The Conversation is an independent, nonprofit publisher of commentary and analysis, authored by academics and edited by journalists for the general public. On a mission “to promote truthful information and strengthen journalism by unlocking the rich diversity of academic research for audiences across America,” The Conversation publishes short articles by academics on timely topics related to their research. CU Boulder provides funding as a member of The Conversation U.S. Learn more about the partnership and how and why to write for The Conversation.

 

Feet standing on dry, cracked earth

Why the US rejoining the Paris climate accord matters at home and abroad—5 scholars explain

Jan. 26, 2021

The U.S. backing of the Paris Agreement has an influence on food security, health and safety, and the future warming of the planet. National Snow and Ice Data Center researcher Walt Meier and fellow scholars share on The Conversation.

Jill Biden holds the Bible as Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States

From Biden’s giant Bible to Christian flags waved by rioters, ‘religion’ means different things to different people and different eras

Jan. 20, 2021

From the oath-taking on the Bible during the presidential swearing-in ceremony, to the “awe” and “restraint” of the early Christian world, the meaning of “religion” has gone through a long journey. Assistant Professor Sam Boyd shares on The Conversation.

Betsy Devos

Through her divisive rhetoric, education secretary DeVos leaves a troubled legacy of her own

Jan. 12, 2021

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has resigned. Sharing on The Conversation, CU Boulder Professor Kevin Welner and four other experts comment on the impact DeVos has had on education.

Vice President Mike Pence

In Mike Pence, US evangelicals had their ‘24-karat-gold’ man in the White House—loyalty may tarnish that legacy

Jan. 6, 2021

As Mike Pence prepares for life after vice presidency, professor and religious scholar Deborah Whitehead looks back at the political and religious conversions that informed the politician’s worldview.

whale swimming in ocean

Marine protection falls short of the 2020 target to safeguard 10% of the world’s oceans

Dec. 14, 2020

Global leaders pledged to protect 10% of the oceans by 2020. We’re nowhere close, but a U.N. treaty and lessons from Antarctica could help. Assistant Professor Cassandra Brooks and a colleague share on The Conversation.

open window in an apartment

Keeping indoor air clean can reduce chance of spreading coronavirus

Nov. 20, 2020

Being indoors with other people is a recipe for spreading COVID-19, but removing airborne particles through proper ventilation and air filtration can reduce risk. Professor Shelly Miller shares on The Conversation.

silhouette of child playing in the woods

Connecting to nature is good for kids—but they may need help coping with a planet in peril

Nov. 16, 2020

Here are four ways adults can help kids work through their worries about the environment, shared by Professor Emerita of Environmental Design Louise Chawla on The Conversation.

Map of the Arctic

Where’s the sea ice? 3 reasons the Arctic freeze is unseasonably late and why it matters

Oct. 28, 2020

The pattern of autumn sea ice growth has been completely disrupted. The Director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center Mark Serreze explains what's happening on The Conversation.

A pastor conducts online services from the basement of her home

COVID-19 shines a light on the millennia-old balance between public, private worship

Oct. 23, 2020

During the pandemic, the practice of faith has moved to being a more personal one for many. Assistant Professor Sam Boyd, scholar of the Judeo-Christian tradition, discusses on The Conversation.

Houses, allegedly destroyed by shelling, in Ganja, Nagorno Karabakh

Nagorno-Karabakh: What do residents of the contested territory want for their future?

Oct. 12, 2020

Armenia and Azerbaijan are fighting over the contested territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. But what do the people who live there want? Professor John O’Loughlin and colleagues share on The Conversation.

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