Climate Change

A feed of recent articles relating to Climate Change from The Daily Climate.

20 September 2024. Environmental fundraising surges as Kamala Harris takes center stage –

Environmental groups, facing a sluggish start to the 2024 election cycle, have seen a dramatic fundraising rebound after Vice President Kamala Harris took over the Democratic ticket from President Biden.

Timothy Cama and Adam Aton report for E&E News.

In short:

Environmental groups raised over $11 million in July 2024, more than double their fundraising at the same time in 2020.
The shift came as Harris replaced Biden on the ticket, energizing climate advocates to focus on swing states and key congressional races.
Groups like the League of Conservation Voters and NRDC Action Fund expect to surpass their 2020 campaign spending records this cycle.

Key quote:

“Up until 10 weeks ago, our mission was to combat the enthusiasm gap.”

— Kevin Curtis, executive director of the NRDC Action Fund

Why this matters:

Environmental groups are pouring unprecedented resources into the 2024 election, aiming to secure climate-focused majorities in Congress and the White House. Their funding surge could reshape key battleground races.

20 September 2024. US methane emissions continue to rise despite global reduction pledges –

New research reveals U.S. methane emissions from fossil fuel production are increasing, despite its leading role in a global effort to cut emissions.

Max Bearak reports for The New York Times.

In short:

Methane levels in the atmosphere are now over 2.5 times preindustrial levels, primarily from fossil fuel production.
The U.S. signed the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, but emissions continue to rise as fossil fuel production surges.
China, the world's largest emitter of methane and carbon dioxide, has not signed the pledge.

Key quote:

“Many of the fixes are within reach. Leak detection and repair, management of abandoned facilities, they aren’t impossible. In fact, many of them can be done at almost no cost.”

— Jutta Paulus, European Parliament member

Why this matters:

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with effects 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide. As global temperatures rise, unchecked methane emissions from growing fossil fuel production are accelerating climate change, impacting global efforts to meet climate goals.

20 September 2024. Scientists find IVF coral better survives marine heatwaves than older coral colonies –

Young corals bred with in vitro fertilization and planted on reefs in the Caribbean have shown a remarkable ability to survive record heatwaves, outperforming older, natural coral colonies.

Lisa S Gardiner reports for The Guardian

In short:

A study found that 90% of IVF-bred corals remained healthy during a Caribbean heatwave, while only 25% of older corals survived.
IVF coral uses increased genetic diversity to adapt better to rising temperatures compared to traditional cloning methods.
Researchers emphasize the need for climate action, as frequent heatwaves threaten long-term coral survival.

Key quote:

“We need to address the underlying causes of global climate change. But I think it’s important that we’re supplementing coral populations in the meantime, because it might be able to buy us some time.”

— Dr. Margaret Miller, research director, Secore International

Why this matters:

Coral reefs support marine biodiversity and protect coastlines. As climate change intensifies, techniques like coral IVF may help sustain these ecosystems in the short term, but global warming must be addressed for long-term success.

Related EHN coverage:

20 September 2024. California's environmental justice protections may weaken under Trump –

The future of civil rights protections for California’s most vulnerable communities could be at risk if a Trump administration guts the EPA’s oversight powers.

Aaron Cantú reports for Capital & Main.

In short:

Project 2025, a plan for a future Republican administration, would curtail the EPA’s ability to enforce civil rights laws.
California has used federal civil rights law to hold state agencies accountable, but only one case has succeeded in the past two decades.
Environmental justice activists worry that if Trump returns to office, the state will not step in to protect vulnerable communities.

Key quote:

“The vast majority of legal wins for the environmental justice movement have come through civil rights law.”

— Catherine Garoupa White, executive director, Central Valley Air Quality Coalition

Why this matters:

Weakening the EPA’s authority could limit protections against discriminatory policies that harm communities of color. If California does not take action, these communities may face increased environmental risks without federal intervention.

20 September 2024. Floods devastate countries across multiple continents as climate change intensifies –

Extreme rainfall has recently caused deadly floods and landslides in countries across four continents, with scientists linking the worsening events to climate change and inadequate infrastructure.

Austyn Gaffney and Somini Sengupta report for The New York Times.

In short:

Flooding in countries like Vietnam, Chad, and the United States has killed thousands and displaced millions.
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of floods by warming the atmosphere, which holds more moisture.
Poor infrastructure and deforestation worsen flood impacts, especially in low-income nations already facing conflict and poverty.

