SciAm.com > Scientific American Special Editions

Scientific American Special Editions

Buy the Digital Edition Now Buy Back Issues

October 2008

FEATURES

Is Focusing on "Hot Spots" the Key to Preserving Biodiversity?
Preserving biodiversity in rich habitats is good. But global warming and other new threats may call for a new strategy
By Robert Kunzig

Energy versus Water: Solving Both Crises Together
Water is needed to generate energy. Energy is needed to deliver water. Both resources are limiting the other—and both may be running short. Is there a way out?
By Michael E. Webber

For National Security, Get Off Oil
Former CIA director R. James Woolsey says America's oil dependence is a grave threat
By Stephen D. Solomon

LEED Compliance Not Required for Designing Green Buildings
Constructing buildings to the LEED standard can conserve energy and materials—or be exploited for promotional gain
By Daniel Brook

Global Warming: Beyond the Tipping Point
The world's most outspoken climatologist argues that today's carbon dioxide levels are already dangerously too high. What can we do if he is right?
By Michael D. Lemonick

Growing Vertical: Skyscraper Farming
Cultivating crops in downtown skyscrapers might save bushels of energy and provide city dwellers with distinctively fresh food
By Mark Fischetti

Eco-Cities: Urban Planning for the Future
Massive developments proposed for the U.S., China and Abu Dhabi aim to reduce or even eliminate the environmental cost of city living
By David Biello

Departments

From The Editor

Introducing Earth 3.0

Departments

Plasma Turns Garbage into Gas

Green Resources in Film and on the Web

China Targets Cleaner-Coal Power Plants

Biofuel of the Future: Oil from Algae

Biofuels or Food?: Can Crops Feed Our Cars--And the Hungry?

SciAm Test Drives Two Street-Legal Fuel-Cell Cars

Jack Johnson's Low-Impact Tour

Green Role Model: Napa Valley's Gaia Hotel

"Voluntourism": See the World--And Help Conserve It

Preserving Forests and Business

The Future of Climate Change Policy: The U.S.'s Last Chance to Lead

Universal Power Adapter Provides Convenience and Less Waste

Using the Internet's History to Develop Clean Energy's Future

Alexandra Cousteau Weighs In on the Future of the Ocean

View: Hidden Truths of Humanity's Impact on the Planet [Slide Show]

Rising Acidity in the Ocean: The Other CO₂ Problem

Mothers and Children Unite Under 1Sky

Plastics in Our Diet: The Need for BPA Regulation

Buying Green: 7 Ecofriendly Products

12 Ways to Lessen Your Footprint

Global Seed Vault Now Accepting Seeds

Why Building Green Can Keep People Out of Jail

Green Funds Remain Hot in Cooling Economy

SciAm.com

In-Depth Report
Earth 3.0
Solutions to environmental problems ranging from global warming to peak oil--and how the environment is playing a role in this year's elections

Feature
To Drill or Not to Drill? Energy Policy Surfaces in Colorado's Senate Race
Politicians, environmentalists and industry clash over the leasing of public lands for natural gas drilling on Colorado's rugged Roan Plateau

Feature
California's Political Environment May Prove Too Toxic for Green Energy Propositions
Myriad special interests combined with state budget woes mire two environmentally friendly ballot initiatives

Feature
Where Do the Presidential Candidates Stand on Environment and Energy?
From drilling for oil to climate change, the answers may surprise you

<< December 2007