National Analysis

Why Cities Should Hire an Artist for Their Climate Office

APOLITICAL 09/19/24 By Michael Shank This article is written by Dr. Michael Shank, director of engagement at the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and adjunct faculty at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs where he teaches sustainable development. There’s a transformation happening across city governments that has the potential to […]

How to Build a Pro-Farmer Food System in the U.S.

LINKEDIN 09/16/24 MEDIUM 09/16/24 By Dr. Michael Shank With Florida and Alabama banning lab-grown meat, and new lawsuits in response, the burger wars in America are getting juicier and more creative by the day. Both sides of the political aisle appear to be coming for your burger now. Unfortunately, the […]

Here’s What Makes Project 2025 So Dangerous for Our Environment

NEWSWEEK 08/30/24 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Raul Grijalva Project 2025, the blueprint for former President Donald Trump and Republicans’ rightwing takeover of the U.S. government, could pose a grave threat to public health by dismantling essential safeguards designed to protect Americans—the air they breathe, the water they drink—from […]

Supreme Court Chevron Decision Threatens Our Food, Water, and Air

NEWSWEEK 08/14/24 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Steve Cohen Americans may have heard a lot lately about the “Chevron decision” in the news, though most probably wouldn’t be able to describe what it is exactly. It’s not household knowledge yet. And while Chevron might be a household name for […]

Summer Heat Waves Getting Worse. Here’s What Cities Can Do About It

NEWSWEEK 07/3024 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Lloyd Doggett This year we’re headed for a very hot summer. The National Weather Service predicts hotter-than-normal conditions almost everywhere. And that’s saying something, given that last year was the hottest year on record. So, be sure to look for shade and […]

How Policymakers Can Keep Climate Top of Mind—Even if Trump Wins

FAST COMPANY 05/30/24 By Michael Shank There’s fear in the climate community that November’s presidential elections could upend all the work that President Joe Biden’s administration has done on clean energy and environmental justice. As a result, there’s a mad dash to get climate funding out the door in case […]

A Way to Protect Environmental Regulations From Trump 2.0

NEWSWEEK 05/03/24 By Michael Shank There’s a scramble in President Joe Biden’s administration to get out the door as much funding as possible for clean energy and environmental justice projects before it’s too late. This is evident across the administration, but it’s especially apparent at the Environmental Protection Agency and […]