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Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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.
How Women of Color in Congress Are Pushing a Grassroots Agenda
Despite roadblocks, the “Squad” has pushed progressive legislation, scrutinized the powerful, and changed the conversation around who gets to hold political power.
What Does Joe Manchin Want? Ask a West Virginian
The senior U.S. senator from West Virginia harks back to a time when Democrats embraced working class values and looked to local leaders.
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 Immigrant Communities Are Addressing Colorism and Anti-Blackness
The #BlackLivesMatter protests in 2020 sparked hard conversations within immigrant communities on how internalized biases based on skin-color remain prevalent.
How Haunani-Kay Trask Shaped Her People’s Struggle for Independence
The Hawaiian movement for self-determination was forever changed by the fierce and unapologetic leadership of the late Haunani-Kay Trask. This loving obituary written by one of Trask’s mentees explores her powerful legacy.
How the Women of Standing Rock Inspired the World
“A nation isn’t defeated until the hearts of the women are on the ground.”
Hiking as Medicine
With a body weakened by chemotherapy, flat, low-elevation hikes have become my new obsession.
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.
In This West Virginia City, Health Is a Communal Effort
The people of Williamson, West Virginia, are rethinking how health care is provided in the community, starting with re-opening their closed hospital.
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.
Why Reparations Are About More Than Money
Addressing histories of mass violence have to include both material reparations and public and visible symbolic gestures.
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.
Delivery Co-ops Provide an Answer to High Fees and Low Wages
The Grubhub model is here to stay. But community-based delivery services could be lifelines for small restaurants battling huge commission fees.
Protesting Shouldn’t Be Banned at the Olympics
Athletes continue to be punished for speaking out at the Olympics. But that’s contrary to the celebration of intercultural connections that the Olympics are supposed to represent.
Does Every Vote Still Count?
Democrats don’t seem too worried about the current Republican war on voting rights. They should be.
The Power of Local Money for a Thriving Local Economy
Alternative currencies can be a vehicle for local power and justice.
Cooler, Cleaner Megacities, One Rooftop Garden at a Time
Growing greens can be a powerful tool for change.
What Critical Race Theory Is—and What It Isn’t
Critical race theory is more patriotic than those who are opposed to it because its framers believe in the promises of equality.
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.
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