The Fate of the World Changed in Paris—but by How Much? The Fate of the World Changed in Paris—but by How Much?
If taken seriously, the commitments made at COP21 could spell death for the fossil-fuel industry. That’s a big “if.”
Dec 13, 2015 / Mark Hertsgaard
Scientists Warn: The Paris Climate Agreement Needs Massive Improvement Scientists Warn: The Paris Climate Agreement Needs Massive Improvement
The current text doesn’t even mention “fossil fuels” and lacks strong language on human rights.
Dec 11, 2015 / Mark Hertsgaard
In the Final Hours of the Climate Talks, a 1.5 Degrees C Target Is Still on the Table—but Is That a Good Thing? In the Final Hours of the Climate Talks, a 1.5 Degrees C Target Is Still on the Table—but Is That a Good Thing?
In exchange for including the ambitious target in the final text, developing nations are being pressured to never again mention “liability and compensation.”
Dec 9, 2015 / Mark Hertsgaard
With a 1.5 Degrees Celsius Target, the Climate-Justice Movement Is Poised to Score a Surprise Win With a 1.5 Degrees Celsius Target, the Climate-Justice Movement Is Poised to Score a Surprise Win
Pressure from activists and vulnerable countries has shifted the discussion away from a 2 degrees C target—a virtual death sentence for millions of people.
Dec 7, 2015 / Mark Hertsgaard
The Most Ambitious Emissions Pledges on the Table in Paris Would Still Result in Catastrophic Warming The Most Ambitious Emissions Pledges on the Table in Paris Would Still Result in Catastrophic Warming
Global temperatures would still rise to 2.7 to 3.5 C above the pre-industrial level.
Nov 30, 2015 / Mark Hertsgaard
A Lesson for Paris Climate Talks: Follow the Activists A Lesson for Paris Climate Talks: Follow the Activists
At home and abroad, the grassroots wing of the climate movement is disrupting politics as usual. We should pay attention.
Nov 19, 2015 / Mark Hertsgaard
The Paris Climate Conference: Last Chance for Planet Earth? The Paris Climate Conference: Last Chance for Planet Earth?
The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been—but the movement may be on the verge of a breakthrough in public consciousness.
Nov 3, 2015 / Feature / Mark Hertsgaard
Bernie Sanders Has a Secret Weapon, and the Media Elites Just Don’t Get It Bernie Sanders Has a Secret Weapon, and the Media Elites Just Don’t Get It
Americans are a people for whom ideology matters a lot less than speaking plainly and sticking by your beliefs.
Oct 14, 2015 / Mark Hertsgaard
Three Weeks After Obama Announced His Clean-Power Plan, He Greenlit New Oil Drilling in the Arctic Three Weeks After Obama Announced His Clean-Power Plan, He Greenlit New Oil Drilling in the Arctic
What’s driving the president’s bafflingly two-faced climate policy?
Aug 26, 2015 / Mark Hertsgaard
World Governments Subsidize the Burning of Fossil Fuels to the Tune of $10 Million a Minute World Governments Subsidize the Burning of Fossil Fuels to the Tune of $10 Million a Minute
According to a new IMF study, we’re subsidizing the digging of our own graves.
May 21, 2015 / Mark Hertsgaard