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Donald Trump, climate change, Sharpiegate
Photo credit: DonkeyHotey for WhoWhatWhy

The dire state of the environment is humanity’s greatest challenge. Yet most of us do nothing as plastic-filled oceans are rising and the world is literally burning around us. Here are some of our 2019 environmental stories you may have missed.

WhoWhatWhy Climate Change Coverage

The impact of climate change is impossible to overstate. It is humanity’s gravest threat — one that we are responsible for ourselves and are not doing enough to stop.

The way we are (mis)treating our planet and (ab)using its resources is the greatest story of our time. Below are some examples of how we tell it. 

Our Children's Trust

Youth plaintiffs, attorneys, and staff from Our Children’s Trust stand on the steps of the federal courthouse in Eugene, OR, after a hearing in the Juliana v. United States climate change lawsuit, June 6, 2018. Photo credit: © Robin Loznak/ZUMA Wire

Young Plaintiffs Move to Block US Fossil Fuel Exploration

Kids and young adults involved in the halted climate lawsuit ‘Juliana v. US’ are seeking an injunction to stop the federal government from allowing more fossil fuel extraction.


Gen Z’s Smaller Carbon Footprint Still May Not Be Enough

A new study shows Generation Z has to cut their carbon footprint. But — even if young people manage to act en masse to reduce emissions through their individual choices — governments, industries, and all generations need to act now to address the crisis.


Climate protesters

Climate protestors on the steps of the Opera Garnier. Photo credit: Celia Wexler for WhoWhatWhy

Kids Turn Up the Heat on Climate Change

Protests in more than 100 countries are coinciding with the first major election in which climate change may actually matter.


catastrophe events, hurricane

Disaster capitalism: Big insurance companies are blaming global warming for massive losses caused by natural catastrophes. Photo credit: Adapted by WhoWhatWhy from Stuart Rankin / Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0) and Swiss Re, sigma No 2/2019.

Climate Change Deniers Are Defying the Markets They Worship

The people most skeptical about climate change are also the folks who lecture the world against ignoring the verdicts of the marketplace. Trouble is, the market says climate change is real.


Climate Change, Climate, Climate Strike, Protest

School children go on strike for climate change action. Photo credit: Julian Meehan / Flickr

Planet Before Profit: A New Business Model

The longest journey begins with a single step. Some companies are taking it. 


Holding world, The World, Climate, Climate Change

A young adult holding the world in her hands. Photo credit: Jason / Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Why the Human Mind Can’t Deal With Climate Change

Why doesn’t belief in climate change translate to environmental action? 


fracking, site

A fracking site in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Photo credit: Simon Foot / Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

World Cracked Open: When Fracking Came to Town

Sharon Wilson, a fifth-generation Texan, was ready to settle down in the rural paradise she had dreamed of for years. That was before fracking came to town. 


California Wildfires

Record wildfires in recent years have caused an increase in privately contracted firefighters. Photo credit: Daria Devyatkina / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Private Firefighters — the Hottest Luxury of the Super-Rich

When only the ultra-wealthy can buy protection from the effects of climate change, where does that leave the rest of us?


Related front page panorama photo credit: Adapted by WhoWhatWhy from The Wizard / Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0).

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