Guest Commentary

Dear EarthTalk: What is a so-called “passive solar” house and can I retrofit my existing house accordingly?

— Bill C., Raleigh, N.C.

As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, there’s a sense of relief and optimism that things will return to normal.  Long-awaited family gatherings, birthday parties and graduation ceremonies are finally happening in person.

Dear EarthTalk: What exactly is “climate feminism?” — Jim M., Lorton, Va.

Dear EarthTalk: What’s the latest on hydrogen powered fuel cells? Not long ago they were touted as the energy source of the future, but news has been scant of late.

— J. Gorman,
Columbia, S.C.

Dear EarthTalk: Is there scientific basis to the assertion that global warming is affecting our ability to make decisions and lowering our collective intelligence?     — P.D., Sacramento, Calif.

When government fails, it’s the rare public official who says, “Oops. My fault.”

That’s human nature, particularly for officials in the public eye who may have to run for office again. No one wants to be held directly responsible for letting the public down.

Should I try and get an mRNA vaccine? They are better than the others, aren’t they? If I show up at the clinic can I choose?

 These are some of the questions that we didn’t even know we would be so lucky to ask just three months ago. 

The speed at which multiple vaccines to choose from has come about is unprecedented. 

Dear EarthTalk: What’s the latest on efforts to reintroduce Grizzly bears back to the Lower 48?

— J. Whitaker, Silver Spring, Md.