Britain is closing its final coal-fired power station, marking the end of over 200 years of reliance on coal to power its economy.
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Key quote:
“This will be the end. This has been a personal journey for me, as well as a national journey.”
— Peter O'Grady, plant manager
Why this matters:
Britain’s coal phase-out shows how rapidly energy transitions can occur, with other major economies set to follow. The shift reflects broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change on a global scale.
Learn more about the health effects of coal energy: Want healthier babies? Shut down coal plants
More than 190 people have died in Nepal following severe flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains, with rescue and recovery operations accelerating as weather improves.
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Why this matters:
Natural disasters like this flooding underscore the vulnerability of mountainous and low-lying regions to extreme weather. With rising climate volatility, the risks of such catastrophes may increase, straining local resources and communities.
Related: Climate change poses a growing threat to Kathmandu's air quality
Former President Donald Trump plans to tour hurricane-stricken Georgia, criticizing the Biden administration's response to the disaster.
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Key quote:
“I know that everyone here sends their thoughts and prayers for the folks who have been so devastated by that hurricane and the ensuing events, in Florida, in Georgia, the Carolinas and other impacted states.”
— Vice President Kamala Harris
Why this matters:
Reality check: The Biden administration has approved disaster declarations designed to help storm survivors get the resources necessary to begin recovery efforts.
Democrats point to Project 2025, which powerful Trump supporters and funders endorse, as evidence that a second Trump administration would gut FEMA and funding for federal flood insurance. During his time as president, Trump rolled back more than 100 rules and policies meant to protect the environment and address climate change and climate-warming emissions.
Read more: The climate impact of a potential second Trump term
A rightwing think tank tied to Leonard Leo is accusing a nonprofit’s climate change seminars for judges of unfairly influencing the judiciary to favor climate lawsuits.
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Key quote:
"ELI’s seminars are giving judges the ABCs of climate change, which is a complicated subject that they ought to know about."
— Kert Davies, director of special investigations at the Center for Climate Integrity
Why this matters:
Climate-related litigation could hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in the climate crisis. Efforts to educate judges about climate science may be key to ensuring fair and informed legal outcomes in these cases.
Related: After Supreme Court ruling, judges take the lead on environmental regulation
A potential $15 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel has sparked political controversy, leaving pollution and public health concerns in the Mon Valley largely overlooked.
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Key quote:
“People are being treated like pawns, and no one’s really listening to voices of the community for what they need.”
— Matt Mehalik, the executive director at Breathe Project
Why this matters:
Steelmaking plants are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. Continuing coal-based production could lock in pollution for decades, impacting both the climate and the health of nearby communities.
Related EHN coverage:
As the U.S. seeks more domestic sources of electric vehicle battery metals, geologists are exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Minnesota for nickel deposits.
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Key quote:
“Exploration is opening Pandora’s box. Once it’s open, it gets harder and harder to close the lid.”
— John Coleman, environmental scientist with Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
Why this matters:
As demand for electric vehicle batteries grows, finding domestic nickel sources becomes increasingly urgent for energy security. However, this exploration may affect Indigenous lands and ecosystems, raising concerns about long-term environmental impacts and human rights.
More than 20 scientists expressed frustration with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization for not correcting errors in a livestock emissions report, which two cited academics say underestimates the impact of dietary changes on greenhouse gas reduction.
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Key quote:
"Our concerns have barely been acknowledged, let alone seriously engaged with. It’s been like hitting a brick wall."
— Paul Behrens, Leiden University
Why this matters:
Livestock contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, and misleading data can delay urgent shifts needed to combat climate change. Accurate reporting is critical to guide policy and public behavior.
Related coverage:
“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”
A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.
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.
“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”
The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.
“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”
