The omicron variant stands out from many of the other versions of the virus that causes Covid-19. Its genetic lineage is fairly unique with no known predecessor, raising the question of where it came from. Omicron’s unique combination of mutations also seem to enhance its transmissibility.
COP OUT
I attended the COP26 climate negotiations in Glasgow, Scotland. It turned out to be one of the most eventful meetings ever, but still far short of what’s needed to keep climate change in check.
Absolute Zero
A lot of countries and companies have set targets for eliminating their contributions to climate change, but prefaced by the term “net zero.” I looked into what this actually means and whether it leads to meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
The lines that divide
The US has an enviably high Covid-19 vaccination rate but the rate has reached a plateau. In this piece I looked at survey data to see what are the main factors that tie together those who have yet to get their shots.
Ambition
President Joe Biden has committed the United States to its most ambitious climate change target yet. There are, of course, several catches to these lofty goals.
Repaying a Fire Debt
Native Americans in the Western United States used to conduct burns regularly, which helped reduce fuels in the forests that contribute to major wildfires. European settlers put a halt to the practice when they arrived, both because they didn’t understand the role of fire, but also to deprive Indigenous people of access to lands. Now there is a movement to bring back Indigenous burning practices, but it requires confronting an ugly history.
Vaccine optimism
A number of officials have expressed optimism that the world will have a Covid-19 vaccine in record time. By some estimations, it could be as soon as the end of the year. I asked several researchers whether this optimism is warranted and what could still derail the effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine.