About

I'm a lifelong journalist who specializes in environmental topics, especially global climate change, the transition to clean energy, and policies related to river and coastal flooding. I am a former senior official at the US Department of Energy, now a private consultant. My books include The Indefensible Society, The 100 Day Action Plan to Save the Planet, and The Creeks Will Rise: People Coexisting With Floods." I began my career in 1966 as a decorated US Army combat correspondent in Vietnam. I am based near Madison, WI.

Featured Work

The Creeks Will Rise: People Coexisting with Rivers

2021

The book opens with the story of a small Wisconsin village moving out of a floodplain and rebuilding a solar business district on higher ground. I give several case studies of other communities with similar projects and advocate that this be done across the U.S. to deal with sea-level rise and. floods caused by climate change. I also offer a tutorial on climate change. The second half of the book addresses humanity's relationship with nature more generally, arguing that we should collaborate with rather than trying to control it.

Other Works

  • The Indefensible Society

    ~1976

  • Democracy Unchained: Rebuilding Government for the People (co-editor)

    2020

  • The 100-Day Action Plan to Save the Planet

    2007