decarbonization
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A Harris presidency could reshape the US climate policy
Vice President Harris, known for her strong environmental stance, might carry forward Biden’s climate policies with significant implications for the U.S.'s climate future.
Joshua Partlow and Brady Dennis report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Environmentalists have praised Harris' voting record on environmental issues, including sponsoring the Green New Deal.
- The Biden-Harris administration has significantly advanced renewable energy through the Inflation Reduction Act and reversed Trump-era rollbacks on pollution regulations.
- Harris’s running mate selection could influence her climate agenda, especially in battleground states reliant on fossil fuels.
Key quote:
“I think these issues really are core to who she is, and she cares deeply. I think she would be rock solid and determined to carry on and build on the progress of this administration.”
— Tiernan Sittenfeld, senior vice president for government affairs at the League of Conservation Voters.
Why this matters:
With a track record of supporting green initiatives and a commitment to environmental justice, Kamala Harris's potential presidency could mean ramped-up efforts to curb emissions, invest in renewable energy, and hold polluters accountable. Read more: Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding.
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Clean technology advances help stabilize global climate pollution
Global climate pollution from fossil fuels is showing signs of stabilizing, thanks to advances in clean technology like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.
In short:
- The Carbon Monitor Project reports a slight decline in global climate pollution from February to May 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- Despite the peak in emissions, atmospheric CO2 levels continue to rise rapidly due to centuries of accumulated pollution.
- China and the U.S. play pivotal roles in reducing global emissions, with clean energy advancements being crucial.
Key quote:
"Now we are finding that atmospheric CO2 levels are increasing faster than ever. We must recognize that these are clear signals of the damage carbon dioxide pollution is doing to the climate system, and take rapid action to cut fossil fuel use as quickly as we can."
— Rick Spinrad, NOAA Administrator
Why this matters:
Stabilizing global emissions is a critical milestone in combating climate change, signaling a potential turning point towards reducing harmful pollution and mitigating severe weather impacts. Read more: In the race for clean energy, the US is both a leader and a laggard — here’s how.
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Lithium batteries pose environmental threat due to toxic chemicals
New research reveals that PFAS chemicals in lithium ion batteries, essential for clean energy, are significant pollutants, impacting both environment and health.
In short:
- A subclass of PFAS called bis-FASI, used in lithium ion batteries, has been found in the environment near manufacturing plants and in remote areas globally.
- The chemicals are toxic to living organisms, with battery waste in landfills identified as a major pollution source.
- Researchers urge better environmental risk assessments as clean energy infrastructure expands.
Key quote:
“But there’s a bit of tug-of-war between the two, and this study highlights that we have an opportunity now as we scale up this energy infrastructure to do a better job of incorporating environmental risk assessments.”
— Jennifer Guelfo, Texas Tech University researcher.
Why this matters:
These findings highlights how PFAS, used to enhance the performance and lifespan of batteries, are leaching into soil and water systems, posing significant threats to wildlife and human health. As advocates push for stricter regulations and better recycling practices, the quest for safer alternatives continues. Read more: What are PFAS? Everything you need to know about “forever chemicals” and how to avoid them.
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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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The Biden administration bets big on nuclear power despite past failures
The Biden administration is determined to revive nuclear energy to meet climate goals, despite the industry's history of cost overruns and delays.
In short:
- Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the need to triple nuclear energy output by 2050 to meet climate targets.
- The Vogtle plant in Georgia, despite its extensive delays and cost overruns, is now the largest source of zero-emissions energy in the U.S.
- The administration is also pushing for small modular reactors and reactivating decommissioned plants to boost nuclear energy.
Key quote:
“Whether it happens through small modular reactors, or AP1000s, or maybe another design out there worthy of consideration, we want to see nuclear built.”
— Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Energy Secretary
Why this matters:
With increasing power demands and climate change pressures, the U.S. needs reliable, zero-emissions energy sources. Reviving nuclear power could provide an important boost for achieving sustainable energy independence. Read more: Past deadline and over budget, nuclear energy is struggling.
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Colorado shifts focus from highways to transit
Colorado is prioritizing transit over highway expansion to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a move that also has environmental justice implications.
In short:
- Colorado canceled plans to widen Interstate 25 and redirected $100 million to transit projects.
- The state’s Transportation Commission adopted a rule requiring new projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or risk losing funding.
- Other states, like Minnesota, Maryland and New York, are considering similar legislation to follow Colorado's lead.
Key quote:
“We really regard the Colorado rule as the gold standard for how states should address transportation climate strategy.”
— Ben Holland, manager at RMI, a national sustainability nonprofit
Why this matters:
Reducing highway expansion in favor of transit investments is important in lowering transportation emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change and have disproportionately impacted communities of color. This shift not only aims to improve air quality but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in addressing climate challenges. Read more: Black communities must lead the charge to repair harm from freeways.
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Vermont takes bold steps to combat climate change
Governor Phil Scott has allowed Vermont's groundbreaking climate legislation to pass without his signature, marking a pivotal moment in the state's environmental policy.
In short:
- The “Climate Superfund Act” requires major oil companies to pay for climate change damages in Vermont, calculated based on their emissions from 1995 to 2024.
- Vermont's new “Flood Safety Act” introduces stricter building regulations in river corridors, enhances wetland protections, and increases dam safety to mitigate future flooding risks.
- Despite concerns about legal challenges and implementation timelines, these laws aim to fund climate resilience projects and reduce future disaster costs.
Key quote:
“What’s incredibly clear is these companies that are responsible for the climate crisis aren’t going to pay Vermont a dime unless we take an action like this.”
— Ben Edgerly Walsh, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Why this matters:
Vermont's new laws set a national precedent by holding oil companies accountable and proactively addressing climate change impacts, hopefully leading to improved public health and environmental resilience. Read more: How the “Halliburton Loophole” lets fracking companies pollute water with no oversight.
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