Explainers

While the majority of tropical deforestation is driven by beef, soy, palm oil, and wood products, many other commodities and human activities play a more limited role in the problem.

Terrorists pose a real and significant threat to nuclear power plants.

Tar sands are an increasingly common—but expensive and dirty—source of oil.

Just four commodities—beef, soy, palm oil, and wood products—drive the majority of global deforestation. And consumers can help stop it.

One of the basic materials of human civilization, wood still plays a central role in 21st-century life—and in the problem of tropical deforestation. But wood can also be part of the solution.

Found in everything from shampoo to donuts, palm oil is now the most common vegetable oil in the world—and also one of the world's leading deforestation drivers.

While many commodities are driving deforestation today, all of them take a back seat to beef cattle. But there are ways to reduce beef's deforestation impact.

Rooftop solar has never been more affordable for home owners, business owners, and their communities.

Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems generate electricity using the sun’s heat.

Learn how utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants provide carbon-free electricity.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are based on a high-tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity.

Nuclear power in the United States has consistently cost far more than expected, with taxpayers and ratepayers forced to pick up the tab.