Labour's plan to lead a green energy shift in Britain

Keir Starmer's new Labour government pledges to fast-track the green energy transition, aiming for zero-carbon electricity by 2030 despite significant challenges.

Somini Sengupta reports for The New York Times.

In short:

Labour's win marks the end of 14 years of Conservative rule, with a strong focus on climate promises including zero-carbon electricity by 2030.
Reducing reliance on gas and halting new North Sea oil licenses are major goals, but achieving these will be politically and logistically challenging.
Broad political consensus on climate action in Britain is fracturing, with rising far-right opposition to net-zero targets.

Why this matters:

The Labour Party's vision for a greener future includes a comprehensive strategy to overhaul the UK's energy infrastructure. This means ramping up investments in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal power, while simultaneously phasing out fossil fuels. The aim is not only to reduce the nation's carbon footprint but also to set a global example in combating climate change.

www.nytimes.com

Labour's plan to lead a green energy shift in Britain

Sunny day flooding not as paradoxical as it may sound

Solar to overtake coal on Texas grid for the first time ever this year

U.N. climate panel says RCP 8.5, the worst-case scenario, is 'implausible'

EPA claims ‘overwhelming rejection’ of EVs as it moves to loosen air pollution rules

Airborne microplastics may be warming the planet in ways overlooked by scientists

A utility mega-merger is all about data centers

Seasonal patterns that farmers trusted for generations have suddenly turned unpredictable

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.