Distillations podcast
Environment
Our impact on the natural and built worlds
Mechanochemistry
Crushing, smashing, and grinding for the sake of greener science.
Paradise Is Burning
Our approach to fighting wildfires is a fantasy—and it’s making them even more catastrophic.
How Philadelphia’s Water Pollution Problems Shaped the City
The way the city tackled its water pollution problems has made it an unexpected pioneer.
Rare Earths: The Hidden Cost to Their Magic
Rare earth elements are essential to modern life. Luckily the world has plenty of them; unfortunately, getting them out of the ground leaves behind massive environmental damage.
The Myth of the Cuyahoga River Fire
The blaze that sparked the modern environmental movement . . . or did it?
High Steaks at the Border
When the United States and Mexico resolved their beef.
Making the Deserts Bloom
Harnessing nature to deliver us from drought.
Fighting Smog in Los Angeles
And how California’s car emission standards continue to influence the rest of the country.
Whatever Happened to Acid Rain?
It’s complicated.
Whatever Happened to the Ozone Hole?
An environmental success story.
DDT: The Britney Spears of Chemicals
We loved it. We hated it. Now we kind of maybe like it again.