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.

news.mongabay.com

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

Rainforests can bounce back much faster than thought, researchers say

Judge blocks Trump admin’s actions targeting wind and solar

What a 5,000-mile long marine heat wave means for summer in the U.S.

Almost half of America’s kids are breathing toxic air

As feds suggest easing coal ash clean up regulations, Virginia maintains stringent standards

The Green New Deal has evolved. Now it's all about 'affordability'

Why cloud computing still runs on coal and gas

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.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

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

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.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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