Chicago teachers push for climate initiatives in new contract

Chicago teachers push for climate initiatives in new contract

The Chicago Teachers Union demands climate-focused upgrades like solar panels and electric buses in their new contract negotiations with Chicago Public Schools.

Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco reports for Grist.


In short:

  • The CTU's contract proposal includes solar panels, heat pumps, and electric buses to combat climate change impacts on over 500 schools.
  • Negotiations, held publicly, revealed both sides agree on the need for climate action but struggle with funding the necessary changes.
  • Chicago schools face significant infrastructure challenges, with many buildings over 80 years old and high climate-driven maintenance costs.

Key quote:

"Chicago’s buildings, including school buildings, are a major source of carbon emissions."

— Lauren Bianchi, Chicago teacher and chair of the CTU’s Climate Justice Committee

Why this matters:

This shift could lead to a healthier environment for schoolchildren. Solar panels and electric buses reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, leading to cleaner air and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This can have a direct impact on the health of students, particularly those with asthma and other respiratory conditions exacerbated by pollution.

Colorado kids with leukemia are more than twice as likely to live near dense oil and gas development

Colorado kids with leukemia are more than twice as likely to live near dense oil and gas development

A recent study suggests that living near a higher density of oil and gas wells increases childhood cancer risk.

A recent study found that Colorado children who’d been diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia were more than twice as likely to live near dense oil and gas development, including both conventional and fracking wells, than healthy children throughout the state.

Keep reading...Show less
View of mauna koa mountain in Hawaii.

Carbon dioxide hits new record as global emissions push May levels past 430 ppm

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations surged to a record high in May, crossing a seasonal threshold of 430 parts per million for the first time in recorded history.

Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.

Keep reading...Show less
close-up photo of body of water.

Scientists revise timeline for possible collapse of key Atlantic ocean current

The Atlantic current system that helps regulate global climate may be weakening slower than some previous studies predicted, though uncertainty remains about when — or if — it could reach a tipping point.

Rebecca Egan McCarthy reports for Grist.

Keep reading...Show less
yellow mining truck on dirt road during daytime.

UN experts call for global trust to manage mineral demand and reduce new mining

A rapid rise in demand for critical minerals is fueling geopolitical tensions, prompting United Nations-backed scientists to propose a global trust to ensure equitable access and mitigate environmental harm.

Carrie Klein reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
An illuminated power plant in an urban landscape at night.

Trump administration orders Pennsylvania power plant to stay open amid claims of emergency demand

A half-century-old oil and gas power plant in Pennsylvania will remain online through the summer after a last-minute order from the Department of Energy reversed its planned shutdown.

Jon Hurdle reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
green tree in dry field during day.

EU bank to invest billions in clean water and drought resilience across Europe

A sweeping €15 billion investment by the European Investment Bank will fund pollution control, infrastructure, and innovation to tackle worsening water stress across the EU.

Virginia Furness and Kate Abnett report for Reuters.

Keep reading...Show less
wind turbines on green grass field during sunset.

Public support for renewable energy drops as partisan divides and fossil fuel interests grow

Support for wind and solar energy in the U.S. has declined sharply over the past five years as fossil fuel backing has risen, reflecting deepening political polarization and culture war dynamics.

Pam Radtke reports for Floodlight.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.