solve human problems, sometimes nature benefits, too  
Our old cellphones, computers and appliances are a bigger problem than ever. Here’s what we need to do.   Our old cellphones, computers and appliances are a bigger problem than ever. Here’s what we need to do. Notable
Can cabbage boost the environmental friendliness of lithium-ion batteries? nbsp; Article Can cabbage boost the environmental friendliness of lithium-ion batteries?  
Less than 10% of all plastic trash ever produced has been recycled. Is this the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for? nbsp; Feature Less than 10% of all plastic trash ever produced has been recycled. Is this the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?  
Everyday products are full of harmful chemicals. Can green chemistry lead the way to safer alternatives? nbsp; Feature Everyday products are full of harmful chemicals. Can green chemistry lead the way to safer alternatives?  
Opinion: We need to keep our water systems — and workers — safe as the novel coronavirus ravages the world nbsp; Voices Opinion: We need to keep our water systems — and workers — safe as the novel coronavirus ravages the world  
This little-known principle has harmed millions of people. What are we doing to change it? nbsp; Feature This little-known principle has harmed millions of people. What are we doing to change it?  
Opinion: If we want smart cities, we need to double down on rail transit nbsp; Voices Opinion: If we want smart cities, we need to double down on rail transit  
What will it take to rid our store shelves of BPA? nbsp; Feature What will it take to rid our store shelves of BPA?  
As cities’ interest in green infrastructure grows, so does the need to develop strategies and resources to maintain it nbsp; Feature As cities’ interest in green infrastructure grows, so does the need to develop strategies and resources to maintain it  
Can the gene editing technology known as CRISPR help reduce biodiversity loss worldwide? nbsp; Feature Can the gene editing technology known as CRISPR help reduce biodiversity loss worldwide?  
Clean energy technology is taking cues from sunflower spirals, schooling fish and other natural phenomena nbsp; Article Clean energy technology is taking cues from sunflower spirals, schooling fish and other natural phenomena  
Opinion: Calling all hackers — endangered wildlife needs you nbsp; Voices Opinion: Calling all hackers — endangered wildlife needs you  
Can smartphone apps help solve the world’s food waste problem? nbsp; Feature Can smartphone apps help solve the world’s food waste problem?  
Tech accelerators help nonprofits fast-track technology aimed at solving environmental challenges nbsp; Feature Tech accelerators help nonprofits fast-track technology aimed at solving environmental challenges  
What colored blobs in the brain can tell us about environmental decision making nbsp; Article What colored blobs in the brain can tell us about environmental decision making  
Can better photosynthesis help feed the world? nbsp; Article Can better photosynthesis help feed the world?  
This study argues genetic modification could help quinoa, millet and other naturally stress-resistant plants become more productive   This study argues genetic modification could help quinoa, millet and other naturally stress-resistant plants become more productive Notable
Opinion: Green tech metals for renewable energy and other smart technologies need to be sourced sustainably and responsibly. Here’s how. nbsp; Voices Opinion: Green tech metals for renewable energy and other smart technologies need to be sourced sustainably and responsibly. Here’s how.  
Reshaping Africa’s rural food systems and cutting food losses nbsp; Feature Reshaping Africa’s rural food systems and cutting food losses  
Scientists are using bacteria to remove harmful contaminants from our water. Here’s how. nbsp; Article Scientists are using bacteria to remove harmful contaminants from our water. Here’s how.  
Three promising new technologies could help send stormwater to taps in thirsty cities nbsp; Feature Three promising new technologies could help send stormwater to taps in thirsty cities  
Hyperloop promises ultrafast transportation. But what does it mean for the environment? nbsp; Feature Hyperloop promises ultrafast transportation. But what does it mean for the environment?  
Looking to fungi, spiders and other natural insect killers for less toxic alternatives to synthetic pesticides nbsp; Article Looking to fungi, spiders and other natural insect killers for less toxic alternatives to synthetic pesticides  
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