Chinese cities are discovering that sewage could provide a clean source of power using new sludge-to-energy technology, writes Jillian Du in January’s most-read post. Chinese cities are looking to U.S. pioneers like Boston and Portland to learn how to incorporate sludge digesters into their waste management and energy infrastructure.

Our former director, Roger-Mark De Souza, offers his predictions on what lies ahead for resilience in 2018 as he transitions to serve as the President and CEO of Sister Cities International, while Acting Director Lauren Herzer Risi asks you what new issues you see emerging on the horizon.

Also popular this month: analysis of the high rate of stillbirths, and the national security implications of wildlife trafficking. “The same criminals that are trafficking in drugs, guns, and people, traffic in wildlife,” said Christine Dawson of the U.S. State Department at our December event.

1. Nothing Wasted: The Waste-To-Energy Revolution in China, by Jillian Du

2. Criminal Elements: Illegal Wildlife Trafficking, Organized Crime, and National Security, by Saiyara Khan

3. New Year, New Challenges—and New Questions for our Audience, by Lauren Herzer Risi

4. The More Things Change: Resilience, Complexity, and Diplomacy Are Still Top Priorities in 2018, by Roger-Mark De Souza

5. 2.6 Million Babies Are Stillborn Every Year, by Sarah Barnes