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The report analyzes 28 S&P 500 companies to determine how they engage with climate science and policy. It finds a significant divide between companies that consistently support science-based policy and those that obstruct it. A large number of companies are identified as 'contradictory,' maintaining a public image of environmental concern while funding think tanks, trade groups, and politicians that undermine climate science. The authors argue that a lack of transparency in corporate political spending and risk disclosure allows this interference to persist, and they recommend stricter disclosure requirements for corporations and government contractors.

The Union of Concerned Scientists analyzed 28 S&P 500 companies to determine their impact on climate science and policy discussions. The study found that while some companies are consistent in their support for climate action, others—particularly in the energy sector—actively spread misinformation and obstruct policy. Many companies exhibit contradictory behavior, supporting climate science in public relations while opposing it in government filings or through the funding of anti-science think tanks and trade groups. The report highlights a critical lack of transparency in corporate political spending and business risk disclosures, recommending stricter SEC and congressional requirements to hold corporations accountable.

The document details a workshop between social scientists, climate scientists, and various leaders to address why the American public remains divided on climate change despite scientific consensus. It argues that communication must shift from a 'knowledge deficit' model to one based on shared values, targeted messaging for the 'persuadable middle,' and the use of diverse, non-traditional messengers.

The report argues that genetic engineering offers limited prospects for solving agriculture's drought problems compared to traditional breeding and improved farming practices. It specifically analyzes Monsanto's DroughtGard corn, finding it provides only modest protection under moderate drought conditions and fails to improve water use efficiency. The document recommends increasing public support for non-GE breeding programs and water conservation methods.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argues that U.S. farm policy disproportionately supports non-perishable commodity crops while hindering 'healthy-food' farms—those growing fruits and vegetables using sustainable or organic practices. Key barriers include planting restrictions in subsidy programs, a lack of accessible whole-farm-revenue insurance, and credit constraints for small-scale or diversified operations. The report recommends eliminating planting restrictions, reforming the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) insurance pilot to be more flexible and national in scope, removing arbitrary surcharges for organic farmers, and expanding micro-lending programs to support rural economic development.

The Union of Concerned Scientists identifies systemic policy barriers that prevent U.S. farmers from increasing the production of fruits and vegetables. Current federal subsidies favor non-perishable commodity crops, while sustainable and diversified farms struggle with a lack of accessible crop insurance and credit. The report recommends eliminating planting restrictions, improving whole-farm-revenue insurance, and expanding micro-lending to support local food systems and public health.

The report examines the clandestine industry of illegal logging, which the World Bank estimates costs governments and businesses $10 billion to $15 billion annually. It details how illegal logging depresses global timber prices by approximately 16%, harming the U.S. hardwood industry and causing severe forest degradation in producing countries. The author highlights the 2008 Lacey Act amendments as a landmark law that prohibits the trade of illegally sourced plant products in the U.S., thereby reducing financial incentives for illegal logging. The document advocates for full implementation of the Act alongside law enforcement, market-based, and incentive-based policy recommendations to protect tropical ecosystems and support legal forestry producers.

The report examines the influence of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through lobbying and political contributions. It highlights that between 2009 and 2011, these industries spent over $700 million on lobbying and provided millions in targeted campaign contributions to key lawmakers. The author contends that this financial influence is driving legislative efforts to roll back 2007 reforms, potentially by adding job creation to the FDA's mission, reducing medical device scrutiny, and relaxing financial conflict-of-interest standards for scientific advisory committees.

The document reports that while FDA scientists in 2011 expressed increased respect for agency leadership and higher morale compared to 2006, significant concerns remain regarding corporate and political pressure influencing agency decisions. It highlights a broader pattern of scientific interference across multiple US federal agencies and provides specific recommendations for the FDA and Congress to improve transparency, accountability, and the independence of advisory committees.

The report details the public health dangers of flooding, including drowning, waterborne diseases, mold-induced respiratory issues, and mental health trauma. It argues that climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation and sea-level rise, exacerbating these risks, particularly in areas with combined sewer overflow systems and high-density floodplain development.

