Peter Dykstra joins Host Steve Curwood to discuss how coronavirus may be transmittable from humans to marine mammals through untreated wastewater. They go on to talk about how atrazine, one of the most widely used herbicides, may be harming endangered species and disrupting ecosystems, as well as affecting human health. And they wish a very happy birthday to Ted Turner, founder of CNN and longtime environmental champion.
In the lead-up to the U.S. election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offer sharply contrasting climate policies, with Harris advocating for green energy investment while Trump questions its economic benefits.
In short:
Key quote:
"We have to rapidly accelerate our commitments to aggressively curb our emissions."
— Kamala Harris, vice president.
Why this matters:
The next U.S. president's climate policies will shape both national industry and international climate efforts. Voter opinions on climate, intertwined with economic and local issues, could sway the election outcome.
Related coverage:
Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior, improperly held stock in ExxonMobil and Chevron while participating in a meeting affecting those companies, according to a report by the agency’s internal watchdog.
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Key quote:
“Beaudreau participated in a meeting about a regulation that affected Exxon and Chevron, even though he had a financial interest in the companies.”
— Interior’s Office of Inspector General
Why this matters:
Conflicts of interest, even unintentional ones, can taint public trust. The timing is especially troubling as the U.S. grapples with energy transition and the environmental risks of offshore drilling. If those responsible for regulating oil safety are financially entangled with the companies they oversee, can the public really believe these policies are built on science rather than profit? Read more: Public disservants.
Rich nations have fallen short in following up on their initial pledges to the UN’s loss-and-damage fund, leaving poor nations struggling with the fallout of climate change.
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Key quote:
“A lot of us hoped that more countries would have come in. A lot of the developed countries take a kind of wait-and-see approach.”
— Liane Schalatek, the associate director of the Washington, D.C., office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation
Why this matters:
As climate disasters worsen, poor nations are left to shoulder disproportionate costs, despite contributing little to global emissions. Without substantial new funding, they will struggle to recover from the growing impacts of climate change.
Related:
As Hurricane Helene's devastation worsens, Trump denies climate change and seeks campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry, which contributes heavily to global warming.
In short:
Key quote:
“It’s obscene that communities... are suffering and dying from the reality of the climate emergency while Donald Trump denies that it even exists.”
— Brett Hartl, political director, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund
Why this matters:
Trump's proposals, including weakening FEMA and NOAA, would leave communities vulnerable to future extreme weather events.
Read more:
In the parched Black Mesa region, Navajo farmers like Roberto Nutlouis are reviving ancient methods to restore watersheds, boost food sovereignty, and heal their ecosystem.
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Key quote:
“Ecologies needs to be restored. Food systems need to be restored. This is an opportunity to begin developing localized food economies.”
— Roberto Nutlouis, Navajo farmer
Why this matters:
As climate change worsens droughts and extreme weather, traditional farming practices offer a sustainable solution to restoring ecosystems and improving food security in arid regions. By restoring their watersheds, Navajo farmers are not just battling desertification—they’re reclaiming their relationship with the land. It's a model of resilience in the face of modern challenges, with the added bonus of sequestering carbon in the process. Read more: Valerisa Joe-Gaddy on tribal water justice.
Three environmental groups are suing Montana’s DEQ over its approval of a coal mine expansion that threatens groundwater, sacred Native sites and ranchers' livelihoods.
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Key quote:
“The mine’s cumulative impacts are draining and will continue to drain water from the Bull Mountains huge volumes (hundreds of gallons per minute) for decades, which the deep aquifer cannot support.”
— lawsuit filing by Earthjustice.
Why this matters:
The expansion could worsen water shortages in Montana’s ranching regions and further erode trust between Native tribes and state regulators. Additionally, the mine will release significant carbon emissions, contributing to climate change.
Related EHN coverage:
Pennsylvania’s Senate candidates, Bob Casey and Dave McCormick, will debate on Oct. 3, with key questions expected on climate change, energy and fracking.
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Why this matters:
Pennsylvania is a battleground for energy policy, with large fracking operations and growing pressure to transition to clean energy. The debate will spotlight how the candidates plan to balance economic growth with urgent climate goals.
Learn more: A new book argues the right way to discuss climate change
“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.”