climate change
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Trump renews political threats over California wildfire disaster aid
President-elect Donald Trump blamed California's leadership for devastating Los Angeles wildfires and revived his warning to withhold disaster funds from Democratic leaders.
In short:
- Santa Ana winds fueled deadly fires that destroyed over 1,000 buildings in Los Angeles, with at least five fatalities reported.
- Trump criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Joe Biden, linking the crisis to environmental policies and inadequate wildfire management.
- Biden issued a disaster declaration to unlock federal aid, but Trump suggested he may use funding as political leverage once in office.
Key quote:
“Firefighters are putting their lives on the lines. Political insults and threats do nothing to help families who are hurting.”
— California Sen. Alex Padilla
Why this matters:
California’s wildfire crisis highlights the devastating impact of extreme weather, intensified by climate change. Threats to politicize federal disaster relief could hinder recovery and set a dangerous precedent for withholding aid during future disasters.
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Wildfires rage in Los Angeles. Why are they so bad?
Devastating wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana winds and dry conditions have forced evacuations and destroyed homes across Los Angeles, with officials warning of more dangerous fire conditions to come.
In short:
- The Palisades and Eaton fires grew rapidly, burning over 10,000 acres within hours and destroying more than 1,000 structures.
- Dry conditions following unusually wet winters created abundant dry vegetation, acting as fuel for the fires, while strong Santa Ana winds spread embers quickly.
- Utility companies shut off power in some areas to prevent sparks from faulty equipment as firefighters struggle with grounded aircraft and dry fire hydrants.
Key quote:
“Under conditions of climate change, we will have wetter wet periods, very wet wet periods, and very dry dry periods. The climatic conditions that Southern California has experienced over centuries are simply going to be exacerbated.”
— Stephanie Pincetl, director of the California Center for Sustainable Communities at UCLA
Why this matters:
These fires highlight how climate change intensifies weather patterns, making droughts more severe and wildfires more destructive. Urban areas face increased risks as fire seasons lengthen, stressing emergency services and threatening more lives and infrastructure.
Read more: LA wildfires force mass evacuations as homes burn across city
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Credit: Anthony Indraus/Unsplash
U.S. greenhouse gas reductions slowed as electricity demand surged
Greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. decreased by just 0.2% in 2024 as electricity consumption rose due to extreme heat and data center growth, despite increased renewable energy use.
In short:
- Electricity demand rose 3% in 2024, driven by heatwaves and the expansion of data centers, increasing natural gas use.
- Transportation emissions grew 0.8% as driving and flying increased, though electric vehicle sales rose to 10% of new cars.
- Oil and gas methane emissions fell by 3.7%, attributed to regulations and industry efforts to capture leaks.
Key quote:
“It’s not just a question of how many electric vehicles are on the road or how much solar we’ve installed. A big portion of our economy still relies on fossil fuels.”
— Ben King, Rhodium Group associate director
Why this matters:
Rising energy demand and slow progress in reducing emissions could hinder efforts to meet 2030 climate goals. Without significant reductions across key sectors, climate change impacts may intensify.
Read more: Nations face growing challenges in reducing emissions as global electricity demand increases
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Credit: Lukáš Lehotský/Unsplash
New York revisits nuclear energy as emissions rise
New York is reassessing nuclear power as rising greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas threaten its climate goals, just two years after closing the Indian Point nuclear plant.
In short:
- New York State officials are exploring advanced nuclear reactor technologies to provide reliable, low-carbon energy amid concerns that wind, solar and gas may not meet future demand.
- The state’s energy mix relies heavily on natural gas (46.2%), raising emissions and jeopardizing its target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
- Critics argue that advanced nuclear technologies remain unproven and expensive, advocating instead for increased investments in renewable energy and storage solutions.
Key quote:
“If you don’t have nuclear … as one of the tools in the tool case, it’s going to be almost impossible to meet the climate objectives.”
— Marcus Nichol, executive director of New Nuclear at the Nuclear Energy Institute
Why this matters:
New York’s struggle to balance clean energy goals with energy demand mirrors national debates on the role of nuclear power in decarbonization. Without reliable alternatives, reliance on fossil fuels may grow, undermining climate progress.
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Credit: Monica Max West/Pixabay
Oil drilling push in Alaska faces setback as no bids emerge
A government auction to lease drilling rights in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge ended without bids, reflecting weak industry interest despite renewed Republican support for oil extraction there.
In short:
- The Interior Department's lease sale offered 400,000 acres of the Arctic refuge, but no oil companies submitted bids.
- The refuge, home to wildlife and considered sacred by the Gwich’in people, has long been contested ground in U.S. energy policy debates.
- Republicans argue that opening the refuge could boost Alaska's economy, while environmental groups claim the region is too fragile for industrial activity.
Key quote:
“The lack of interest from oil companies in development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge reflects what we and they have known all along: There are some places too special and sacred to exploit with oil and gas drilling.”
— Laura Daniel-Davis, acting deputy secretary of the Interior Department
Why this matters:
The failure of the lease sale highlights a shift in energy priorities, with companies hesitant to invest in environmentally sensitive regions. The result also suggests doubts about the economic viability of Arctic drilling despite political pressure to expand domestic energy production.
Related: Trump administration pushes to revive Arctic refuge drilling
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Biden administration faces tight deadline to approve California's locomotive and truck rules
With less than two weeks before Trump’s inauguration, California is pressing the Biden administration to approve its remaining emissions rules for trucks and trains, which could bring billions in health benefits but faces industry resistance.
In short:
- California’s locomotive rule mandates all new trains be zero-emission by 2035, while the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule requires fleets to shift toward zero-emission trucks.
- Industry groups, including the Association of American Railroads and the California Trucking Association, have challenged the rules in court, arguing regulatory overreach.
- Environmental advocates warn that failure to secure federal approval before Trump takes office could jeopardize key climate initiatives aimed at reducing smog-forming pollutants.
Key quote:
“It’s a huge deal. This is a fundamental reshaping of the way that at least California’s supply chain would work.”
— Chris Shimoda, California Trucking Association senior vice president
Why this matters:
The rules aim to significantly cut air pollution linked to heart disease, asthma and other health issues. Without federal approval, California’s ability to enforce these standards and meet ozone reduction goals could be compromised.
Related coverage: California secures emissions waiver as Trump plans reversal
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Credit: Steven Frame/Big Stock Photo
Maryland governor plans $2 billion in cuts, scaling back climate efforts
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced plans to cut $2 billion from the state budget, including reductions in climate program funding, to address a projected $3 billion deficit.
In short:
- Maryland’s $27.2 billion general fund faces a significant shortfall due to economic pressures and the end of pandemic aid.
- Climate initiatives, such as offshore wind projects reliant on federal support, may face cuts, although overall environmental spending could still rise.
- Legislative leaders are divided, with some supporting tax increases to fill the gap while others focus on cost-saving measures.
Key quote:
“The federal support around that the national climate agenda is going to be more challenging. And so we have to adapt.”
— Bill Ferguson, Maryland Senate president
Why this matters:
Maryland has led ambitious efforts to combat climate change, but fiscal constraints may hinder progress. Federal policy shifts could also impact state funding and priorities, influencing environmental and economic policy at a critical time.
Related: Maryland prepares for climate action amid federal uncertainties
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