Key quote:

“Extreme events are getting stronger everywhere, so we should expect floods to be bigger regardless of where we are.”

— Michael Wehner, scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Why this matters:

Floods driven by climate change are happening more frequently and across diverse regions. Rich and poor countries alike will need to invest in stronger infrastructure and early-warning systems to mitigate the damage caused by extreme weather.

20 September 2024. Virginia Gov. Youngkin joins coalition advocating for natural gas and other energy options –

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has joined a coalition of Republican governors advocating for fewer energy regulations, arguing that easing restrictions will make energy more affordable and reliable.

Charlie Paullin reports for Virginia Mercury.

In short:

The Governors’ Coalition for Energy Choice, led by Republican governors, pushes for fewer regulatory barriers and supports the continued use of natural gas.
Critics argue the coalition’s position hinders clean energy progress and will raise costs in the long run.
Gov. Youngkin supports a broad energy strategy including natural gas, nuclear power, and reevaluating Virginia’s decarbonization goals.

Key quote:

“For Youngkin to stick his head in the sand and side with fossil fuel interests is something that will raise costs, not lower them.”

— Walton Shepherd, Virginia policy director for the Natural Resources Defense Council

Why this matters:

The push to maintain fossil fuel reliance may slow Virginia’s transition to renewable energy, exacerbating climate issues while delaying potential cost savings from clean energy sources.

20 September 2024. Fracking and natural gas remain central to energy debate as technology lags –

Executives at the Gastech conference argued that natural gas is vital for reducing carbon emissions, despite emerging energy technologies developing more slowly than expected.

Shelby Webb reports for E&E News.

In short:

Chevron’s CEO Mike Wirth stated that switching from coal to natural gas could create the largest carbon reduction ever.
Industry leaders criticized the Biden administration’s temporary halt on LNG export permits, which they said slows energy progress and stability.
Environmental advocates warn that relying on natural gas exacerbates climate change and slows the shift to renewable energy.

Key quote:

“Cutting these emissions by switching from coal to natural gas could represent the single greatest carbon reduction initiative in history.”

— Mike Wirth, Chevron CEO

Why this matters:

Natural gas has a lower carbon footprint than coal but remains a fossil fuel, raising concerns about its continued role in energy production. While some advocate it as a transitional solution, reliance on gas could delay meaningful shifts to cleaner energy sources.

20 September 2024. Cities across the US are reducing risky floodplain development, but Louisiana and Florida remain outliers –

New research shows that most U.S. towns have reduced or eliminated floodplain construction through local practices like zoning changes, though some states still build extensively in risky areas.

Jake Bittle reports for Grist.

In short:

The U.S. has built fewer homes in floodplains since 2001 than previously thought, with most construction concentrated in Louisiana and Florida.
Simple local measures like zoning adjustments have effectively curbed floodplain development in many states, notably New Jersey.
Outdated FEMA flood maps limit regulation effectiveness, leaving some flood-prone areas under-protected.

Key quote:

“We are building a lot in floodplains, but it’s not as bad as you think. Avoiding development in floodplains is doable, and we can do even more of it.”

— Miyuki Hino, professor of urban planning at UNC Chapel Hill

Why this matters:

As climate risks increase, reducing floodplain development can prevent costly flood damage. However, accurate maps and tailored local interventions are essential for addressing remaining gaps.

20 September 2024. AI-driven misinformation on climate change is a growing threat –

AI tools like Bard and ChatGPT have been found to generate and spread climate change misinformation, raising concerns about their potential impact on public opinion.

Stella Levantesi reports for DeSmog.

In short:

Studies show that AI tools like Bard and ChatGPT can fabricate climate misinformation, making it harder to distinguish real science from fake.
AI-generated misinformation can be spread via synthetic media, social bots, and algorithms that tailor content based on users’ biases.
Researchers are developing AI tools to counter misinformation, but they face challenges such as “hallucinations” and the rapid pace of AI advancement.

Key quote:

“ ... researchers have suggested that AI is being used to emotionally profile audiences to optimize content for political gain.”

— Asheley R. Landrum, associate professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and a senior global futures scientist at Arizona State University

Why this matters:

AI-generated climate misinformation threatens to undermine trust in science. Its ability to spread rapidly and persuasively, especially on social media, makes it a significant challenge for combating climate disinformation and influencing public policy.

