Environment

Apr 7, 2016

How Forecasting Water Reclamation Use Can Save Money, Water Resources

A changing climate and recent droughts in the South and West highlight the need to make the most of our limited water resources. One of the tools that can help the U.S. make efficient use of its water supplies is water reclamation — but utilities and water managers have sometimes struggled to deal with public perceptions of reclaimed water.

Sep 21, 2015

Tequila, Mezcal and Social Science: a Q&A with Sarah Bowen

Sarah Bowen knows a lot about tequila and mezcal. Her new book, Divided Spirits: Tequila, Mezcal, and the Politics of Production, explores the complex web of relationships – from farmers to bartenders – involved in transforming agave plants grown in Mexico into high-end spirits and cocktails consumed around the world.

Jun 10, 2015

On Fisheries, Society and Sustainability

Massive ecological changes are transpiring in the World Ocean. Environmental sociologist Stefano Longo worries that turning ocean resources -- like fish -- into commodities has led to the depletion of fisheries and the development of environmentally suspect means of aquaculture. He's co-authored "The Tragedy of the Commodity: Oceans, Fisheries, and Aquaculture" to turn our attention to the issues we face in our relationship with the oceanic ecological system.