ENVIRONMENT | Protecting our natural resources
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Photo Gallery: Climate Change and Clean Energy
The Earth’s climate system is a complex, interactive process made up of the atmosphere, land, snow and ice, oceans and living things. Two factors change the atmosphere -- natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions and human-induced increases in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
Map
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States and Communities Go Green
States, towns and individuals across the United States are adopting renewable energy. See where and how communities are reducing their impact on the environment while creating new opportunities.
Feature Article
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Health Effects of Climate Change
Experts say climate change will affect global health through “multiple pathways.” The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are leading efforts to monitor and respond to the new threat.
Renewable Resources
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hydrogen
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Use of Hydrogen Grows To Fuel Vehicles, Produce Electricity
There is a growing global commitment to a cleaner environment and to replacing finite stores of coal, oil and natural gas with renewable energy sources. One of the most challenging and potentially promising of these renewable resources is hydrogen.
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solar
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Solar Cells Increasing Use of Electricity from Sunlight
Turning sunlight into energy has been a dream of inventors at least since 1861, when the first sun-powered motor was patented in France. Today, innovation, investment and technology advances are producing solar technologies that generate power and reduce stress on the electricity infrastructure.
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wind
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Wind Power World's Fastest-Growing New Electricity Source
Wind power, the technology of using the wind to generate electricity, is the fastest-growing new source of electricity. Continuing this trend requires aggressive research and development, experts say, and government commitment to giving the technology an economic foothold.
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biomass
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Organic Material Largest U.S. Source of Renewable Energy
Biomass, defined as any organic material, is a familiar source of renewable energy. Sawmill waste, agricultural byproducts and the organic components of municipal and industrial waste can be burned to generate electricity and can be converted directly into liquid fuels for transportation.
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geothermal
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Partnerships Promote Geothermal Energy in Developing Nations
Geothermal energy comes from the heat inside the earth: steam, hot springs and volcanic activity. It is most available in regions where the earth’s crust comes together or separates to form a rift, such as in east Africa, or in a volcanic belt like the Pacific Ring of Fire that links the Americas and Asia.
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hydrogen