The document highlights the link between a warming climate and the increase in heavy precipitation events across the United States. It emphasizes that while flood impacts are typically measured by property damage and immediate loss of life, there are substantial 'hidden' public health costs. These include waterborne gastrointestinal illnesses from contaminated water, respiratory and neurological problems caused by indoor mold, and increased mental health struggles. The report identifies five specific hidden risks: drowning while driving, contaminated drinking water, sewage backup in homes, contamination of recreational waterways, and toxic indoor mold. It advocates for aggressive carbon emission reductions and the creation of more resilient communities to mitigate these risks.

The report finds that while FDA scientists express increased confidence in agency leadership and a general improvement in protecting public health compared to 2006, significant challenges remain. These include persistent political and commercial interference in regulatory decisions, uncertainty regarding the right to publish research or speak to the press, and a perceived decline in the consistency between agency actions and scientific findings.

One year after the Fukushima Dai-ichi disaster, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) evaluates U.S. nuclear safety. While the NRC's initial response was commendable, the UCS argues that the agency has critically mismanaged the implementation of its Near-Term Task Force (NTTF) recommendations by relegating the foundational reform of the 'beyond-design-basis' regulatory framework to the end of its priority list. The report warns that the nuclear industry's voluntary 'FLEX' program may preempt necessary safety standards, and that U.S. reactors remain vulnerable to severe natural disasters and terrorist attacks due to outdated emergency procedures and insufficient equipment hardening.

One year after the Fukushima disaster, the Union of Concerned Scientists argues that U.S. nuclear reactors remain vulnerable to severe natural disasters and terrorist attacks. While the NRC has proposed safeguards, the document claims the agency is moving too slowly and has deprioritized the most critical recommendation: clarifying the regulatory framework for 'beyond-design-basis' accidents. Furthermore, the nuclear industry's voluntary 'FLEX' program is criticized for purchasing equipment before the NRC has established necessary safety and reliability guidelines.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argues that U.S. agricultural policies currently favor an industrial model that prioritizes corporate profit over health and the environment. The brief highlights a significant disparity in subsidies, noting that corn and soybean growers receive over ten times the support of all fruit and vegetable growers combined. This system is linked to water pollution and high energy consumption, accounting for nearly 16 percent of total U.S. energy use. The authors propose transitioning to agroecology—a science-based approach utilizing crop rotations, cover cropping, and integrated livestock management—to create a more resilient and nutritious food system. Key policy recommendations include increasing investments in local food hubs, providing new incentives for organic production, and requiring conservation standards for farmers receiving federal subsidies.

The report analyzes 15 significant safety-related 'near-misses' at U.S. nuclear plants in 2011, arguing that many resulted from owners tolerating known safety problems. While it highlights successful NRC interventions at the Fort Calhoun, Hatch, and LaSalle plants, it criticizes the agency for allowing 47 reactors to operate in violation of fire-protection regulations and 27 reactors to operate with deficient seismic protection. The author contends that the NRC often focuses on fixing individual equipment failures rather than addressing the systemic weaknesses in owners' testing and inspection regimes.

The report details how corporate interests corrupt science through research suppression, ghostwriting, and the vilification of scientists, while also manipulating federal agencies, Congress, and the judiciary. It assesses the initial steps taken by the Obama administration to improve transparency and scientific integrity and provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for further federal and private-sector reforms to ensure policy is based on independent science.

The report analyzes how the rising demand for vegetable oils, particularly palm and soy, has led to significant tropical deforestation and carbon emissions. It argues that deforestation is not inevitable and suggests alternatives such as increasing crop yields, expanding onto degraded non-forest lands, and substituting high-risk oils with deforestation-free alternatives. The document also evaluates the role of biofuel mandates, sustainability certifications like the RSPO, and corporate commitments in mitigating environmental damage.

The Union of Concerned Scientists and the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise held a workshop in January 2012 involving 105 professionals to discuss climate communication. The event emphasized that building public understanding of climate risks in the U.S. is a psychological and social challenge requiring the integration of social sciences into the climate debate. The resulting report focuses on four themes: the need for social consensus, target audience definition, meeting audiences where they are, and focusing on risk versus rewards.

The report traces the history of ASAT programs, focusing on the United States and Russia/Soviet Union, while noting emerging capabilities in China and India. It details various technologies—including kinetic-kill, co-orbital, laser, and jamming systems—and assesses the risks of space debris and conflict escalation. The document also reviews diplomatic attempts to prevent an arms race in outer space, such as the Outer Space Treaty and various codes of conduct.