20 September 2024. Steel and aluminum industries bring environmental and health concerns despite growing demand –

Aluminum and steel production will increase to support global energy transitions, but their mining and refining processes are already causing severe environmental and health impacts in many countries.

Sean Mowbray reports for Mongabay.

In short:

Demand for aluminum, essential in clean energy infrastructure, is projected to grow by 40-50% by 2050.
Mining and refining of bauxite and iron ore lead to deforestation, toxic pollution, and human health problems, particularly in developing countries.
Solutions like circular economies are promising but face implementation challenges.

Key quote:

“We found … a common thread. In every place bauxite mining is touching right now there seems to be really negative impacts for people and the environment.”

— Matthew Groch, senior director of decarbonization at Mighty Earth.

Why this matters:

While aluminum and steel are crucial to renewable energy and infrastructure, their production harms ecosystems and communities. If extraction and refining practices aren't improved, the environmental and social costs will rise sharply.

19 September 2024. Mayflies warn of the unseen dangers lurking after urban wildfires –

Mayflies and other tiny stream organisms are revealing alarming signs about the impact of urban wildfires on waterways, showing how toxic metals released by fires may disrupt ecosystems for years.

Lauren Magliozzi reports for The Washington Post and The Conversation.

In short:

After wildfires sweep through urban areas, pollutants like copper, lead, and zinc are carried into nearby streams, increasing metal concentrations up to 200-fold.
Sensitive aquatic species, like mayflies, suffer from reduced reproduction and population declines due to toxic metal exposure, altering the entire ecosystem.
Pollutants from burned materials affect water used for irrigation and recreation, potentially leading to long-term contamination and ecological damage.

Key quote:

“Mayflies’ decline is a concerning indicator of ecosystem stress.”

— Lauren Magliozzi, researcher at University of Colorado at Boulder

Why this matters:

When wildfires blaze through cities, they leave behind more than scorched earth. Metals like copper, lead, and zinc from destroyed infrastructure get washed into rivers and streams. Mayflies, being super sensitive to changes in water quality, are taking the hit. Their populations plummet, and that ripple effect runs deep, disrupting ecosystems that rely on them. Read more: We’re dumping loads of retardant chemicals to fight wildfires. What does it mean for wildlife?

19 September 2024. Humpbacks face new challenges as the oceans heat up –

Humpback whales have made a comeback in the North Pacific, but climate change now threatens their breeding and feeding grounds, potentially disrupting decades of recovery.

Riley Farrell reports for the BBC.

In short:

Humpback whale populations have rebounded in the Salish Sea thanks to conservation efforts, but climate change could undermine this recovery.
Rising ocean temperatures threaten humpbacks' breeding areas, with predictions that up to 67% of their breeding grounds may become unsuitable by the end of the century.
Changes in krill populations and shifting migration patterns could further complicate humpbacks' survival.

Key quote:

“I was mortified seeing breeding ground after breeding ground turning red in our simulation.”

— Hannah von Hammerstein, University of Hawaii

Why this matters:

Humpback whales are a keystone species in marine ecosystems, and their survival is closely tied to ocean health. Climate-driven changes to their habitats could have cascading effects on the entire food web, impacting biodiversity and human livelihoods alike. If we don’t address the root causes of climate change, we might witness one of the ocean's most celebrated conservation successes unravel in real time. Read more: Surprise! Unexpected ocean heat waves are becoming the norm.

19 September 2024. Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer –

PITTSBURGH — More than a year after the Pennsylvania Department of Health published three studies linking fracking to cancer and other health effects, advocates say the agency failed to keep promises to help residents living near fracking wells.

The studies, conducted by University of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania Department of Health researchers, found that residents living near fracking wells were more likely to experience childhood cancer, severe asthma attacks and low birth weights. They added to dozens of other studies linking living near fracking wells with various health problems, including cancer, poor birth outcomes and cardiovascular and respiratory issues

Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf ordered the studies, commonly referred to as “the Pitt studies,” after residents of fracking communities with high rates of rare childhood cancers demanded more research.

