Kate Chrisman

Berlin-based Writer and Editor

I've traveled to coal mines in Mongolia, written about the illegal use of additives in gasoline in China, represented proxy voters at investor meetings in Texas, explained financial swaps to Chinese wind companies, edited personal finance articles, and championed renewable energy from Minnesota to China.

I've traveled extensively throughout Asia. Back in 2012, I bought a $300 Giant bicycle, left my job in Beijing and rode through China, Laos, and Thailand with my fiancé.

I speak Chinese. I live in Germany. It would probably be better for me to speak German.

I'm a feminist and a mother of two boys.

I Like Learning

I hope you do too.

In case you care about things like where I've studied, I have a MSc in Public Policy from the London School of Economics. I have a B.A. in International Political Science and Asian Studies from Colorado College. I also studied Chinese language at National Taiwan University.

I've taken writing classes through UC Berkeley, the Grotto in San Francisco, Left Margin Lit in Berkeley, the Reader Berlin, Comedy Cafe Berlin, and most recently through Second City.

Satire

Omega Theta Chi's Covid-19 Flip Cup Rules

Featured on McSweeney's.

A satirical piece about college administrators, Covid-19, and drinking games.

Backstory: My alma matter opened campus back up this fall, but apparently didn’t understand how college students (i.e., young adults without fully formed prefrontal cortexes – the part of the brain that makes decisions about risk/reward) behave. It didn’t turn out great.

My Sexy Breastfeeding Techniques to Steal Your Husband

Featured on The Belladonna.

A satirical piece about breastfeeding in public.

Backstory: There's no ends to the indignities of needing to pull out your breast in public and have strangers openly stare at you, while all you are trying to do is calm your screaming baby. For all the women who've been shamed or felt a pair of creepy eyes on you while nursing your baby, this one's for you!

Clean Air Is Good and Other Lies You've Been Told

Featured on Points in Case.

Is it possible to laugh at how the Trump administration has rolled back environmental regulations that are meant to protect us and the environment?

Backstory: When I saw just how many environmental regulations the Trump administration was quietly rolling back, I wondered about the lasting damage. I thought about the counter-arguments for why you'd want dirty air and water and put it in satirical form.

Energy and Environment

Women apply here: The solar industry is trying to fix its gender issue

Featured on CNBC.

There are lots of jobs in the solar industry, but why do so few go to women?

Backstory: When I lived in Oakland, I volunteered for GRID Alternatives. I learned how to instal solar panels on houses while helping low-income Americans get access to clean energy. As the industry employes more and more people, what happens if it leaves behind an entire gender?

The Great Social Solar Divide

Featured on Breaking Energy.

With renewable energy booming in the US, there's still a big problem: unequal access to clean, affordable electricity.

Backstory: Low income households and people of color are more likely to live near polluting power plants and are less likely to be able to afford to install solar panels on their roofs. As I volunteered for GRID alternatives, I wanted to know more about the inequities in renewable energy and what could be done to fix them.

China’s Nuclear Ambitions: Going Big at Home and Abroad

Featured on Green Tech Media.

As China works to lower its carbon emissions, the country embraced nuclear power - both at home and abroad.

Backstory: When the Fukushima disaster hit, I was sitting in my office in central Beijing. I remember stores selling out of iodine salt as Beijingers did everything in their power to protect themselves. China temporarily backed off on buidling nuclear power, but not for long.