fossil fuel
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Lawmakers target fossil fuel companies to fund climate disaster recovery
State legislators are pushing for laws that would make fossil fuel companies financially responsible for climate change-related disasters.
In short:
- Advanced "attribution science" enables precise measurement of damages from climate disasters, directly linking them to specific companies' emissions.
- Vermont leads with proposed legislation, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow in holding fossil fuel companies accountable.
- The proposed laws could lead to significant financial contributions from these companies for disaster relief and preventive measures.
Key quote:
“This is a growing field, and it’s a game changer for addressing climate change.”
— Delta Merner, lead scientist for the Science Hub for Climate Litigation at the Union of Concerned Scientists
Why this matters:
By holding companies responsible for their role in climate change, legislators aim to mitigate adverse health effects and safety risks associated with extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, which are intensified by climate change. Such legislation can incentivize fossil fuel companies to adopt more sustainable practices, reducing environmental damage and promoting conservation efforts.
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Canada's fossil fuel dilemma contrasts with climate goals, report reveals
Canada ranks with leading fossil fuel producers set to exceed oil and gas extraction limits, challenging global warming targets, a fresh analysis indicates.
Benjamin Shingler reports for the CBC.
In short:
- UN-backed study shows Canada's oil and gas output at odds with 1.5 C warming limit.
- Despite the Paris Agreement, fossil fuel production is set to double by 2030.
- Calls are intensifying for investment in clean energy and reduced fossil fuel reliance.
Key quote:
"We find that many governments are promoting fossil gas as an essential 'transition' fuel but with no apparent plans to transition away from it later."
— Ploy Achakulwisut, Stockholm Environment Institute
Why this matters:
The report highlights a stark contrast between climate aspirations and fossil fuel realities, with health and environmental stakes climbing. It's a national issue with global echoes, emphasizing the urgent need for energy policy shifts.
EHN has reported previous findings that fossil fuels represent a two-pronged attack on the health of children; reducing their use would provide significant economic and health benefits.
Question for the reader:
How should industrialized nations balance economic interests in fossil fuels with its climate commitments?
AI-based tools helped produce this text, with human oversight and editing.
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Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
16 Montana kids are suing the state over climate change. Here's what to know about the trial
A Montana judge will hear arguments in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit on Monday that will decide whether the state’s contribution to climate change violates its Constitution, which explicitly guarantees a right to a “clean and healthful environment.”
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Photo by Luis Ramirez on Unsplash
‘Worthless’: Chevron’s carbon offsets are mostly junk and some may harm, research says
A new investigation into Chevron’s climate pledge has found the fossil fuel company relies on “junk” carbon offsets and “unviable” technologies, which do little to offset its vast greenhouse gas emissions and in some cases may actually be causing communities harm.
QuoteInspector.com/Flickr
Crypto is mostly over. Its carbon emissions are not.
The environmental toll of Bitcoin could be even higher this year than last.
UN chief slams oil firms for 'big lie' on global warming
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres skewered oil firms on Wednesday for having "peddled the big lie" about their role in global warming, telling the World Economic Forum that they should be held accountable."Some in Big Oil peddled the big lie.
Simon Willison/ Flickr
How can the EU survive without Russian coal?
Almost 70% of the European Union's imports of thermal coal, which is used to generate electricity, come from Russia. Germany and Poland are particularly vulnerable to an EU embargo on Russian coal.
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