The researchers who conducted the study shared the results in August 2023 at a public meeting. They looked at health records and fracking data from 2010-2020 in the eight county Southwestern Pennsylvania region and found, among other things, that children who lived within one mile of one or more fracking wells were five to seven times more likely to develop lymphoma compared to children who don’t live near fracking wells. It also found people with asthma living within 10 miles of fracking wells were four to five times more likely to experience a severe asthma attack during the production phase and an increased risk of having babies that are small for gestational age among Pennsylvanians living within 10 miles of fracking wells.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health pledged action in response to the findings, but residents and environmental advocates say the agency hasn’t done enough.

“Millions of dollars have been spent on this study only for it to be buried,” said Stacy Magda, a community organizer with the Mountain Watershed Association during a virtual press conference organized by five environmental and health advocacy groups on Tuesday.

The groups that held the press conference, which included the Center for Coalfield Justice, the Pennsylvania chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Mountain Watershed Association, the Environmental Health Project and FracTracker Alliance, also launched a petition asking Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to take further action aimed at protecting residents who live near fracking wells.

Janice Blanock, a resident of Cecil Township, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles from Pittsburgh, held back tears as she spoke at the press conference over Zoom from a neighbor’s backyard, where a new fracking well was visible in the background. In 2016, her 19-year-old son Luke died from a rare bone cancer.

“I’ll never know exactly what caused my son's cancer,” Blanock said. “I'll never know why there are such high rates of rare cancers in my community. But I do know that harm is being done. And that pollution can make us sick … I am here to demand that Governor Shapiro address the results of the [studies].”

During the 2023 public meeting when the studies were presented, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced the launch of a continuing medical education program on environmental exposures, said it would start a program to educate schools in fracking communities about air quality, said it had developed a new form for submitting environmental health complaints, and promised to continue reviewing cancer data in the region.

“Disseminating public health guidance and research are critical functions of the Department of Health,” said Talor Musil, a field manager at the Environmental Health Project during the press conference. “Neither has yet taken place in relation to these three studies, or any shale gas development topics. And this ultimately indicates a lack of leadership by Governor Shapiro to defend the health and safety of Pennsylvanians.”

Barry Ciccocioppo, the communications director for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, defended the department’s actions. In an email, he told EHN “the [Pitt studies] help advance our understanding of the potential health impacts from hydraulic fracturing operations, and we are continuing to take action to improve the health and safety of Pennsylvania residents.”

He pointed to several initiatives related to educating medical professionals about fracking and health, including a recent presentation on the topic by Department of Health staff to a group of medical care providers and seeking approval for continuing education credits for nursing with a recorded version of that presentation (which will be publicly posted online “in the near future”). He also pointed to both past and planned presentations on the topic through a Penn State University program called ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes).

“Disseminating public health guidance and research are critical functions of the Department of Health. Neither has yet taken place in relation to these three studies, or any shale gas development topics." - Talor Musil, Environmental Health Project

He said the Department of Health is still working with the Department of Education to provide educational materials for schools and families, and the first of those documents is available online. He did not specify a timeline for this work.

The Department of Health also said it would begin work on an updated review of the literature on health and fracking. Ciccocioppo pointed to the agency’s 2019 literature review and said DOH is reviewing new scientific papers on health and fracking as they’re published and will post summaries on those papers on its website eventually, but he did not say that a formal literature review is underway.

Governor Shapiro’s fracking stance

$Josh Shapiro fracking$

Several speakers at the press conference expressed frustration with Governor Shapiro’s shifting stance on fracking. As attorney general, Shapiro oversaw a grand jury investigation that concluded there was “systematic failure by government agencies in overseeing the fracking industry,” filed criminal charges against several fracking companies for environmental violations and recommended bolstered industry regulations.

But as governor, Shapiro has entered into a controversial partnership with CNX Resources, a fracking company that pleaded no contest to criminal charges for misreporting air monitoring data in violation of the state’s Air Pollution Control Act in 2021 — charges that were brought by Shapiro while he was the state’s Attorney General. The company has also received more than 2,000 violations from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection since 2004.

CNX’s “Radical Transparency” project launched in 2023, and a recent press release from the company claims that preliminary data from several months of self-reported air monitoring at selected fracking wells “expose the flawed nature of the oft-cited University of Pittsburgh Health Study and its highly suspect results,” and indicate “that natural gas development done the CNX way is safe and inherently good for the communities where we operate.”

“CNX has claimed that fracking poses no public health risks with a photo of Governor Shapiro at the top of the report to apply an endorsement from his Administration of these findings,” Environmental Health Project’s Musil said. She added that it’s not meaningful to compare results from a months-long self-monitoring air emissions report by a fracking company to a years-long study of health data by academic and regulatory agency researchers.

