Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now
Umair Irfan

Umair Irfan

Former correspondent

    Latest articles by Umair Irfan

    Climate
    Climate got more time in the Democrats’ first 2020 debate than in all 2016 debates combinedClimate got more time in the Democrats’ first 2020 debate than in all 2016 debates combined
    Climate

    But it was still only seven minutes.

    By Umair Irfan
    Politics
    6 questions on climate change 2020 Democrats should have to answer in the debates6 questions on climate change 2020 Democrats should have to answer in the debates
    Politics

    What voters need to know to figure out which candidates have real climate chops.

    By Umair Irfan
    Politics
    Why the Democratic Party doesn’t want a presidential debate about climate changeWhy the Democratic Party doesn’t want a presidential debate about climate change
    Politics

    The DNC chair opposes holding a climate change debate, but activists and 15 presidential contenders want one.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Oregon Republicans are still on the lam to avoid voting on a major climate change billOregon Republicans are still on the lam to avoid voting on a major climate change bill
    Climate

    “Send bachelors and come heavily armed,” one Republican state senator warned police.

    By Umair Irfan
    Politics
    Trump’s EPA just replaced Obama’s signature climate policy with a much weaker ruleTrump’s EPA just replaced Obama’s signature climate policy with a much weaker rule
    Politics

    The Affordable Clean Energy rule replaces the Clean Power Plan. It could increase carbon emissions.

    By Umair Irfan
    Explainers
    The Green New Deal is fracturing a critical base for Democrats: unionsThe Green New Deal is fracturing a critical base for Democrats: unions
    Explainers

    National labor leaders oppose the Green New Deal but some state unions endorse it. That’s a challenge for presidential contenders.

    By Umair Irfan
    Technology
    Bitcoin is an energy hog. Where is all that electricity coming from?Bitcoin is an energy hog. Where is all that electricity coming from?
    Technology

    A new report claims it’s mostly powered by renewables. Be skeptical.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    4 maps that show who’s being left behind in America’s wind-power boom4 maps that show who’s being left behind in America’s wind-power boom
    Climate

    Why does a huge swath of the country have hardly any wind turbines at all?

    By Javier Zarracina and Umair Irfan
    Climate
    The severe floods soaking the Midwest and Southeast are not letting upThe severe floods soaking the Midwest and Southeast are not letting up
    Climate

    Forecasters predicted the massive floods months ago.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Breathing dirty air takes years off people’s lives. This tool shows just how much.Breathing dirty air takes years off people’s lives. This tool shows just how much.
    Climate

    How improving air quality could add years to people’s lives around the world.

    By Umair Irfan