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Brad Plumer

Brad Plumer

Former Senior Editor

    Latest articles by Brad Plumer

    Technology
    Clean energy is growing fast — but it’s not yet winning the race against fossil fuelsClean energy is growing fast — but it’s not yet winning the race against fossil fuels
    Technology

    There’s reason to be optimistic about wind and solar, but don’t go overboard.

    By Brad Plumer
    Science
    California’s water problems go way deeper than almondsCalifornia’s water problems go way deeper than almonds
    Science

    Everyone loves to blame almonds for California’s water crisis. But that misses the bigger story.

    By Brad Plumer
    Climate
    A guide to California’s water crisis — and why it’s so hard to fixA guide to California’s water crisis — and why it’s so hard to fix
    Climate

    People love to blame almond farmers, or golf courses, or environmentalists. But there’s an even bigger problem here.

    By Brad Plumer
    Climate
    Fracking is killing coal. So why do so many environmentalists hate it?Fracking is killing coal. So why do so many environmentalists hate it?
    Climate

    Green groups have long struggled with how to confront fracking. Increasingly, many — but not all — are against it.

    By Brad Plumer
    Science
    The year that humans first began radically altering the planetThe year that humans first began radically altering the planet
    Science

    Some scientists argue the “Anthropocene” started with the atomic bomb in 1945. Still others say it began in 1610, driven by smallpox.

    By Brad Plumer
    Science
    California just imposed mandatory water restrictions for the first time in historyCalifornia just imposed mandatory water restrictions for the first time in history
    Science

    The state’s drought has gotten really, really bad.

    By Brad Plumer
    Climate
    Solar power is contagious: Installing panels often means your neighbors will tooSolar power is contagious: Installing panels often means your neighbors will too
    Climate

    The pattern becomes obvious in looking at the growth of solar in Connecticut.

    By Brad Plumer
    Science
    Important reminder: “energy” and “electricity” are not the same thingImportant reminder: “energy” and “electricity” are not the same thing
    Science

    This is the most common mistake in covering energy issues.

    By Brad Plumer
    Climate
    Obama has vowed to cut US emissions 17% by 2020. He’s not on track yet.Obama has vowed to cut US emissions 17% by 2020. He’s not on track yet.
    Climate

    He’ll likely need to crack down on methane leaks from oil and gas drilling.

    By Brad Plumer
    Climate
    The US only has two polar icebreakers. That’s a problem if the Arctic keeps melting.The US only has two polar icebreakers. That’s a problem if the Arctic keeps melting.
    Climate

    The Coast Guard will have to deal with more oil spills and stranded ships.

    By Brad Plumer