Jodi Borello, a community organizer with the Center for Coalfield Justice, added, “CNX Resources cannot be trusted to accurately report air data — that’s what their criminal charges were originally for. Governor, Shapiro's relationship with the criminal company CNX Resources is not a public health response.”

Westmoreland County resident Diana Steck, who says her family’s health has been impacted by a landfill that processes fracking waste, said the state agencies’ innaction “is not only unacceptable, it is immoral,” in a statement that was read during the press conference. “Governor Shapiro, it’s time for you to stop cozying up to polluters like CNX … and take action to protect our public health, especially that of our children.”

19 September 2024. Fossil fuel companies spend $5.6 billion to improve public image through sports deals –

Fossil fuel firms have invested billions in global sports sponsorships, using these deals to improve their reputation amid growing concerns about their role in climate change.

Damien Gayle reports for The Guardian.

In short:

Oil and gas companies have signed more than 200 sports sponsorship deals across various sports, including motorsports, football, and snow sports.
Saudi Arabia's Aramco was the largest spender, contributing $1.3 billion, with other firms like Ineos and Shell also investing heavily.
The report compares these deals to tobacco companies’ past strategies of associating with sports to appear more socially acceptable.

Key quote:

"Fossil fuel companies are seeking to associate their product, whose air pollution alone is estimated to kill over 5 million people a year, with sport’s immense social capital and positive health impacts."

— New Weather Institute report

Why this matters:

The fossil fuel industry’s massive spending on sports sponsorship attempts to shift public perception and divert attention from the environmental and health impacts of fossil fuels. As with tobacco companies before them, these deals seek to normalize industries with harmful effects.

19 September 2024. The Bad River Tribe continues its fight to remove Line 5 pipeline from their land –

A long-standing legal dispute between the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Enbridge over the Line 5 oil pipeline threatens the tribe's wetlands and water supply.

Kiley Price reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

The 71-year-old Line 5 oil pipeline crosses the Bad River Band's reservation, and the tribe is fighting in court to have it removed.
Enbridge has proposed rerouting the pipeline to avoid the reservation, but the tribe remains concerned about environmental impacts from the new route.
The tribe fears an oil spill could devastate critical wetlands and wild rice beds, vital to their food and culture.

Key quote:

“I think it is remarkable that you could have a pipeline with easements that expired more than a decade ago, that a landowner has sued to have removed and that a federal court has determined is in trespass, yet is allowed to remain in operation.”

— Phil McKenna, reporter.

Why this matters:

An oil spill from Line 5 could severely damage the fragile wetlands and ecosystem that the tribe depends on for sustenance and cultural traditions. The court's decision will shape the future of these vital resources.

19 September 2024. Fracking opponent fights to reclaim her life after years of threats –

At 23, Colombian environmental activist Yuvelis Natalia Morales Blanco, a leading voice against fracking, continues her battle for mental health after enduring years of harassment and death threats.

María Paula Rubiano A. reports for Grist.

In short:

Morales Blanco received her first death threat at 19 for opposing fracking in her hometown, Puerto Wilches.
Colombia's stalled fracking projects could resume, increasing risks for activists like Morales Blanco.
Despite escaping to France under protection, she returned to Colombia, determined to continue her advocacy.

Key quote:

"I decided that the militant half and the other half should be one."

— Yuvelis Natalia Morales Blanco, activist.

Why this matters:

Environmental defenders in Colombia face severe risks, with many, like Morales Blanco, enduring psychological trauma. As fossil fuel projects continue, activists fighting for the environment must also contend with personal safety and mental health struggles.

19 September 2024. Somalia's climate crisis is worsening long-standing challenges –

Despite being one of the world's poorest and most conflict-ridden nations, Somalia's top climate advisor remains hopeful for the country's future despite the impacts of climate change.

Justin Rowlatt reports for the BBC.

In short:

Climate change is intensifying Somalia’s droughts and floods, worsening resource scarcity and fueling local conflicts.
Around 4 million people, displaced by conflict and climate crises, now live in makeshift refugee camps with little international aid.
Somalia is investing in renewable energy, with local businesses and communities taking steps to adapt to climate challenges.

Key quote:

“There is no respect if you don’t have a gun. The herders who lead their animals into the farm stay back when they see my weapon.”

