North Carolina’s “Powering a Nation” project emphasized the impact of U.S. population on energy usage, although a few other stories have environmental relevance.
- Upstream Battle in the California Delta: Water Fights
The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is home to the latest battleground over a dwindling natural resource: water. The fight pits the environment and fish against urban and agricultural interests. It’s characterized as the “people versus the fish,” but everyone stands to lose if solutions are not found.
- California Energy: Power to the People
California is often the first to face challenges over how to best provide the cleanest, most reliable energy to its people. Community fights, environmental battles and the rush to cash in on innovative technologies are shaping the future of California’s role as an energy leader.
- The High-Energy Diet: Behind the Carbon Footprint
Even if Americans buy an organic packaged salad, it likely has a huge carbon footprint. A unique motion graphic story follows the production process of a typical American meal. Viewers are offered resources for further learning, including a video interview with the Michael Pollan, best-selling author of “The Omnivore’s Dilemma.”
- Down the Lines: The Troubled U.S. Energy Grid
The U.S. energy grid is in trouble, with consumption increasing dramatically and the construction of power lines falling behind, setting the stage for more serious and frequent blackouts in coming years. This project explores both the problems and potential solutions, such as a smarter grid. Text stories, graphics, video, audio gallery, map.
- Fighting Coal: The Story of Meigs County, Ohio
In 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that 151 new coal-fired power plants were in the works. But a loose network of activists has forced plans for more than 100 of the plants to be abandoned. This story profiles the people of Meigs County, Ohio, which is surrounded by four coal-fired power plants and where three more are proposed. Q&A, video, map.
- Mining the Mountains: The Ongoing Fight in Appalachia
To extract Appalachian coal, coal companies are blasting off mountain tops and leaving rubble in nearby valleys. Uncertainty about the Obama administration’s position on the practice is fueling a vigorous fight for the mountains. Video, graphic.
- Energy Portraits: How 4 Families Consume Energy
This package examines the daily energy consumption of people in four communities – Abilene, Texas; Hillsborough, N.C.; Dow, Ill.; and Corona, Calif. The families talk about their transportation habits, food choices, and use of appliances and electronics. Videos, graphics, data, photos.
- Climate Refugees: Yup'ik Towns Fight Erosion
In Alaska, coastal Yup’ik communities are being forced to abandon their homes due to accelerating erosion and increased flooding. This package investigates how our society’s energy habits impact remote towns and asks the question: Who ultimately pays for our energy use? Text, photos, video, interactive map.
- Debating Coal’s Future
Since 2001, U.S. energy companies have proposed more than 150 new coal plants. One of them is for Meigs County, Ohio, where residents debate the environmental effects of more smokestacks versus the benefit of more jobs. Video, Q&A, photos, map.
- The Power in Plants
An Atlanta bio-energy development company has found a way to mass-produce giant cane as a source for alternative fuels. But weed watchers in Florida are worried that the fast-growing grass also could be a dangerous invader. Audio story, text, Q&A, interactive graphic.
- Religious Stances on Climate Change
Religious leaders from churches, mosques and synagogues are joining the battle against climate change by encouraging their followers to see caring for the Earth as a religious mandate. Text, video, timeline.
- Roping the Wind: Energy Boom or Not?
A mid-20th century boom in oil and gas in central Texas bypassed the town of Roscoe. Now landowners are producing energy – and making money – from the wind. Text, video, map, graphic.
- Guest Editorials: Opinions on How to Power the Nation
From Sen. John Kerry and a range of CEOs, educators and environmentalist weigh in on the challenges and possible solutions. Text and photos.
- The American Diet: From Pasture to Plate
The amount of fossil-fuel energy used to make a steak, potato, soda and an organic salad may surprise you. This graphic story shows how some of the most popular foodstuffs in the U.S. are made, with an emphasis on how fossil fuels enter into the production chain.