Nations face growing challenges in reducing emissions as global electricity demand increases

Global electricity use is projected to grow significantly faster than expected, complicating efforts to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming.

Brad Plumer reports for The New York Times.

In short:

The International Energy Agency predicts global electricity demand will be 6% higher by 2035 than previously estimated.
Surging demand for electric vehicles, air-conditioning, and data centers is driving the rise.
Despite rapid renewable energy growth, countries are not building low-emission power sources fast enough to meet climate targets.

Key quote:

“With higher energy use, even fast renewables growth doesn’t translate to fast falls in carbon-dioxide emissions.”

— Dave Jones, global insight director at Ember

Why this matters:

As electricity demand climbs, reliance on coal and fossil fuels could persist longer, making it harder to curb global warming. Without faster deployment of renewable energy, nations risk missing their climate goals and worsening the impacts of climate change.

Nations face growing challenges in reducing emissions as global electricity demand increases

Facing drought and low snowpack, Rio Grande states expect a “challenging” year

Democrats urged to link clean energy to affordability as Iran war hikes up prices

Solar growth in China and India powers clean energy surge by 2025

Environmental groups sue to stop BP Kaskida drilling plan

Are long-promised solar perovskites finally hitting mass production?

Rights of nature defender wins Goldman Prize for protecting Colombia’s Magdalena River from fracking

'The absolute edge of precedent': Feds prepare to take on data centers

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.