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Umair Irfan

Umair Irfan

Former correspondent

    Latest articles by Umair Irfan

    Explainers
    A simple guide to CRISPR, one of the biggest science stories of the decadeA simple guide to CRISPR, one of the biggest science stories of the decade
    Explainers

    It could revolutionize everything from medicine to agriculture. Better read up now.

    By Umair Irfan, Julia Belluz and 2 more
    Explainers
    “Fake milk”: why the dairy industry is boiling over plant-based milks“Fake milk”: why the dairy industry is boiling over plant-based milks
    Explainers

    Dairy milk producers want the FDA to stop soy, almond, and oat beverages from using the term “milk.”

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    The scooter stampede of 2018 is great news for urban transportationThe scooter stampede of 2018 is great news for urban transportation
    Play
    Climate

    Micromobility options like scooters are a small step in solving the massive challenge of urban transit.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Countries have forged a climate deal in Poland — despite TrumpCountries have forged a climate deal in Poland — despite Trump
    Climate

    Negotiators at COP24 in Katowice reached agreement, bolstering the Paris accord.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Why Trump wants to repeal an Obama-era clean water ruleWhy Trump wants to repeal an Obama-era clean water rule
    Climate

    The EPA is suspending the Clean Water Rule while it scrambles to come up with a replacement.

    By Brad Plumer and Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Greenland’s ice sheet is melting at its fastest rate in centuriesGreenland’s ice sheet is melting at its fastest rate in centuries
    Climate

    The ice on Greenland would raise global sea levels by 20 feet if it were all to melt.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    The EPA is lifting greenhouse gas limits on coal power plantsThe EPA is lifting greenhouse gas limits on coal power plants
    Climate

    The latest proposal won’t stop the steady decline of the coal industry.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Why US carmakers are betting on electric vehicles and SUVs at the same timeWhy US carmakers are betting on electric vehicles and SUVs at the same time
    Climate

    Trump wants to pull electric vehicle subsidies just as the industry is focusing on them.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Trump: “I don’t believe” my government’s climate change reportTrump: “I don’t believe” my government’s climate change report
    Climate

    The National Climate Assessment shows that the costs of doing nothing on climate change are immense.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    3 big takeaways from the major new US climate report3 big takeaways from the major new US climate report
    Climate

    Climate change is here, it’s expensive, and it’s deadly, according to a dire new report.

    By Umair Irfan