Solar and wind power may be free and renewable, but they rely on natural processes that are beyond our control. Proponents of fossil fuels point out that if the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow for an extended period, the grid could suffer a so-called “energy drought” where there just isn’t enough power to meet the demand.

In 2014 the concept of solar powered photovoltaic road panels that could collect sunlight and convert it into useable energy went viral when the Idaho-based company Solar Roadways heralded it as a solution to the global energy crisis.

A snow drought occurs when there is a subnormal amount of snow accumulation. Two types of snow droughts are specified by the American Meteorological Society’s Glossary of Meteorology: dry snow drought and warm snow drought.

Scientists have found it tough to settle on a precise definition for old-growth forests. There’s no single formula to determine what is considered an “old” tree, and growth rates among tree species are varied.

The United Nations has emphasized limiting global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change and ensure a habitable planet.

Given the escalating environmental challenges facing our planet, directing some of our New Year’s aspirations toward eco-conscious endeavors can make a tangible difference. Luckily there are lots of ways to put your resolve to work for the planet.

Food dyes have been a controversial ingredient in sodas and various beverages for decades, due to concerns about their potential health risks. These dyes are synthetic color additives used to enhance the visual appeal of foods and drinks.

We all love the holiday season for its traditions and gift-giving, but environmental advocates worry about the extra waste we generate between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Americans produce 25 percent more trash over the holidays than the rest of the year. So, what’s an eco-conscious holiday lover to do?

Geothermal energy is energy derived from the natural heat beneath the Earth’s surface. The word geothermal comes from the Greek “geo” (for earth) and “therme” (heat).

No one questions the fact that war is horrible, and it is no less so for the environment. And recent major conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East couldn’t come at a worse time politically as international negotiators try to broker a deal to rein in carbon emissions against the backdrop of two active wars.