Heather Smith

Heather Smith is the former science editor at Sierra.

Mycorrhizae for Kids

"A World of Plants" is a relief for those who grew up on outdated science

By Heather Smith December 19, 2021

4 Must-Read Books for Your Fall Reading List

In moving tales of struggle and loss, these stories highlight the power of transcendence

By Jonathan Hahn , Katie O'Reilly , Heather Smith November 28, 2021

In this story: books, science, climate change, indigenous communities

Does Future Miami Really Flood Like That?

Fact-checking the climate noir "Reminiscence"

By Heather Smith October 31, 2021

In this story: film, science, climate change, politics

A sunny, hazy CGI landscape of a flooded city as seen from above with skyscrapers coming out of the water.

What Does Cloture Have to Do With Climate Change?

A reconciliation bill glossary for these complicated times

By Heather Smith October 18, 2021

In this story: federal climate policy, politics, climate change, clean energy

Big beige cream-colored dome of the Senate as seen from the inside with periwig sculpture in foreground.

Biking While Black in Minneapolis: Extended Interviews

The exhilaration and the grind of being a Black cyclist

By Patience Zalanga and Heather Smith September 21, 2021

In this story: biking, urban living, transportation, racial justice

Sara White on the Juneteenth Blackout ride.

So You Want to Be an Architect?

First, go to a planning commission meeting

By Heather Smith September 9, 2021

In this story: architecture, urban planning, education, cool schools, climate change

Indigo-colored engineering drawning with two nicely sharpened pencils and a compass

The Gritty Truth About Multistory Composting Toilets

Can composting toilets work at scale?

By Heather Smith October 5, 2021

In this story: science

Infographic shows a cut-out of a building with a composting toilet system.

The Spotted Owl and the College Student

The interspecies conversation that saved Pacific Northwest old growth

By Heather Smith October 4, 2021

In this story: wildlife, birds

Close-up of a brown and white spotted owl swooping down with wings outstretched and talons in front of it.

Biking While Black in Minneapolis

The simple freedom of moving yourself through space in a fraught city

Adapted from an interview by Heather Smith and Patience Zalanga September 21, 2021

In this story: biking

Two women wearing summer clothes pose in front of a tree in a park, smiling. A bike is leaned up against the tree.

Put My Superheroes on Amtrak

A wish list for luring more travelers to less polluting travel

By Heather Smith August 26, 2021

In this story: public transit, transportation, climate change, federal climate policy