— Sheik Don Ismail, Somali farmer.

Why this matters:

Somalia’s escalating climate challenges are pushing its population into deeper conflict and poverty, threatening millions with displacement, hunger, and violence. Addressing these issues requires urgent international support.

Related coverage:

19 September 2024. Toronto company plans $1.35 billion biofuel facility in Louisiana –

A Toronto-based energy company announced plans to build a biofuel plant in Louisiana using wood and garbage, but critics question its sustainability.

Wesley Muller reports for Louisiana Illuminator.

In short:

Woodland Biofuels plans to use industrial wood scraps and waste to produce biofuels at a $1.35 billion facility in St. John the Baptist Parish.
The project could create 110 jobs with an average salary of $90,000, supported by $10 million in state grants and tax incentives.
Critics argue burning biomass for energy worsens deforestation, emits pollutants, and slows the shift to cleaner energy sources.

Key quote:

"Carbon dioxide emissions from burning wood are actually higher than burning coal."

— 2018 Environmental Research Letters study

Why this matters:

While biofuels offer a potential renewable energy source, the environmental cost of burning biomass raises concerns about pollution, deforestation, and whether this approach truly moves society toward cleaner energy.

19 September 2024. Saskatchewan faces high methane leakage but could get exemptions from new rules –

One-fifth of methane from Saskatchewan's oil and gas production escapes into the atmosphere, yet the province could be exempt from stricter federal methane capture regulations due to a potential equivalency agreement.

Carl Meyer reports for The Narwhal.

In short:

Saskatchewan's oil and gas industry loses 19% of its methane, compared to lower rates in Alberta and British Columbia.
Despite this, the federal government is considering allowing Saskatchewan to self-regulate under rules similar to national standards.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its reduction is a key goal in Canada's plan to cut emissions by 2030.

Key quote:

“It’s important for Alberta and Saskatchewan to keep moving on methane, because Alberta is the biggest greenhouse gas emitter in Canada, and Saskatchewan has this enormous methane loss rate, as shown by this study.”

— Amanda Bryant, a senior analyst with the Pembina Institute’s oil and gas program

Why this matters:

Methane is a powerful contributor to climate change, and the high leakage rate in Saskatchewan poses a serious environmental challenge. Reducing methane emissions is critical to slowing global warming and avoiding more severe climate impacts.

19 September 2024. Cowboys and conservationists team up to protect Colorado lands –

A coalition of ranchers and environmentalists joined forces to secure a 20-year halt on new oil and gas drilling in Colorado's Thompson Divide.

Zoë Rom reports for The New York Times.

In short:

An unexpected alliance of ranchers, cyclists, and environmentalists formed the Thompson Divide Coalition to protect nearly 250,000 acres of land from oil drilling.
Legal vulnerabilities in existing drilling leases, especially around environmental reviews, helped the coalition challenge the leases.
The Biden administration issued a 20-year pause on new drilling to allow Congress to consider permanent protections.

Key quote:

“This campaign has done an extraordinary amount of good to right-size the value of public lands, the value of environmental values like historic cultural values on public lands that weren’t getting adequate consideration in the old paradigm.”

— Peter Hart, legal director of Wilderness Workshop

Why this matters:

Efforts like these highlight the power of diverse coalitions in influencing environmental policies. Protecting public lands from oil and gas development is crucial for preserving ecosystems and combating climate change.

Related EHN coverage:

19 September 2024. AI's environmental cost includes massive water and power usage –

Each query processed by AI tools like ChatGPT requires significant water and electricity for server cooling, contributing to environmental strain, particularly in areas facing resource shortages.

Pranshu Verma and Shelly Tan report for The Washington Post.

In short:

ChatGPT consumes about 519 milliliters of water to generate a 100-word email, illustrating the hidden environmental costs of AI usage.
Data centers, essential for AI operation, use enormous amounts of water and energy, depending on regional factors like heat and electricity prices.
Big tech companies have committed to greener practices, but their water use and carbon emissions continue to rise.

Key quote:

“AI can be energy-intensive and that’s why we are constantly working to improve efficiency.”

— Kayla Wood, spokesperson for OpenAI

Why this matters:

AI's rapidly growing use adds strain to already taxed water and energy supplies, particularly in vulnerable areas. This highlights the need for better sustainable practices in the tech industry to reduce long-term environmental impacts.

