Pakistan’s solar boom challenges global energy assumptions

Pakistan’s rapid adoption of solar energy reveals flaws in global energy demand forecasts and emphasizes the need for more adaptable energy models.

Noah Gordon and Daevan Mangalmurti report for Vox.

In short:

Pakistan has become the world’s sixth-largest solar market, with over 25 gigawatts of solar panels imported from China in three years, increasing its power supply by 50%.
High electricity costs and unreliable power grids are driving households and businesses to adopt solar, with systems often paying for themselves within two years.
Energy demand models consistently underestimate how quickly energy consumption rises as countries develop, leading to insufficient planning for cleaner energy infrastructure.

Key quote:

“Allah has given us this gift to get out of this mess.”

— Factory owner in Sialkot

Why this matters:

Underestimating energy needs in developing nations limits preparation for clean energy transitions, risking reliance on polluting sources. A realistic view of global energy demands is essential to equitably allocate resources and prevent further climate impacts.

www.vox.com

U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan speaking at the 2015 Defending the American Dream Summit

Credit: Gage Skidmore/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/

Federal Judicial Center pulls climate change chapter from official manual for U.S. judges

The “Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence” — updated for the first time in 15 years — eliminates some 90 pages about climate science and comes just as numerous climate cases make their way through state and federal courts.

Read the Full Article on

www.propublica.org

Pakistan’s solar boom challenges global energy assumptions

Water, power, and the future of conflict

The clean energy transition at the Salton Sea

Indonesia’s steel expansion risks a surge in greenhouse gas emissions

New Mexico again debates greenhouse gas reductions as snow melts

Data centers are scrambling to power the AI boom with natural gas

Federal Judicial Center pulls climate change chapter from official manual for U.S. judges

Trump EPA to take its biggest swing yet against climate change rules

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.