Copper recycling increases as demand soars

Copper manufacturers in Montreal are boosting recycling efforts to meet rising demand.

Jennifer McDermott reports for The Associated Press.


In short:

  • Nexans mill in Montreal now produces copper rods with 14% recycled metal, aiming for 20%.
  • The shift towards electrification to reduce greenhouse gases is driving up copper demand, projected to nearly double by 2035.
  • Recycling copper reduces the need for new mining, lessening environmental impacts.

Key quote:

“We say to our customers: Your waste of today, your scrap of today is your energy of tomorrow, so bring back your scrap.”

— Christopher Guérin, CEO of Nexans

Why this matters:

Mining copper is an energy-intensive process that often results in substantial carbon emissions and environmental degradation. By recycling copper, manufacturers can diminish their reliance on mining, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural landscapes.

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.

Sumi Somaskanda reports for the BBC.

Keep reading...Show less
Senator Whitehouse & climate change

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

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.

Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less

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.

Naveena Sadasivam reports for Grist.

Keep reading...Show less

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.

Dharna Noor reports for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
navajo permaculture dryland farming
Credit: ThePollinationProject/Flickr/

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.

Lela Nargi reports for Yale Environment 360.

Keep reading...Show less

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.

Darrell Ehrlick reports for Daily Montanan.

Keep reading...Show less

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.

Kiley Bense reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
environmental justice

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

climate week NYC

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.

fracking pennsylvania cancer

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

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.”

homelessness climate change

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.

U.S. Steel Pennsylvania pollution

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.”

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