19 September 2024. Raging fires and deadly floods show climate change impacts worldwide –

Record droughts, wildfires, and extreme floods are devastating countries across the globe as climate change intensifies.

The Associated Press.

In short:

Wildfires in Portugal, Peru, and California have killed dozens and destroyed homes, with firefighters struggling to contain hundreds of blazes.
Severe drought in Brazil and neighboring countries has led to historic low water levels, disrupting livelihoods and transport.
Catastrophic floods in Southeast Asia, Central Europe, and West Africa have left thousands dead and displaced millions due to extreme storms and heavy rains.

Key quote:

“The effects of climate change are intensifying conditions that help spread fire.”

— Peru’s National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR)

Why this matters:

Rising global temperatures are fueling more frequent and severe natural disasters. Without stronger climate policies, these life-threatening events are expected to increase, displacing more communities and harming ecosystems worldwide.

Related EHN coverage:

18 September 2024. Federal heat policy ignores deadly risks despite increasing climate dangers –

Extreme heat is killing more Americans than any other weather-related event, but federal policies remain focused on protecting people from cold.

Thomas Frank reports for Politico.

In short:

The federal government invests billions in heating but provides little support for cooling, leaving millions vulnerable to extreme heat.
Federal programs fail to recognize extreme heat as a disaster, while thousands of people die indoors due to lack of air conditioning.
Low-income and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected, unable to access tax credits or support for energy-efficient cooling systems.

Key quote:

“Access to air conditioning is a life-saving intervention during extreme heat. Lack of air conditioning (AC) was a key driver in mortality.”

— Multnomah County, Oregon investigation

Why this matters:

Disregard for the realities of a heating planet is deeply embedded in policy. Regulations don’t account for how much our climate has changed. Every summer, heat waves kill more people than hurricanes or floods, yet federal programs designed to protect the vulnerable still see cooling as optional. Read more: Ripe for disaster declarations — heat, wildfire smoke and death data.

18 September 2024. States profit from lands on tribal reservations, hindering tribal sovereignty –

Tribes are forced to lease their own lands from states, which profit from resources like timber, gas, and minerals, while tribal sovereignty and environmental management are undermined.

Anna V. Smith and Maria Parazo Rose report for High Country News and Grist.

In short:

State trust lands, once seized from tribes, are leased for public institutions like schools and hospitals, often benefiting non-Indigenous citizens.
Tribal nations, such as the Ute and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, lease millions of acres from states for agriculture and resource use.
Tribes are pushing for land return through programs like Montana’s land exchange, but legal barriers, such as subsurface mineral rights, complicate the process.

Key quote:

“Hundreds of thousands of millions of dollars that could have perhaps been used to educate, to create housing, to create economic opportunity have been lost to the tribes.”

— Minnesota State Senator, Mary Kunesh

Why this matters:

Land leasing affects tribal sovereignty and limits Indigenous management of vital ecosystems. To use these lands, the tribes themselves often have to pay, a grim irony considering these territories were once meant to be set aside for their exclusive use. Read more: Why Indigenous women are risking arrest to fight Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline through Minnesota.

18 September 2024. London's low-emission zone got kids out of cars and onto their feet –

A year after London's clean air zone was enforced, 40% of children began walking or biking to school instead of being driven, according to new research.

Syris Valentine reports for Grist.

In short:

A study found that 40% of kids in London's ultra-low emissions zone switched from car rides to walking or biking within a year of the policy's start.
In contrast, only 20% of children in the control group city, Luton, made the same switch, with an equal number starting to drive.
Researchers say this shift could combat childhood obesity and improve both mental and physical health.

Key quote:

"Physical activity in general is vital for preventing obesity... and has benefits for children’s physical development and mental health.”

— Christina Xiao, epidemiologist at Cambridge University

Why this matters:

Research shows that penalizing driving—rather than just building bike lanes or walking paths—is often more effective at getting people out of their cars. And whether it's through incentives or penalties, the takeaway is clear: what’s good for the planet is often what’s best for the kids too. Read more: Another road is possible.

18 September 2024. Biden's green energy policies are expected to save lives and grow jobs, reports show –

New reports suggest that President Biden's climate policies will save 200,000 lives by reducing pollution and have already added nearly 150,000 clean energy jobs in the U.S.

Oliver Milman reports for The Guardian.

