Why Are All Major U.S. Cities Sinking?
experts Tom Parsons and Pietro Teatini break down what’s causing the ground to drop, why it’s happening faster in some places than others, and what can be done to slow or manage the damage before it’s too late.
Viewpoints Explained: The Secret Timing Of Cicadas
Last summer, the ground erupted in sound. What caused this rare, deafening phenomenon — and how do cicadas know when it’s time to emerge after several years underground?
25,000 Pieces Of Floating Space Junk: Decluttering Earth’s Orbit
We discuss the growing issue of human-created space debris and what more needs to be done to curb this problem before it reaches catastrophic levels.
Viewpoints Explained: Why Do We Suck At Recycling?
We talk about the plastic crisis and why it’s important to cut down on the plastic you use in your daily life.
The Secrets Learned From A Fifth-Generation Beekeeper
Meredith May discusses the threat to bees with commercialized beekeeping and what we can do to protect these insects that are vital to our ecosystem.
Viewpoints Explained: A Parched Landscape: Why The Amazon Rainforest Is Facing An Uncertain Future
The Amazon rainforest is in peril. After several decades of deforestation, the massive forest - home to millions of animal and insect species, trees and people - is now facing another critical challenge.
Breaking Down the Hidden Misconceptions of Two Classic Halloween Icons
We speak with two experts to get the truth behind these traditionally scary creatures and hear why neither of them are nearly as scary as we think.
Viewpoints Explained: ‘Less Than 10 Percent Of All Plastic Is Recycled’
We talk about the plastic crisis and why it’s important to cut down on the plastic you use in your daily life.
’35 Percent of All Food Ends Up in the Trash’: Why Is Food Waste Still So High?
We cover the ongoing food waste crisis in America and hear from one tech platform that’s helping to connect hungry people to food that would otherwise be tossed into a trash bin.
When Green Energy Turns Toxic: Re-Tooling Solar Panels
Experts discuss the shift towards recycling solar panels and what more needs to be done to make this energy source truly sustainable.
Cities Left Behind: The Reality of Population Decline
As people move past the pandemic, demographers wonder if certain migration trends will change. We discuss population trends and how they impact cities.
Green Burials
We talk about the importance of being involved in the death process of loved ones and learning about what burial options are available when that time comes.
Electric Vehicles: Reducing Sky High Costs & a Lack of Accessibility
While electric is seen as the future, for many Americans these newer cars are often out of reach because of the hefty price tag. We speak with two experts about this current market and what progress is being made to make EV’s more available to all.
The Increasing Occurrence of Weather Calamities
Around the world, countries are seeing weather extremes from excess flooding to severe drought and higher than average heat. We speak with two climate experts about the correlation between climate change and these extreme weather events.
Public Transportation: Seeing a Resurgence or Running on Empty?
Public transportation took a big hit in ridership and profits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as more people are back and relying on these community systems once again, the future is unclear as many municipalities face record challenges.
Barely Surviving: Making a Living as a Garment Worker
Longtime fashion writer and industry expert Dana Thomas joins us to help us understand the labor and environmental crisis plaguing the fashion industry.
Saving Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are home to 25% of all marine life – approximately 800,000 species. But these vibrant, colorful landscapes are more than just a home for life; coral reefs are animals themselves.
New York City: A National Treasure
Look a little closer and you’ll find many hidden gems throughout New York City. Tour guide and author Laurie Lewis joins Viewpoints to shed some light on the stories behind some of the city’s most famous buildings and parks.
A History of Fabric
When did quality-made clothes disappear, and the rise of new, cheaper fabrics take hold in the U.S.? Author Sofi Thanhauser joins us this week to shed some light on how the garment industry got to where it is today.
The Expanding Landfill in Space
From weather forecasting to cellular coverage to global imaging, we heavily rely on space satellites in our day to day lives. We discuss the serious issue of human-created space debris and what’s being done to curb this problem before it reaches catastrophic levels.
Urban Wildlife: An Influx of New Neighbors
Countless different species of wildlife were driven out of cities centuries ago, but in recent decades have begun returning in greater numbers and adapting to the human-centric infrastructure. Two wildlife experts join us this week to highlight how we can both coexist in these settings.
The Many Modes of Transportation
Dr. Susan Shaheen, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California-Berkeley, joins us this week to highlight the country’s current infrastructure and what more needs to be done to promote greater citizen mobility with bikes, scooters and other non-motor modes of transportation.
Starry Night: The Effects of Light Pollution
More than 80% of the world’s population lives under light-polluted skies. Light pollution can impact sleep, health, and the environment. It also means the beautiful stars in our skies are clouded by the bright beams of lights all around us. We discuss the issue of light pollution and how stargazers can bring about change in their local communities.
Working in Intensifying Heat
Imagine working for hours on end outside in temperatures exceeding 90 or 100 degrees. On top of this, there’s little shade, minimal breaks and often not enough water. This is the reality for millions of laborers who work in agriculture, construction and other industries. Why aren’t there more legal guidelines protecting these essential workers?
