Listen: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present vastly different visions for climate action
In the lead-up to the U.S. election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offer sharply contrasting climate policies, with Harris advocating for green energy investment while Trump questions its economic benefits.
In short:
- Kamala Harris supports Biden’s aggressive climate policies, including green energy investments, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Donald Trump frames climate initiatives as economically harmful, seeking to roll back regulations and exit international climate agreements.
- Voters in key states like Pennsylvania are divided, balancing job security in fossil fuel industries with the push for cleaner energy.
Key quote:
"We have to rapidly accelerate our commitments to aggressively curb our emissions."
— Kamala Harris, vice president.
Why this matters:
The next U.S. president's climate policies will shape both national industry and international climate efforts. Voter opinions on climate, intertwined with economic and local issues, could sway the election outcome.
Related coverage:
Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda
A former top Interior official violated ethics rules by holding oil company stocks
Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior, improperly held stock in ExxonMobil and Chevron while participating in a meeting affecting those companies, according to a report by the agency’s internal watchdog.
In short:
- Tommy Beaudreau violated federal ethics rules by failing to monitor his investments in ExxonMobil and Chevron.
- His financial adviser purchased the stocks without his knowledge, but Beaudreau failed to recuse himself from a related meeting.
- Despite owning stocks, he participated in discussions about new safety regulations for oil wells in the Gulf of Mexico.
Key quote:
“Beaudreau participated in a meeting about a regulation that affected Exxon and Chevron, even though he had a financial interest in the companies.”
— Interior’s Office of Inspector General
Why this matters:
Conflicts of interest, even unintentional ones, can taint public trust. The timing is especially troubling as the U.S. grapples with energy transition and the environmental risks of offshore drilling. If those responsible for regulating oil safety are financially entangled with the companies they oversee, can the public really believe these policies are built on science rather than profit? Read more: Public disservants.
Wealthy nations stall on climate reparations pledges
Rich nations have fallen short in following up on their initial pledges to the UN’s loss-and-damage fund, leaving poor nations struggling with the fallout of climate change.
In short:
- The loss-and-damage fund, launched in 2023, aims to help developing countries recover from climate-induced disasters but has seen limited funding since its inception.
- So far, the fund has raised $680 million—far below the estimated $580 billion needed annually by 2030 to cover climate damages.
- At the upcoming COP29, discussions will shift to broader climate finance issues, leaving further contributions to the loss-and-damage fund uncertain.
Key quote:
“A lot of us hoped that more countries would have come in. A lot of the developed countries take a kind of wait-and-see approach.”
— Liane Schalatek, the associate director of the Washington, D.C., office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation
Why this matters:
As climate disasters worsen, poor nations are left to shoulder disproportionate costs, despite contributing little to global emissions. Without substantial new funding, they will struggle to recover from the growing impacts of climate change.
Related:
Trump rejects climate crisis while visiting hurricane-ravaged Georgia
As Hurricane Helene's devastation worsens, Trump denies climate change and seeks campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry, which contributes heavily to global warming.
In short:
- Trump called the climate crisis a “scam” during a Georgia visit after Hurricane Helene killed over 150 people.
- A study found that climate change caused 50% more rainfall during the hurricane in parts of the southeast U.S.
- Trump plans to raise funds from oil executives, while his Project 2025 could dismantle federal flood protections and disaster preparedness.
Key quote:
“It’s obscene that communities... are suffering and dying from the reality of the climate emergency while Donald Trump denies that it even exists.”
— Brett Hartl, political director, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund
Why this matters:
Trump's proposals, including weakening FEMA and NOAA, would leave communities vulnerable to future extreme weather events.
Read more:
Restoring Navajo land through traditional farming techniques
In the parched Black Mesa region, Navajo farmers like Roberto Nutlouis are reviving ancient methods to restore watersheds, boost food sovereignty, and heal their ecosystem.
In short:
- Navajo farmers are using traditional structures, like rock and brush dams, to capture water and prevent erosion, helping crops thrive despite climate challenges.
- The restoration of small watersheds has improved soil fertility, supported vegetation and sequestered carbon, offering a blueprint for future farming resilience.
- Collaborative efforts are focusing on food sovereignty, water rights and restoring native plants to fight desertification.
Key quote:
“Ecologies needs to be restored. Food systems need to be restored. This is an opportunity to begin developing localized food economies.”
— Roberto Nutlouis, Navajo farmer
Why this matters:
As climate change worsens droughts and extreme weather, traditional farming practices offer a sustainable solution to restoring ecosystems and improving food security in arid regions. By restoring their watersheds, Navajo farmers are not just battling desertification—they’re reclaiming their relationship with the land. It's a model of resilience in the face of modern challenges, with the added bonus of sequestering carbon in the process. Read more: Valerisa Joe-Gaddy on tribal water justice.
Montana groups sue to block coal mine expansion over water and tribal concerns
Three environmental groups are suing Montana’s DEQ over its approval of a coal mine expansion that threatens groundwater, sacred Native sites and ranchers' livelihoods.
In short:
- The lawsuit argues the Bull Mountain Mine expansion will deplete groundwater and harm ranchers who depend on it for livestock.
- Tribal groups have not been adequately consulted about the destruction of culturally significant sites like a prehistoric petroglyph in the area.
- Signal Peak Energy, the mine's operator, has a history of safety violations and environmental harm, including insufficient efforts to replenish lost water.
Key quote:
“The mine’s cumulative impacts are draining and will continue to drain water from the Bull Mountains huge volumes (hundreds of gallons per minute) for decades, which the deep aquifer cannot support.”
— lawsuit filing by Earthjustice.
Why this matters:
The expansion could worsen water shortages in Montana’s ranching regions and further erode trust between Native tribes and state regulators. Additionally, the mine will release significant carbon emissions, contributing to climate change.
Related EHN coverage:
Pennsylvania Senate candidates face tough questions on climate and energy
Pennsylvania’s Senate candidates, Bob Casey and Dave McCormick, will debate on Oct. 3, with key questions expected on climate change, energy and fracking.
In short:
- Bob Casey supports regulated fracking but faces scrutiny from environmentalists who argue fracking is unsafe.
- Dave McCormick calls for increased fossil fuel production despite acknowledging climate change, raising concerns about global warming.
- Both candidates are likely to address the future of Pennsylvania’s role in the clean energy economy during the debate.
Why this matters:
Pennsylvania is a battleground for energy policy, with large fracking operations and growing pressure to transition to clean energy. The debate will spotlight how the candidates plan to balance economic growth with urgent climate goals.
Learn more: A new book argues the right way to discuss climate change
LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all
“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”
Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?
A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.
Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer
Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.
The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report
“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”
Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance
The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.
As Biden prepares to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, pollution concerns persist in Pennsylvania
“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”