Oil skepticism at Texas conference challenges green energy shift

At a recent energy conference in Texas, Saudi Aramco's CEO Amin Nasser expressed skepticism about the swift transition to renewable energy, sparking a debate on the future of fossil fuels.

Max Bearak and Brad Plumer report for The New York Times.

In short:

Amin Nasser, CEO of Saudi Aramco, argues against the feasibility of quickly phasing out oil and gas, suggesting the energy transition is failing.
The International Energy Agency and other experts predict a peak in oil and gas demand by 2030, contrasting with the industry's investment in fossil fuel development.
The debate highlights differing views on energy's future, with significant implications for climate change and global energy policies.

Key quote:

"We should abandon the fantasy of phasing out oil and gas."

— Amin Nasser, CEO of Saudi Aramco

Why this matters:

Advocates for phasing out fossil fuels emphasize the need to address climate change and the long-term environmental and health costs associated with fossil fuel use. They advocate for increased investment in renewable energy research and development, policies to support the transition, and the adoption of energy efficiency measures to reduce overall demand.

How utilities’ fossil fuel investments are driving up rates for the most vulnerable.

www.nytimes.com

Oil skepticism at Texas conference challenges green energy shift

EU crackdown on ‘meaty’ plant-based labels sparks climate concern

Heat waves that spark damaging droughts are happening more frequently

Why thinning a forest could get you more drinking water

How Vermont’s pioneering clean heat plan fell apart

Do solar panels hurt crop yields? It depends on where you farm

Species slowdown: Is nature’s ability to self-repair stalling?

Opinion: Chokehold: The Trump administration’s stealth plan to unleash poisonous air

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.