How Indigenous Communities Are Building Energy Sovereignty
“If it’s extractive in nature, you are absolutely unwelcome.”
Environment
A Family Farm Brings African Produce to Portland
Customers in the local African community say Happiness Family Farm’s stands have been like a temple for them.
How “Whitey on the Moon” Perfectly Captures Bezos’ Space Joy Ride
The themes of Gill Scott-Heron’s seminal poem written decades ago resonate more strongly than ever as billionaires like Jeff Bezos spend their money on lavish vanity projects.
When Less Is More
If we’re going to survive as a species and heal the Earth, we’ll need to drastically cut back on our consumption.
Lobster Gangs and Debunking “The Tragedy of the Commons”
Research by Elinor Ostrom and her colleagues show how people cooperate to manage, and sustain, common resources.
There Is Enough Food, Just Not Enough Food Access
Community fridge networks across the country are an important start—and symbol—in the work to make sure everyone has enough to eat.
Enough for Everyone
Given the current climate emergency and the broader ecological breakdown that looms, there are few issues more pressing than that expressed by the single word: enough. Yet, it is possible to satisfy humanity’s universal needs fairly—and keep the world livable.
Energy, Housing, Food, Water: What’s a Fair Share?
What equitable resource distribution looks like.
Gaza, a Surprising Model for Urban Living
Gaza has been forced to rely on high-efficiency solutions for political reasons. Soon, the rest of the world will have to do so for climate-related reasons.
Going Beyond Composting
3 composters who are thinking about the soil as well as better food waste systems.
What Role Should Social Justice Play in Climate Science?
The Sámi people of Northern Sweden oppose geoengineering as a solution to climate change because they say it follows the same logic that produced the climate crisis in the first place.
The Best Climate Solutions Start with Listening to Communities
Engaging residents opens the opportunity for them to thrive despite the ever-increasing climate emergency.
Depaving Cities for a Greener Future
Minimum Viable Planet is a weeklyish newsletter about climateish stuff, and how to keep it together in a world gone mad. This week, Montreal’s depaving efforts make this Toronto-dweller green with envy (and inspiration).
How Replanted Seagrass Is Restoring the Ocean
Two decades in to the world’s largest seagrass restoration project, Virginia's coastal waters are once again vibrant and healthy ecosystems.
Sketches to Make You Smile
“Minimum Viable Planet” is a weeklyish commentary about climateish stuff, and how to keep it together in a world gone mad. This week, comics to help you stay positive and take action.
How the Women of Standing Rock Inspired the World
“A nation isn’t defeated until the hearts of the women are on the ground.”
Suffering the Heat of Climate Change, Cities Seek Retribution
Baltimore is suing major oil and gas companies for spurring the climate crisis and the rising temperatures that have an outsized impact on low-income, urban areas.
The Unsung Caribbean Roots of the Vegan Food Movement
While eating a plant-based diet is often presented as a white, millennial fad that accompanies gentrification, Black people have a long and rich tradition of plant-based eating.
Settlers Have an Obligation to Defend Treaty Rights, Too
“The treaties are not just a concern for Indigenous people. They were entered into by the U.S. government, and as citizens, we have a responsibility to ensure our government honors that law.”
Cities Use Public Transit to Make Nature More Accessible
Seattle is one of several major cities implementing a “transit to trails” program to help more people access local wilderness.
Tribes Are Leading the Way to Remove Dams and Restore Ecosystems
When the Elwha River dams fell, it was the culmination of many decades of successful partnerships to support the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe in righting historic wrongs.
Cooler, Cleaner Megacities, One Rooftop Garden at a Time
Growing greens can be a powerful tool for change.
Heat: A Comic
“Minimum Viable Planet” is a weeklyish commentary about climateish stuff, and how to keep it together in a world gone mad. This week, hot and bothered and insulted by my children.
The Beauty of Beasts (and How to Save Them From Us)
In grappling with the complicated history of environmental conservation, Michelle Nijhuis eschews blind hope in favor of pragmatic possibility.
Rights for Rivers: Fighting for the Legal Rights of Nature
Arguing for the legal standing of nature was greeted as ridiculous in the 1970s. But now the idea is catching on.
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