kamala harris climate action

Harris could redefine climate leadership in 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris' entry into the presidential race has ignited hope among environmentalists that her administration could push climate action further than President Biden’s, particularly by holding Big Oil accountable and addressing historic injustices.

Marianne Lavelle reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Harris has a history of challenging the oil industry and supporting environmental justice, making her a strong contender for advancing climate policies.
  • Her choice of running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, strengthens her climate credentials, especially given his success in making Minnesota carbon-free by 2040.
  • Despite skepticism from the Trump campaign, Harris’ focus on real-world benefits and her ability to communicate climate issues resonate with many voters.

Key quote:

She has a record of "making sure that Black and brown and low-income communities aren’t disproportionately impacted by corporate pollution."

— Kaniela Ing, national director of The Green New Deal Network

Why this matters:

While she’s likely to continue Biden's pragmatic approach, Kamala Harris's history as a prosecutor and a champion for justice could bring a fresh perspective to the fight against climate change. Read more: Robbie Parks on climate justice and mental health.

Kisatchie National Forest sign.

Trump administration seeks to open more public lands to oil, gas and mining under new Interior plan

The Trump administration is moving to overhaul federal land policy with a leaked Interior Department plan that prioritizes energy and mineral extraction over conservation.

Alexander Nazaryan reports for The New York Times.

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The Rio Grande river with green brushland on each side.
Credit: Mike/Pixabay

Texas oil companies drain billions of gallons from key rivers amid historic drought

Extreme drought has left farmers and cities scrambling for water while oil and gas drillers in Texas continue tapping into the Rio Grande and Pecos River for billions of gallons to frack wells.

Martha Pskowski reports for Inside Climate News.

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Top podcasts are quietly fueling climate denial and skepticism about solutions

Podcasts with massive audiences are increasingly spreading climate misinformation, misleading listeners on the realities of global warming and the environmental impact of eating meat.

Jessica Scott-Reid reports for Sentient Media.

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Allstate name and logo on the side of a building.

Senators investigate Allstate and State Farm for slashing storm insurance payouts

After Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the Southeast, insurance adjusters and homeowners testified that Allstate and State Farm systematically reduced claim estimates to limit payouts.

Anna Phillips and Theodoric Meyer report for The Washington Post.

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USDA will bring back deleted climate content following lawsuit

The U.S. Department of Agriculture removed key online climate resources after President Donald Trump's inauguration, but a federal lawsuit has forced the agency to commit to restoring the information.

Melina Walling reports for The Associated Press.

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People walking around the Vatican buildings during daytime.

New pope faces pressure to continue climate and Indigenous advocacy from Francis’ legacy

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, steps into a role shaped by Pope Francis’ outspoken defense of climate action and Indigenous rights, raising questions about whether he will maintain that trajectory.

Anita Hofschneider and Ayurella Horn-Muller report for Grist.

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More European companies push for stronger climate laws, research finds

European firms are increasingly supporting climate-friendly policies in the European Union, with nearly a quarter now lobbying in line with global climate goals, up from just 3% in 2019.

Ajit Niranjan reports for The Guardian.

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