Steve Cohen, Author at State of the Planet

Memorial Day, Patriotism, and the Search for American Political Consensus

Political polarization is a trap that is easy to fall into, but many Americans are looking for a sense of unity and leadership that represents our common values and shared sense of community.

by |May 30, 2023

The Impact of the American Consensus Favoring Environmental Protection

The legal structure of American environmental protection persists because environmental protection has been added to the fundamental and irreducible function of government: to protect people from harm.

by |May 22, 2023

EPA’s Regulation of Power Plant Greenhouse Gases Reinforces Sustainability Management

The momentum behind decarbonization is unstoppable as the private sector sees the benefit of a lower cost, less polluting, and more reliable energy system. The energy transition may be delayed by political reactionaries, but it will not be stopped.

by |May 15, 2023

The Joy of Graduation Season and the Centrality of Education

Graduation ceremonies are a time to step back, reflect, and savor progress and accomplishments. These ceremonies signify much more than the passage of time; they are evidence of work, dedication, and sacrifice.

by |May 8, 2023

Generational and Cultural Change is Stimulating Environmental Sustainability

The consequences of climate change are particularly salient for young people, who have only known a world under constant change. They see the crowded and endangered planet they are set to inherit and are motivated to try to protect it.

by |May 1, 2023

Getting Sustainability Done in New York City

Just in time for Earth Day, New York City has issued a new sustainability plan; Mayor Adams deserves enormous credit for empowering his team to develop and issue this plan and for deploying his political capital in support of practical, real-world-oriented sustainability planning, policy, programs, and management.

by |April 24, 2023

The Impact of Regulation on Automobile Innovation

The transition to environmental sustainability in America requires rapid, widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Regulation driving technological innovation may help expedite this process.

by |April 17, 2023

Overcoming Obstacles to Electric Vehicles: Charging Stations and Lower Prices

The technology of electric vehicles is poised to displace the internal combustion engine, but it will take time to transition away from a century’s worth of infrastructure and investment.

by |April 10, 2023
trash piled up in cubes

We Need to Advance Solid Waste Technology

To implement a true circular economy, we need to systematically and automatically reuse most of the material placed in our trash bags.

by |April 3, 2023

The Pros and Cons of Working from Home

Looking at remote work from the perspective of management, one can see advantages and disadvantages; organizations will continue to search for the balance of in-person and remote work that best fits their operation.

by |March 27, 2023