
www.motherjones.com
12 May 2018
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is cutting funding for wind, solar, and electric vehicles despite a signed federal budget that preserved those levels, prompting accusations of unlawful spending violations.
In short:
Key quote:
“This isn’t a bureaucratic misstep – it’s a deliberate, partisan effort to sabotage bipartisan law and redirect funding to the energy sources favored by Secretary [Chris] Wright and his allies.”
— Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Marcy Kaptur, top Democrats on the Senate and the House Appropriations Committees
Why this matters:
When Congress sets funding levels, federal agencies are bound to follow the law. If the executive branch sidesteps those decisions to favor certain energy sources, it undercuts democratic accountability and disrupts long-term planning in clean energy sectors. These programs not only cut emissions but create jobs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and improve public health by decreasing pollution.
Learn more: Vermont climate goals face setbacks as federal support disappears
A new analysis directly attributes about 1,500 deaths in 12 European cities last week to the intensifying effects of climate change caused by fossil fuel emissions.
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Key quote:
“Those 1,500 people ‘have only died because of climate change, so they would not have died if it would not have been for our burning of oil, coal and gas in the last century.’”
— Friederike Otto, climate scientist at Imperial College
Why this matters:
Heat waves now kill thousands across Europe each summer, but new science is making the human cost of fossil fuel use starkly visible. This research goes beyond modeling weather shifts, directly tying lives lost to excess heat driven by coal, oil, and gas. Older adults, especially those with heart or lung conditions, are most at risk. In cities that already trap heat and lack green space or cooling infrastructure, even a few extra degrees can overwhelm bodies and health systems. As the planet continues warming, the toll from extreme heat is expected to rise.
Read more: Extreme heat and wildfires surge across southern Europe as temperatures break records
The far-right Patriots for Europe bloc will lead the European Parliament’s negotiations on the EU’s proposed 2040 climate target, placing a group hostile to existing climate policies at the center of the talks.
In short:
Key quote:
"We are opposed to [the 90% emissions target] because we feel that there are far too many constraints already bearing on industry at European level, and this would simply precipitate us into de-growth."
— Jordan Bardella, chair of the Patriots for Europe
Why this matters:
The European Union’s 2040 climate target is a key step in achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, but the rise of far-right influence in the European Parliament could reshape its scope or stall progress entirely. Climate change has already made Europe the fastest-warming continent, with increasing heatwaves and weather disruptions. At the same time, political pushback is growing, as industries warn of high compliance costs and some governments fear voter backlash. The collision between environmental urgency and political resistance is widening, and decisions made in Brussels will ripple far beyond Europe, affecting global climate diplomacy, cross-border trade, and public health in a warming world.
Read more: Germany’s conservative strongholds push back against climate policies
Around the globe, solar power is scaling up at a breakneck pace, reshaping energy systems, economies, and even geopolitics.
In short:
Key quote:
Continuing to burn fossil fuels "is a self-imposed financial penalty" which will "ultimately degrade the country’s long-term global competitiveness.”
— Rob Carlson, energy investor
Why this matters:
Around the world, solar panels are snapping into place faster than policymakers or utilities can keep up. This is no longer a boutique solution or a PR move but a basic infrastructure. And yet, ironically, it’s politics and bureaucracy — not price tags or power output — that are slowing this runaway train. Utilities are clinging to their old monopolies, while outdated policies drag their feet on connecting new projects. Still, the momentum is clear. And although the U.S. government may be retreating back toward fossil fuels, much of the rest of the world is marching steadily toward a bright solar future.
Read more: In the race for clean energy, the US is both a leader and a laggard — here’s how
China’s top coal-producing region, Shanxi, is struggling to pivot from its fossil-fueled past to a cleaner economic future, as the country races to meet ambitious carbon targets by 2060.
In short:
Key quote:
“In every document on realizing the dual carbon goals, and realising the energy transition, there is some kind of role or carveout for the coal industry.”
— Lauri Myllyvirta, co-founder of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air
Why this matters:
Shanxi’s story illustrates the collision between urgent climate action and entrenched economic realities. Coal remains central to powering China’s cities and factories, but it also drives pollution, health risks, and greenhouse gas emissions. As the world’s largest emitter, China’s energy choices reverberate globally, and within its borders, places like Shanxi will feel the deepest shocks. A mismanaged transition could leave millions jobless and worsen inequality, echoing the post-industrial decay seen in other regions around the world. While renewable energy capacity is soaring, a true shift from coal will require reshaping local economies and social systems, not just technologies.
Related: China pivots toward renewable energy in global investments
As deadly floods strike Central Texas, experts say outdated maps, weak regulations, and rapid development are funneling millions of Texans into flood-prone areas with few safeguards.
Joshua Fechter and Paul Cobler report for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
Key quote:
“Fundamentally, disasters are a human choice. We can choose to develop in relation to high risk, or we can choose not to. We can stay out of harm's way.”
— Robert Paterson, associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture
Why this matters:
Floods are becoming more frequent and intense as climate change accelerates atmospheric moisture levels and rainfall extremes. In Texas, where individual property rights often trump regulation, construction continues along rivers and lowlands with little oversight. As a result, more people are living in mobile homes and other vulnerable structures in areas that were once natural flood buffers. Without modern hazard mapping and statewide floodplain planning, these communities are left exposed. Weak local regulations and political fear of curbing development slow the adoption of safety standards. This puts public health and safety at risk, strains emergency services, and increases long-term infrastructure costs after disasters hit.
Related: Flood deaths rise in Texas as Trump slashes disaster preparedness and weather forecasting
The Trump administration has proposed closing more than two dozen federally funded meteorological labs, including Oklahoma’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, sparking bipartisan concern over public safety and economic consequences.
In short:
Key quote:
“There are just so many key pieces of the forecast puzzle that came out of these places, and out of these people who are going to be let go, so that’s really disturbing that we’re willing to give all that up.”
—James Franklin, former National Hurricane Center chief
Why this matters:
Weather and ocean research labs serve as front lines against deadly storms, floods, fires, and poor air quality. These institutions provide the data and models that emergency managers and local officials use to issue warnings, make evacuation calls, and protect infrastructure. Eliminating them could mean slower, less accurate alerts during hurricanes, flash floods, or toxic air events. The risks are growing: Extreme weather is intensifying, driven by climate shifts and urban expansion into vulnerable areas. Cutting this kind of research at a time when natural disasters are causing hundreds of billions in annual damage raises real concerns for public health, economic stability, and environmental safety.
Related: State and local emergency managers brace for less federal aid during disasters
One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.
“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”
"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”
A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations
“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”
“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.