Food and farms

Podcast

The food-energy nexus

Michael Webber explains how food affects energy and energy affects food.

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By Shayle Kann . 39 min . 8 September 2023
Food and farms

Plant-based meat once seemed unstoppable. What went wrong?

A few years ago, Impossible and Beyond burgers were all the rage. Now, the industry may have to reinvent itself.

By Max Graham . 5 September 2023
Food and farms

Chemical fertilizer is a climate disaster. Can high-tech biology fix it?

Startup Pivot Bio has developed a smarter way to get nitrogen to crops, and it has a new CEO who aims to supercharge growth.

By Michael Grunwald . 29 August 2023
Clean industry

New California rule will cut carbon from baking Cheetos, chips and more

Commercial food manufacturers use a lot of fossil gas. A first-of-its-kind rule in greater Los Angeles will start to change that in 2027.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 August 2023
Electrification

Your next BBQ could feature an electric grill

Electric grills exist and are rising in popularity — and according to some advocates, they’re just as good at producing delicious food as fossil-fueled alternatives.

By Alison F. Takemura . 3 July 2023
Food and farms

Why vertical farming just doesn't work

Vertical farms save water, prevent pesticide pollution and avoid extreme weather — but their Achilles' heel is their massive electricity use.

By Michael Grunwald . 28 June 2023
Food and farms

Algae biofuels still a no-go, new research confirms

Current production methods use more energy than the fuels can produce, so barring a major tech breakthrough, they likely aren't the climate hero some had hoped.

By Lucy Sherriff . 26 June 2023
Food and farms

Americans are about to get their first taste of cultivated meat

Upside Foods and Eat Just have both received regulatory approval to sell their lab-grown chicken to restaurants and supermarkets.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 23 June 2023
Climate crisis

Here's what local climate action looks like in small-town USA

Canary's culture correspondent has a whale of a time connecting with fellow climate-conscious citizens in his New England hamlet.

By Mike Munsell . 10 May 2023
Food and farms

The investment boom in ‘renewable natural gas’ is sparking debate

Oil and gas giants are spending billions to develop RNG projects from trash, food and manure. But experts say there’s a limited future for the waste-derived fuel.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 May 2023