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Meat and dairy companies prioritize advertising over emissions reduction
Meat and dairy companies invest minimal revenue in climate measures while spending significantly on advertising, a new report reveals.
In short:
- Major meat and dairy companies allocate a small fraction of their revenue to emissions reduction, with Brazilian giant JBS spending just 0.03%.
- The sector, responsible for over 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces accusations of greenwashing due to misleading sustainability claims.
- Companies target younger consumers through social media, while opposing stricter environmental laws behind the scenes.
Key quote:
“They claim to be committed to climate solutions while employing deceptive tactics to distract, delay and derail meaningful action. These tactics mirror those of Big Oil and Big Tobacco, allowing them to continue their harmful practices unchecked.”
— Nusa Urbancic, CEO of Changing Markets Foundation
Why this matters:
Agriculture, particularly livestock farming, is responsible for a substantial share of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted by cattle, and the extensive land and water resources required for meat and dairy production, pose significant environmental challenges. Despite these issues, major players in the industry have made only minimal commitments to reduce their carbon footprint.
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Credit: izzzy71/BigStock Photo ID: 305135785
New study shows fashion industry’s plastic waste problem
The fashion industry is responsible for millions of tonnes of plastic waste, much of which ends up polluting the environment due to improper management.
In short:
- A study by NC State University revealed that the fashion industry produced over 20 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2019.
- Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic were the largest contributors, accounting for 89% of this waste.
- Much of this plastic pollution occurs in lower-income countries where discarded clothes end up, exacerbating environmental issues.
Key quote:
"Much of the plastic waste that leaks into the environment comes from clothes that are thrown away, especially synthetic apparel. There is also waste from manufacturing, packaging and even from tyre abrasion during transport, as well as microplastics which get pulled into the water when we wash our clothes."
— Richard Venditti, professor of paper science and engineering at NC State
Why this matters:
This isn't just about the eyesore of a landfill; these microplastics are seeping into our water, soil, and ultimately, our food chain. Read more: California governor vetoes bill that would require microplastic filters on washing machines.
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Credit: Elvert Barnes/Flickr
A blueprint for reshaping climate regulations under a second Trump administration
The Project 2025 plan outlines a conservative vision for dismantling EPA climate regulations if Trump returns to the White House.
In short:
- Project 2025, led by the Heritage Foundation, details how a second Trump term could weaken the EPA and reshape climate regulations.
- The plan includes reducing industries required to report greenhouse gas emissions and reviving policies from Trump's first term.
- Transparency and cost-benefit analysis are central themes, aiming to limit EPA's regulatory reach.
Key quote:
“The biggest difference is we have a plan from Day One, we’re going to start implementing it, and we won’t be as susceptible to process problems that really sunk a couple of those final regulatory proposals and actions we took at the tail end of the administration.”
— Mandy Gunasekara, former Trump EPA chief of staff
Why this matters:
Project 2025 is not just a high-level manifesto; it's a step-by-step guide to neutering the EPA and rolling back climate regulations that took years to put in place. Read more: Moving forward after four years of fights and falsehoods.
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Credit: WildEarth Guardians/Flickr
Record oil profits highlight the long road to renewable energy
Despite global efforts to shift to renewables, U.S. oil producers are raking in record profits thanks to high prices and demand.
In short:
- U.S. oil companies, recovering from the pandemic slump, are now seeing significant profits due to market forces and geopolitical events.
- Many oil companies have shifted strategies, focusing on financial returns by cutting costs and improving efficiency.
- Despite increasing renewable energy adoption, global demand for oil continues to grow, with the U.S. leading in production.
Key quote:
“We’re not going to get out of this business because supply was squeezed, because there’s plenty of it. We’re going to get out of the business because demand went down.”
— Samantha Gross, director at Brookings Institution
Why this matters:
This tug-of-war between old-school energy and the shiny new kids on the block highlights the tough balancing act of transitioning to a cleaner future. For now, Big Oil's got its foot firmly on the gas pedal, leaving us all to wonder how long this joyride can last. Read more: “Code Red” for climate means reducing US oil and gas production.
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Newsletter
Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
GOP plans major rollbacks of US climate policies if victorious in elections
A Republican sweep in upcoming elections could mean a dramatic shift in U.S. climate policy, undoing many of Biden’s key environmental initiatives.
In short:
- Republicans could defund or dismantle federal environmental agencies, roll back climate regulations, and boost fossil fuel usage.
- Key GOP proposals include increasing oil drilling, slashing fees for fossil fuel companies, and cutting funding for clean energy initiatives.
- A potential win for Republicans might also see the repeal of Biden’s 2022 climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, impacting investments in green technologies.
Key quote:
“There is no doubt that a second Trump administration would pick up where it left off — whether it was conventional energy, oil and gas pipelines, or the market-dictated acceleration of the renewable energy transition.”
— Alex Herrgott, executive director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council under Trump
Why this matters:
This isn’t just a color change on the electoral map; it’s a seismic shift in climate policy that could reshape the nation's environmental trajectory. Read more: Moving forward after four years of fights and falsehoods.
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Newsletter
Credit: Gage Skidmore/flickr
GOP speakers criticize Biden's energy policies at convention
Several Republican National Convention speakers blamed President Biden's policies for rising gas and electricity prices, but experts attribute the increases to global market forces and other complex factors.
Brad Plumer and Lisa Friedman report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Republicans claimed Biden's policies increased gas and electricity prices.
- Experts say global market forces and events like Russia's invasion of Ukraine influenced these price hikes more than Biden's policies.
- Former President Trump promised more domestic drilling, but experts argue other factors affect energy prices.
Key quote:
“The bulk of electricity price spikes are the result of ‘increasing cost and volatility of fossil fuels’ and extreme weather events like wildfires.”
— Brendan Pierpont, director of electricity modeling at Energy Innovation
Why this matters:
Misleading narratives can cloud public understanding and influence policymakers. For instance, blaming renewable energy for all price increases overlooks the benefits of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and the long-term savings from sustainable energy investments. Conversely, ignoring the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading the grid to accommodate renewables can lead to unrealistic expectations and frustration.
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Newsletter
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Maryland pushes for faster clean energy grid expansion
A new federal order aims to reduce grid bottlenecks hindering clean energy projects, but Maryland officials urge faster compliance from their grid operator, PJM Interconnection.
In short:
- Maryland’s coal plant continues to operate due to delays in clean energy project integration.
- PJM Interconnection requested a rehearing of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's order, which mandates long-term grid planning.
- Maryland and neighboring states press PJM to expedite transmission expansion to meet clean energy goals.
Key quote:
"Maryland electric utility customers are now bearing huge costs resulting from the failure of PJM to plan the transmission system to meet customer needs."
— David Lapp, head of the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel
Why this matters:
There is a pressing need for efficient grid management to support the influx of clean energy projects. These projects are pivotal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The slow pace of compliance by PJM Interconnection could delay the state's progress in meeting its renewable energy targets, ultimately affecting public health and environmental sustainability.
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