Editor's note

Recent polls show that a record number of Americans believe climate change is real and worry about how it will affect their lives. But how should societies respond with limited resources? Climate policy experts Benjamin Preston and Johanna Nalau believe it’s time to apply the idea of triage to climate change, and focus spending on actions where there are practical and effective ways to reduce risk.

President Trump has announced a second meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but some people question the wisdom of such personal diplomacy by a president. Shouldn’t such sensitive negotiations be handled by trained diplomats? Tizoc Chavez of Vanderbilt University explains that personal diplomacy by U.S. presidents, from FDR to JFK to George W. Bush, is not so unusual. Trump does, however, bring his own unique traits to the practice.

University of Virginia’s Marlene Daut takes readers into the short-lived reign of Henry Christophe, a former slave who anointed himself king of the Kingdom of Hayti and ruled from 1811 to 1820. The rest of the world watched with a mix of wonder and consternation as King Henry I stacked his court with dukes, barons, counts and knights – all of whom were black.

Jennifer Weeks

Environment + Energy Editor

Top Stories

Climate change is increasing flooding caused by seasonal ‘king tides’ in Florida and other coastal areas. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

We can’t save everything from climate change – here’s how to make choices

Benjamin Preston, Pardee RAND Graduate School; Johanna Nalau, Griffith University

Climate change is happening and will intensify in coming decades. Some experts say it's time for a triage strategy that focuses investments where they are most likely to have an impact.

Trump’s historic meeting with North Korea dictator Kim Jung Un on June 12, 2018, in Singapore. Trump recently told a crowd that the two leaders ‘fell in love.’ Evan Vucci/AP Photo

Personal diplomacy has long been a presidential tactic, but Trump adds a twist

Tizoc Chavez, Vanderbilt University

Meeting with heads of state has become routine for presidents, but Trump's way with words and gestures rattles many in the diplomatic community. The biggest concern is his sweet talk to dictators.

An 1811 wood engraving depicts the coronation of King Henry. Fine Art America

Inside the Kingdom of Hayti, ‘the Wakanda of the Western Hemisphere’

Marlene Daut, University of Virginia

In 1811 a former slave named Henry Christophe anointed himself 'First Monarch' of the 'New World.' For 10 years, he ruled over a part of modern-day Haiti, becoming a global media sensation.

Ethics + Religion

  • How to show gratitude to TSA workers

    Jeremy David Engels, Pennsylvania State University

    As people say thanks to those who are turning up for work without being paid, an expert explains what true gratitude really means.

Education

  • Why it’s wrong to label students ‘at-risk’

    Ivory A. Toldson, Howard University

    Using the term 'at-risk' to describe students from challenging circumstances often creates more problems than it solves, a professor of counseling psychology argues.

Science + Technology

Economy + Business

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Today’s quote

"After the shutdown is over, it will probably also prove difficult for the U.S. to retain some of the staff who are crucial to the success of public health – even more so than in most other sectors of the federal government."

 

The shutdown will harm the health and safety of Americans, even after it's long over

 

Morten Wendelbo

American University School of Public Affairs

Morten Wendelbo