National Geographic is running a special energy series and a recent article highlights steps companies and environmental groups are taking to reduce the impacts associated with shale gas and oil development. “Natural gas is a potential energy bounty for the country, and development is probably inevitable,” said Ben Ratner, a project manager for the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund. “”That’s why we’re investing our energy into doing everything, from science to policy to working with companies, to maximize the potential climate advantage that gas has over coal, and minimize the risk to public health and the environment. We think natural gas can be an exit ramp from coal, but we have to do it right.” [National Geographic]

This Foreign Affairs piece provides solid detail into why Saudi Arabia just declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization “on par with Hezbollah and al Qaeda.” “But the younger rank-and-file Brothers in Saudi, like those in other Brotherhood franchises outside Egypt, are starting to lose hope in peaceful political change. That frustration can lead to apathy. But it can also lead to violence — and if it does, the Saudi government’s decision to declare the group a terrorist organization will have been a self-fulfilling prophecy.” [Foreign Affairs]

This piece discusses Germany’s current energy policy challenges and highlights how the Ukraine crisis impacts Berlin’s push to increase renewable energy capacity while phasing out nuclear power and moderating power price increases. “These changes reflect lessons learned since Germany first decided to phase out its nuclear reactors in favor of energy generated by renewable resources, which until now have all been promoted equally through government subsidies.” [New York Times]