Stories by John Fialka

Researchers aim to short-circuit the decay process in organic waste to produce a potent, less carbon-intensive fuel

The torpedo-shaped ocean gliders can survive in stormy seas and can glean information satellites cannot

The rush to complete concentrating solar power projects led to multiple reliability problems

How this thin layer of aerosol particles might impact global climate remains to be seen

The ways governments choose to bolster foundering economies could impact greenhouse gas emissions

The devices can image a battery’s magnetic field, spotting weaknesses and more accurate readings of charge levels

With cars off the roads, scientists can study how smog and other types of pollution change  

Improved emergency planning and stronger building codes could help avoid costly surprises

With oil revenues down, companies may not prioritize fixing leaks and could vent more unwanted gas

The unknown influence of climate change has thrown a wrench into efforts to understand the Madden-Julian Oscillation

California saw major growth; Pennsylvania and Colorado could be the next markets to take off

Solar panels floating in reservoirs and other water bodies could meet substantial energy demand

Methane can be captured from human and animal waste and energy and heating

Pervoskite solar cells can produce more energy than their silicon counterparts but have risked leaching lead into the environment

More agile solar and storage installations could help replace fossil fuel-burning peaker plants

Government climate scientists will study two geoengineering proposals to counteract global warming

Such energy storage technology could help relieve congested transmission lines in places like Vermont

Using the technology for building heating and cooling could substantially cut related carbon emissions

Solar arrays placed in agricultural fields can benefit both energy and crop production

The city is connecting rooftop solar installations and storage batteries to increase resilience during storms and heat waves

The Department of Energy is aiming to get ahead of a looming recycling problem from electric car batteries

The global retailer has pledged to reduce its emissions and fund reforestation efforts

China’s move away from fossil fuels would mean 2,000 fewer premature deaths in the U.S. by 2030

High-risk design trials could create superefficient vehicles