
www.theguardian.com
14 November 2021
Cop26: the goal of 1.5C of climate heating is alive, but only just
The Glasgow deal makes incremental progress on the climate crisis but largely kicks the can down the road
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she would advise President Donald Trump to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its current form and give local officials more control over disaster aid distribution.
In short:
Key quote:
“We still need the resources and the funds and the finances to go to people that have these types of disasters, like Hurricane Helene and the fires in California. But you need to let the local officials make the decisions on how that is deployed, so it can be deployed much quicker.”
— Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary
Why this matters:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has long been a cornerstone of the United States' disaster response system, offering crucial aid to communities struck by hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other calamities. However, debates about the agency’s effectiveness and whether control of disaster response should be shifted to individual states have gained traction. Advocates for decentralizing disaster management argue that allowing states to take the lead could streamline operations and reduce delays in critical moments. Others question whether states have the resources to execute effective and equitable disaster relief, suggesting reform rather than elimination of the agency.
Related: Trump’s plan to dismantle FEMA meets Republican resistance
Researchers across the U.S. are grappling with halted payments and uncertainty after Trump’s executive orders affected federal grant funding, sparking concerns about political interference in science.
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Key quote:
“My peers and I feel extreme stress and fear.”
— Diana Macias, biologist at the University of California, Berkeley
Why this matters:
Political interference in research funding poses a significant threat to the foundation of scientific progress, jeopardizing both the stability of the scientific workforce and the principle of academic freedom. When funding decisions are swayed by political agendas rather than merit or peer-reviewed evaluation, critical areas like climate science and public health often bear the brunt of the consequences. The uncertainty surrounding grants not only risks delaying essential innovations but also creates an unstable environment for scientists, particularly those early in their careers, who rely on consistent funding to sustain their work.
Read more: Trump administration funding freeze sparks uncertainty in scientific community
President Trump’s halt on federal clean energy funding is stalling billions in investments, with most of the economic fallout affecting Republican-led states that had benefited from Biden-era climate incentives.
Lisa Friedman, Brad Plumer and Harry Stevens report for The New York Times.
In short:
Key quote:
“I expect thousands of people to be laid off, I expect workers to be furloughed, and I expect construction projects to halt.”
— Jason Walsh, executive director of the BlueGreen Alliance
Why this matters:
The freeze jeopardizes a manufacturing boom that had brought jobs and investment to rural and industrial communities, many of which lean Republican. Delays in solar, wind and battery production threaten U.S. energy security and competitiveness in a growing global market.
Read more: Trump’s funding freeze halts solar program for low-income communities
Scott Mason IV, a former Oklahoma energy official and advisor to the conservative Project 2025 initiative, will oversee the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 6, which includes Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and 66 tribal nations.
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Key quote:
“EPA is the backstop when states fail to do their job to protect clean air and clean water.”
— Jen Duggan, Environmental Integrity Project
Why this matters:
Region 6 of the U.S. EPA oversees some of the most environmentally vulnerable areas in the United States, including parts of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. This region is home to numerous industrial corridors, such as Louisiana's infamous "Cancer Alley," where communities — disproportionately made up of people of color — have endured decades of exposure to high levels of air and water pollution from petrochemical plants, refineries and other industrial facilities.
Related EHN coverage: Pollution, Poverty, and People of Color
A South Carolina environmental nonprofit lost access to a $365,000 federal grant after the Trump administration froze Inflation Reduction Act funds, leaving critical air monitoring projects in marginalized communities at risk.
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Key quote:
“In spite of the federal judges pausing Trump’s unlawful funding freeze, many organizations remain in real-time disarray.”
— Jillian Blanchard, vice president of Climate Change and Environmental Justice at Lawyers for Good Government
Why this matters:
The freezing of environmental grants has sent shockwaves through communities and organizations that depend on federal funding to track pollution and protect public health. These grants, often targeted at vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, play a critical role in measuring air and water pollution. Without them, projects designed to monitor contaminants or study their long-term effects on human health could grind to a halt, leaving residents in heavily polluted areas without critical protections. This uncertainty comes at a time when scientific evidence underscores the urgency of addressing pollution and climate change.
President Donald Trump has ordered states to stop using federal funds for electric vehicle chargers, but legal and market forces may limit his ability to derail the expansion.
Alexa St. John and Isabella O’Malley report for The Associated Press.
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Key quote:
“As the world is shifting to electric vehicles, any slowdown will put the U.S. auto industry further behind."
— Matt Stephens-Rich, director of programs at the non-partisan group Electrification Coalition
Why this matters:
The expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is emerging as a critical factor in reducing transportation-related emissions and supporting the transition to cleaner cars. While EV adoption is rising, a lack of convenient and accessible charging stations remains a major hurdle, particularly for rural communities and lower-income drivers who may not have the option to charge at home. Federal funding has played a significant role in filling these gaps, helping to install chargers along highways and in underserved neighborhoods. Cutting back on these investments could slow the rollout of charging stations, making EV ownership less practical for many Americans.
Related: Electric car charging stations fall behind growing demand
Clean energy leaders are emphasizing economic benefits over climate concerns, hoping to appeal to policymakers who prioritize financial growth over environmental action.
Seth Borenstein and Alexa St. John report for The Associated Press.
In short:
Key quote:
“It’s a very winning message for outreach to conservatives because it’s really true. If we play our cards right and lead the world to this, we can create a lot of wealth, create a lot of jobs here in America.”
— former U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis, South Carolina Republican and founder of the conservative climate group RepublicEN.org
Why this matters:
Focusing on profits rather than climate risks reflects a major shift in how clean energy is marketed, especially under a government skeptical of climate policies. Historically framed as a moral imperative to combat the worsening effects of climate change, renewable energy is increasingly being marketed as a profitable and practical choice — one that can generate returns for investors while reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuels. This shift is particularly notable in the context of political environments where climate policies are met with skepticism or outright resistance.
Related:
“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.
We must prioritize minority-serving institutions, BIPOC-led organizations and researchers to lead environmental justice efforts.
Responses to the new rules have been mixed, and environmental advocates worry that Trump could undermine them.
Prisons, jails and detention centers are placed in locations where environmental hazards such as toxic landfills, floods and extreme heat are the norm.
The leadership team talks about what they’ve learned — and what lies ahead.
Top polluters are benefiting the most from tax breaks.