Big oil companies report soaring profits and increased production

Major oil companies like Exxon Mobil, Shell and BP reported higher-than-expected profits due to increased oil and gas production, while Chevron's earnings fell short because of its refining business.

Shelby Webb and Heather Richards report for E&E News.

In short:

Exxon Mobil achieved a 15% increase in second-quarter production thanks to record outputs in the Permian Basin and Guyana, while Chevron announced it will relocate its headquarters to Houston.
ConocoPhillips is advancing its Willow oil project in the Arctic, despite opposition, with expectations of producing 180,000 barrels per day by 2029.
Shell and BP face criticism from environmental groups for shifting away from renewables and prioritizing short-term shareholder profits from fossil fuels.

Key quote:

“It is shameful that Shell…continues to reap billions in profits off the back of its planet-wrecking oil and gas operations.”

— Chiara Liguori, senior climate justice policy adviser for Oxfam Great Britain

Why this matters:

The oil companies' focus on fossil fuel production over renewable energy investments could hinder global climate goals. This trend underscores the tension between corporate profit motives and environmental responsibility.

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For immigrant delivery workers in Colombia, affordable e-bikes — financed by start-ups like Guajira — are proving to be a game-changer, offering a faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective alternative to motorbikes.

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Britain’s sewage crisis is poisoning its waterways and economy

Widespread sewage spills are contaminating Britain’s waters, threatening businesses, biodiversity, and public health, while weak regulations and corporate profits take priority over investment in critical infrastructure.

Kate Holton and Dylan Martinez report for Reuters.

In short:

Britain’s largest offshore mussel farm, located to avoid sewage pollution, is still plagued by harmful bacteria like E. coli, blocking exports to Europe and damaging the shellfish industry.
Water companies discharged sewage for 3.6 million hours in 2023, contaminating rivers and coastlines, harming tourism, and forcing the government to review the sector. Privatized firms, which have paid billions in dividends, are accused of neglecting infrastructure upgrades.
Activists and clean water advocates are fighting back, linking sewage failures to stalled construction projects, biodiversity collapse, and public health risks, forcing officials to confront decades of underinvestment and weak oversight.

Key quote:

“It’s criminal that they’re allowed to dump what they dump in the seas and get away with it. It's affecting all sorts of businesses, including us.

— Sarah Holmyard, sales manager at Offshore Shellfish

Why this matters:

As climate change intensifies rainfall, Britain’s crumbling infrastructure is reaching a breaking point. Regulators, long accused of looking the other way, are under mounting pressure as activists connect the dots between failing water infrastructure, stalled housing projects, and collapsing ecosystems.

Big oil companies report soaring profits and increased production

Affordable e-bikes are transforming delivery work for Latin American migrants

Britain’s sewage crisis is poisoning its waterways and economy

America’s ports made progress on pollution, but will it last?

France’s new tidal turbines aim to power thousands of homes with clean energy

In short:

Key quote:

Why this matters:

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