International Analysis

It’s Time to Cut the Emissions From Creating Our Homes and Offices

REUTERS 08/05/22 By Michael Shank Michael Shank is the director of engagement for the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance. With Indonesian islanders suing cement producers for climate damages recently, buildings are getting much-needed attention for their carbon-heavy footprint. The built environment generates nearly 50% of annual global emissions. Yet buildings hardly […]

Let’s Revamp How We Talk About Climate Change

REUTERS 06/10/22 By Michael Shank Anytime the international community convenes on climate change there’s a predictable mix of criticism and encouragement. This month’s 50th Anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration, commemorating the United Nations’ first official gathering to discuss the “human environment” and ways to protect it, was no different. After […]

Prosecute Putin for War Crimes. But Prosecute the U.S., Too

NEWSWEEK 03/17/22 By Michael Shank President Joe Biden has become the latest leader to call Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal when asked by reporters on Wednesday to weigh in on the subject. In so doing, he joins a growing list of international leaders to condemn Putin’s invasion of […]

We Care More About Ukraine Because the Victims Are White

NEWSWEEK 03/03/2022 By Michael Shank Citizens around the world are setting a new and impressive precedent in engaging in international affairs. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has raised a level of interest that dwarfs that of other recent conflicts or wars. This is undoubtedly a good thing: We need more voices […]

Climate Change Means It’s Time for a Global Security Rethink

REUTERS 12/16/21 By Michael Shank and U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke Yvette D. Clarke is vice chair of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and co-chair of the Smart Cities Caucus. Michael Shank is communications director for the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and an adjunct faculty member at NYU’s […]

Extreme Weather, Global Changes Violate our Property Rights

VTDIGGER 10/01/21 RUTLAND HERALD 09/28/21 TIMES ARGUS 09/28/21 BRATTLEBORO REFORMER 10/01/21 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Raul Grijalva This commentary is by U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, and Michael Shank of Montpelier, communications director for Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and an adjunct faculty member at […]

Rich Countries Need to Step Up on Climate Crisis

VTDIGGER 07/23/21 TIMES ARGUS 07/17/21 RUTLAND HERALD 07/17/21 By Michael Shank and US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke This column is by U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York and Dr. Michael Shank of Brandon. Clarke is vice chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and co-chair of the Smart Cities Caucus. Shank […]

Is It Time for the United States and China to Welcome Climate Migrants?

REUTERS 07/22/21 By Michael Shank Accepting those displaced by worsening climate change disasters could shore up workforces and pension plans as national birthrates fall Michael Shank is the communications director for the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and adjunct faculty at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs. When environmental solutions to the […]