climate politics
Newsletter
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Judges' interpretations of the law significantly impact climate policy
Presidential environmental regulations often face court challenges, shaping policies on climate, water, air, and wildlife.
In short:
- Environmental rules, regardless of the president, are frequently challenged in court.
- Lower federal courts, where thousands of decisions are made, often have the final say.
- Recent judicial appointments have emphasized partisan alignment over experience, affecting court decisions on environmental issues.
Key quote:
“I do think we need a Supreme Court, appellate courts, trial courts, that respect the law and respect facts and avoid this kind of activist bent.”
— DJ Gerken, president of the Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
Judges' rulings shape the effectiveness of environmental regulations, impacting the government's ability to address critical climate issues. Increased judicial skepticism can undermine efforts to manage emerging environmental challenges.
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Credit: COP26/Karwai Tang/Flickr
Who funds conservative climate groups
A surprising coalition of philanthropists, including liberal donors, is supporting conservative climate change initiatives to foster bipartisan solutions.
In short:
- Philanthropic donors like the Gates' Breakthrough Energy Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation are funding both liberal and conservative climate groups.
- Conservative groups such as Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and the American Conservation Coalition are receiving millions to promote market-based and innovation-driven climate solutions.
- Funders aim to engage Republicans in the climate fight, believing a bipartisan approach is essential for long-lasting climate policies.
Key quote:
“We have been adamant about trying to be nonpartisan but recognizing we do need to be thinking about other political constituencies, other communities and really as broad as we can when we think about equity.”
— Mijo Vodopic, head of the climate program at the MacArthur Foundation
Why this matters:
This funding strategy seeks to unite diverse political perspectives, ensuring comprehensive climate action that can withstand political changes, thereby improving health outcomes and environmental sustainability. Read more: Flood survivors find common ground in a divided nation.
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Austria’s last-minute support enables EU Nature Restoration Law
After months of deadlock, the EU's Nature Restoration Law passed, driven by a crucial change of heart from Austria.
In short:
- Environment ministers in Luxembourg voted to pass the Nature Restoration Law, aiming to restore 20% of land and sea by 2030.
- Austria’s last-minute decision to support the law was pivotal in breaking the deadlock among EU countries.
- The law targets long-term ecosystem restoration but faced criticism for potential economic and administrative burdens on the agricultural sector.
Key quote:
“This law is pivotal to combat climate change. We need to ensure legal certainty for people using soil and land.”
— Leonor Gewessler, Austrian climate minister
Why this matters:
Restoring ecosystems is an important step forward towards mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. The EU's decision emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks in driving environmental action on a large scale. Read more: Appalachia is transitioning from coal. Here’s what it could learn from Germany.
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Credit: European Parliament/Flickr
The Green parties face a decline in European elections
The Green parties lost a third of their seats in the European Parliament, raising questions about the future of Europe's climate movement.
In short:
- The Greens' decline is attributed to shifting voter priorities amid the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis.
- Centrist and right-wing parties have absorbed or attacked the Green agenda, portraying it as elitist and out of touch.
- Despite setbacks, the Greens found success in Nordic and some Southern European countries, indicating potential for future coalitions.
Key quote:
“They portray this transition as a very elitist transition, that it’s only for the ‘Tesla people. And I can tell you, Tesla does not have a good image anymore.”
— Bas Eickhout, European Greens’ vice president
Why this matters:
The decline of Green parties could slow progress on climate policies in Europe, affecting global efforts to combat climate change and potentially increasing socio-economic disparities. Read more: The chemical industry may have killed a landmark EU chemical policy. Here’s what that means for the US.
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Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Trump rallies GOP against Biden's energy policies
In a rally with GOP senators, Trump criticized Biden's energy policies and electric vehicle mandates, emphasizing a high-level vision for his potential second term without delving into specific policy reversals.
In short:
- Trump reiterated his "drill baby drill" stance and criticized Biden's energy policies, including mandates for electric vehicles.
- GOP senators mentioned Trump's focus was on broad vision rather than detailed policy plans, avoiding specifics on repealing the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Democrats emphasize the potential negative impact of GOP plans to repeal the IRA, highlighting risks to climate change efforts and related investments.
Key quote:
“I take it very seriously they will go into the Inflation Reduction Act and stop every aspect of it they possibly can that has to do with climate change.”
— Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Why this matters:
Trump's energy stance highlights a major policy divide as the GOP prepares for upcoming elections, with potential implications for climate change policies and economic impacts related to energy costs. Read more: As the nation reels, Trump Administration continues environmental policy rollbacks.
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Credit: TK Kurikawa/Big Stock Photo
Shell CEO supports Biden's climate initiatives
The head of Shell praised President Biden’s climate policies for promoting job creation and local supply chains.
In short:
- Shell CEO Wael Sawan endorsed Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law and Inflation Reduction Act, highlighting their success in attracting capital across the U.S.
- Sawan stressed the importance of stability and predictability in climate technology incentives and LNG permitting for future energy investments.
- He also noted the role of LNG in transitioning to lower-carbon solutions and criticized absolutist views against fossil fuels.
Key quote:
"You’re creating jobs. You’re actually starting to anchor new industries. And over time, what you will do is you will create supply chains locally that are able to satisfy the demands of many of these industries."
— Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell
Why this matters:
Bipartisan support for climate policies from major industry leaders like Shell can enhance the stability and continuity of these initiatives. By focusing on domestic production and resources, President Biden’s policies not only support job growth but also enhance the resilience of the U.S. economy against global disruptions. This shift can help reduce carbon footprints associated with long-distance transportation and promote sustainability.
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Credit: Daniel Schludi/Unsplash
Europeans prioritize immigration control over climate action, study finds
A recent study indicates a shifting focus among Europeans toward controlling immigration rather than addressing climate change, with less than 15% globally ranking climate issues as a top three governmental priority.
In short:
- The Democracy Perception Index highlights that 44% of Germans view reducing immigration as a crucial government task.
- Despite global concerns, only 14% consider climate change action as a top governmental priority.
- Satisfaction with democracy stands at 58% globally, though many express concerns about governmental performance.
Key quote:
"Many European countries have seen a sharp rise in the share of people who say that ‘reducing immigration’ should be a top government priority."
— study commissioned by the Denmark-based think tank Alliance of Democracies Foundation
Why this matters:
While the effects of immigration are immediate and often palpable in daily life, the insidious nature of climate change means that its most devastating impacts can be deferred but not ultimately avoided. Scientists consistently warn that delays in addressing climate change could result in irreversible damage to our planet, affecting not just the environment but the very socio-economic structures that are currently influencing public opinion.
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