Opinion

Reflections on pesticide regulation from a “recovering” EPA chemist

A former EPA chemist recounts agency reluctance to respond to risks seen with pesticides.

Pesticides aren’t just making us sick, they’re cooking the planet

The recent record-breaking warming of the Pacific Ocean, deaths from heat in Europe, wildfires around the world, and the heat dome roasting the U.S. create an urgent need to understand every major driver of climate change, including those we don’t usually talk about.

In a “toxic terrain,” journalism exposes Iowa’s farm pollution problem

Real change occurs in America when civic pressures from outside the centers of influence force insiders to retreat. A compelling example of that type of systemic change is now unfolding in Iowa.

How “ag-gag” laws harm animals, workers, consumers and the environment

When it comes to food, many people probably would prefer to have more information about where it came from and how it was produced. But for too long, the animal agricultural industry has been shrouded in secrecy.

This is the wrong time for major media to shut down environmental coverage

While media outlets cut environmental reporters, the impact of these losses on news coverage is real.

Pollution and cancer are on the ballot in Iowa

For the first time, the health and environmental damage from farming has moved from the margins to the apex of political priorities in Iowa, an agriculture colossus that is the nation’s largest grain and pork producer.

Cheers to independent journalism: A message to TNL readers

The first time I heard Amy Goodman’s voice on the independent news program Democracy Now!, it was 2016 and I was fresh out of journalism grad school. I was still new to Washington, DC, where I lived in an eclectic seven-person group house and wrote about earthquakes and asteroid dust for my (paid!) internship at a science news magazine.

States challenge right to protest damage to water, land, environment

Behold the “No Kings” protests last month. Millions of Americans in the streets opposing the Trump administration’s reckless governing principles. Thousands of communities expressing the solemn right to push back against a clear and present danger. At least for the time being. For real.

Oh honey, where did you go?

A sticky situation is unfolding. Across the United States, men and women are busy shepherding their bees and preparing for the upcoming season. While honey bees fill the air looking for sweet smelling flowers, heightened operating expenses and declining honey production is leaving a sour taste for many beekeepers.