The Emerald Review
Environmental policy has varied greatly over the past 40 years. The stark contrast between various administrations is highlighted by the Carter administration of the 70s and the Reagan administration of the 80s. Jimmy Carter is seen as a president who pushed for key pieces of environmental legislation, while Reagan is known for his skeptical view, […]
Outside Shanghai Tower is a plaque that reads ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,’ displaying its acronym ‘LEED’ and certification level, ‘Platinum.’ This environmental claim, however vague, is convincing because of its professional design and position on the second-tallest building in the world. But what does it really mean? The U.S. Green Building Council, or […]
Iraq’s water crisis has reached humanitarian and environmental calamity. Human conflict as a result of the Syrian Civil War has decimated ecosystems, natural capital, and water resources. Water is used as a weapon. As a result of climate change, irregular precipitation patterns and less rainfall are changing the livability of the region. Iraq is far […]
Globally, one in ten people lack access to clean water today. Water is essential to life, and clean water is essential for a long life. Water-related diseases, like cholera and typhoid fever, are a leading cause of death and mostly result from inadequate sanitation. Anthropogenic climate change is threatening areas that are already water-scarce, which […]
With threats such as climate change, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching and trade, protecting wildlife is challenging enough. Wildlife tourism, which refers to the observation of and interaction with plant and animal life in their natural habitats, has struggled to protect its most vulnerable populations—both animal and human. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new stresses: […]
Many Bostonians take pride in the Charles River, observing the fireworks in the summer and foliage in the fall. But is the river suitable for more than admiration from afar? The Charles River runs through Eastern Massachusetts into Boston. It currently has a “B” water quality grade, which means it is safe for all boating […]
In conversation, the looming spectre of climate change is often followed by a slew of suggestions: recycling, eating plant-based diets, and using less fossil fuels per person, just to name a few. These tips for “going green” on a person-by-person level, often summarized as “individual actions,” have always been a part of the climate movement. […]
One of the major trends in the fashion industry over the last decade has been the rise of thrifting. According to a ThredUp Report, the secondhand market, which consists of clothing resale platforms, donations, and thrift stores, is expected to grow from its current value at $28 billion to $64 billion by 2024. A more […]
States on the West Coast of the United States have been devastated by wildfires throughout summer 2020. More than 30 people have died, and tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes. The wildfire in California was recently designated as a gigafire, which is a fire that has burned more than […]
After reading a particularly compelling book or viewing a shocking documentary about the environmental impacts of daily life, some people might decide to make a drastic lifestyle change. However, these resolutions often fizzle out after mere weeks, or even days. So how is it possible that there are people who make radical lifestyle changes and […]