grayscale photo of three smokestacks

Fossil fuel cuts, not just renewables, needed to avoid climate disaster

Experts warn that while renewable energy is growing rapidly, only significant reductions in fossil fuel use can prevent catastrophic climate change and environmental collapse.

Gerry McGovern and Sue Branford report for Mongabay.


In short:

  • Despite rapid expansion of solar, wind and electric vehicles, fossil fuel use hit record highs in 2023, increasing global emissions.
  • Mining for renewable energy components is environmentally destructive, contributing to six planetary boundaries already in crisis.
  • Indigenous knowledge offers a model for sustainability by emphasizing restraint, integration with nature and reducing consumption.

Key quote:

“We have solutions to scale down our use of coal, oil and gas. We know how to feed humanity from sustainable food systems, that largely bring us back into the [safe zone for] planetary boundaries, the safe space for nitrogen, phosphorous, freshwater, land and biodiversity.”

— Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

Why this matters:
Transitioning to renewables isn’t enough without slashing fossil fuel use and reducing overall consumption. Failing to act decisively threatens a sixth mass extinction and irreversible environmental damage.

Related: Activists urge insurers to cut ties with fossil fuels in London protests

Person holding No Nature No Future signage during a demonstration.

World leaders stall as Cop30 looms and climate pledges remain unfinished

With just four months until the United Nations climate summit in Brazil, most countries have yet to submit updated emissions plans, threatening the world’s ability to stay below the 1.5C warming threshold.

Fiona Harvey reports for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
Saudi Aramco flag with a skyscraper in background.

Saudi oil official’s role in climate science report raises conflict of interest concerns

A longtime Saudi Aramco employee’s nomination to help lead a major United Nations climate report has sparked fresh questions about fossil fuel influence inside the world’s top climate science body.

Karl Mathiesen reports for POLITICO.

Keep reading...Show less
four people on ice near icebergs during daytime.

Ocean salinity shifts are melting Antarctic sea ice faster, scientists find

Rising salt levels near Antarctica are altering ocean dynamics, drawing up warm water and accelerating sea ice loss, new satellite data reveal.

Sachi Kitajima Mulkey reports for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
Two soccer players collide mid-air as the ball bounces off one of their heads.

Vermont soccer club kicks toward a cleaner future

In Burlington, Vermont, a scrappy amateur soccer team is drawing crowds and taking climate action one game at a time.

Cara Buckley reports for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
Coal power plant with smoke rising from towers.
Credit: catazul/Pixabay

EPA moves to delay coal plant water pollution rules, raising health concerns

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans to delay and potentially weaken water pollution standards for coal-fired power plants, citing energy grid demands and economic pressures.

Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill.

Keep reading...Show less
Scientist using pipette to place liquid into containers.

EPA staff accuse Trump administration of sidelining science

More than 270 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency employees have accused the Trump administration of pushing a political agenda that undermines science and endangers public health.

Maxine Joselow reports for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
Two soccer players collide mid-air as the ball bounces off one of their heads.

Vermont soccer club kicks toward a cleaner future

In Burlington, Vermont, a scrappy amateur soccer team is drawing crowds and taking climate action one game at a time.

Cara Buckley reports for The New York Times.

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.