In short:

Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act has led to 150,000 new clean energy jobs, with 3.5 million now working in the sector.
Clean energy jobs grew 4.5% last year, outpacing U.S. employment growth, especially in energy efficiency, renewables, and electric vehicles.
Trump's campaign promises to end clean energy incentives if elected, aiming to deregulate the energy sector.

Key quote:

"The biggest threats to this unprecedented progress are misguided efforts to repeal or roll back parts of the IRA."

— Bob O'Keefe, executive director of E2.

Why this matters:

Reducing pollution saves lives and improves public health. Clean energy job growth boosts the economy but faces potential reversal if Trump wins, risking pollution increases and economic setbacks in this sector.

18 September 2024. Illinois carbon capture project faces early corrosion issues, raising long-term safety concerns –

The nation’s first carbon capture and storage project, located in Decatur, IL, has violated Safe Drinking Water Act regulations due to corrosion in a monitoring well, according to the EPA.

Sharon Kelly reports for DeSmog.

In short:

The Decatur project, run by Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM), was the first in the U.S. to inject captured carbon into deep wells for storage.
EPA inspections found corrosion in a monitoring well used to detect leaks, prompting concerns about long-term risks to groundwater safety.
ADM has plugged the affected well and stated that local drinking water remains unaffected.

Key quote:

“This incident puts an exclamation point on concerns communities across the country have been raising for years about the dangers the CCS industry poses to public safety and drinking water.”

— Jim Walsh, policy director of Food & Water Watch.

Why this matters:

Corrosion and leaks in carbon capture projects could threaten drinking water and public safety. Early issues like this may signal more severe problems as these facilities age, potentially undermining their role in climate solutions.

18 September 2024. A pipeline explosion in Texas causes evacuation and damages homes –

A pipeline fire ignited after a vehicle struck a valve near Houston, prompting investigations and an evacuation of nearly 1,000 homes.

Juan A. Lozano reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

A vehicle crashed into a pipeline valve near Houston, causing an explosion and a massive fire that burned for over 12 hours.
Nearby homes caught fire due to intense heat, and authorities evacuated 1,000 households while firefighters attempted to contain the flames.
Air monitoring detected no immediate health risks, though the fire released soot and particulate matter into the environment.

Key quote:

“A lot of the house structures that are adjacent to that are still catching on fire even though we’re putting a lot of water on them.”

— Jerry Mouton Jr., Mayor of Deer Park.

Why this matters:

Pipeline explosions in Houston’s petrochemical region are common, raising concerns about the safety of the infrastructure and its impact on nearby communities and the environment. Residents must grapple with repeated disruptions and potential long-term risks.

Related EHN coverage:

18 September 2024. Car travel now exceeds pre-pandemic levels in most US cities –

A recent report shows that vehicle miles traveled in the US have risen 12% since 2019, with New York City’s urban core seeing the largest increase.

Linda Poon reports for Bloomberg.

In short:

Driving in most US metropolitan areas is higher than before the pandemic, with a 12% increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) from 2019 to 2024.
NYC saw a 14.7% rise in daily VMT per capita, the highest of any major city center, while Los Angeles saw a 17% decline.
Remote work and population shifts may be contributing to changes in driving patterns.

Key quote:

“Congestion is pretty stubborn.”

— Emily Adler, director of content at StreetLight Data.

Why this matters:

Increased driving worsens pollution and traffic congestion, both of which complicate efforts to meet climate and public health goals. Policymakers must address infrastructure and urban planning to curb these trends.

18 September 2024. State climate plans could face major changes if Trump returns to the White House –

As states implement ambitious climate projects with federal funding, many are concerned that a Trump victory in the upcoming election could reverse much of their progress.

Alex Brown reports for Stateline.

In short:

States like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Utah are investing federal funds to reduce emissions and combat climate change, but fear that Trump could slow these efforts.
While Trump cannot directly repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, he could delay grants, tax credits, and loans essential for climate projects.
Republican-led states, despite prior resistance, are also using federal money to develop their climate initiatives.

Key quote:

“Even if the money is technically safe, we would definitely expect to see agencies [in a Trump administration] dragging their feet.”

— Rachel Jacobson, lead researcher of state climate policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Why this matters:

The Inflation Reduction Act’s funding has empowered states to make critical investments in green technology and infrastructure. If these projects are delayed or defunded, it could stall progress on climate change and affect economic development in both red and blue states.