Peter Dykstra and host Steve Curwood first take a look at some controversial suggestions from the current Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo about how people can cope with mounting climate impacts.
Ireland’s powerful agribusiness lobby is stalling efforts to reduce agricultural emissions and meet environmental goals, threatening the country’s water and air quality while pushing a false narrative of sustainability.
In short:
Key quote:
“The intensive agriculture sector in Ireland is incredibly effective at lobbying, and at using their platform to push a false message of sustainability from a number of different angles.”
— Dr. Elaine McGoff, head of advocacy, An Taisce, Ireland's National Trust
Why this matters:
Agriculture is responsible for nearly 38% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, the highest in Europe. Without significant changes, Ireland’s intensive farming practices will continue to hinder climate progress and environmental sustainability.
Learn more: This diet will likely keep you alive longer — and help the planet
The Mapuche Confederation of Neuquén has asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate environmental risks posed by fracking in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta region.
Katie Surma and Keerti Gopal report for Inside Climate News.
In short:
Key quote:
"Our culture is threatened, our territories are invaded and contaminated, our flora and fauna are poisoned, our air is affected by chemicals and our soil is shaking at the same time as uncontrolled exploitation."
— Co-signers of the letter, including Jorge Nawel, leader of the Mapuche Confederation of Neuquén
Why this matters:
Fracking in Vaca Muerta threatens both the environment and the health of Indigenous communities. The Mapuche are urging greater transparency to ensure that U.S. investors are informed about the risks linked to these operations.
Can the U.S. reduce its reliance on imported seafood by sourcing more fish locally and building better infrastructure?
In short:
Key quote:
“It’s not a law of gravity that 90 percent of the seafood we consume in the U.S. has to be imported.”
— Joshua Stoll, founder of Local Catch Network
Why this matters:
Global trade in seafood strains American fishermen and increases environmental harm through long-distance shipping. Strengthening local seafood systems can improve sustainability and reduce the risks from international market disruptions.
Related EHN coverage:
The top Republican contender for the House Energy and Commerce Committee chairmanship will play a crucial role in shaping energy policy and may push to repeal parts of the Inflation Reduction Act if Republicans win in Congress.
In short:
Why this matters:
The House Energy and Commerce Committee plays a major role in regulating energy and climate policy. Its leadership will influence the future of U.S. climate initiatives, particularly if Republicans gain control of Congress.
Related coverage:
Baltimore is revitalizing South Baltimore's wetlands to strengthen defenses against extreme weather and climate change, while creating new green spaces for the community.
In short:
Key quote:
“We’ve changed so much of the earth that we really need to understand how nature works in our presence.”
— Dr. Eric Schott, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Why this matters:
Restoring wetlands provides natural defenses against climate change, particularly for underserved communities in Baltimore. Wetlands also support biodiversity, reduce pollution and offer sustainable alternatives to traditional infrastructure. At the same time, some scientists caution that restoration is still a relatively young science that requires ongoing study in order to get urban wetland restoration projects right.
As the UK closes its final coal-fired power station, the site may gain a second life as storage for renewable energy, marking a major shift in the nation’s transition toward decarbonization.
In short:
Key quote:
"In the last 20 years, this technology has improved a lot. The control is more precise, and also the cost has decreased."
— Grazia Todeschini, electrical engineer at King's College London
Why this matters:
These “energy banks” are one key to smoothing out the ups and downs of renewables, keeping power flowing even when nature doesn’t cooperate. Read more: We don’t have time for another fossil fuel bridge.
A late-season heat wave is setting new records across the Southwest, with Phoenix hitting 117 degrees, its highest September temperature on record.
In short:
Why this matters:
As human-caused climate change accelerates, heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe, increasing health risks and fire dangers across the western U.S. This prolonged heat further strains water resources and energy grids.
“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.”
