fossil fuel influence
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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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Credit: Alliance for Excellent Education/Flickr/Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages
A new book argues the right way to discuss climate change
A new book by Genevieve Guenther asserts that using fossil fuel industry language undermines climate action.
In short:
- Genevieve Guenther's book, The Language of Climate Politics, claims fossil fuel talking points have permeated climate discussions, skewing public perception and action.
- Guenther identifies six problematic terms: alarmist, costs, growth, "India and China," innovation, and resilience, suggesting alternatives to better frame climate discourse.
- Despite potential backlash, Guenther emphasizes the need for precise language to effectively advocate for emission reductions and broader climate action.
Key quote:
"To secure a livable future, one thing we will need to do is dismantle and reframe the terms dominating the language of climate politics."
— Genevieve Guenther, Author
Why this matters:
Accurate climate communication can help mobilize public support and drive policy change, ensuring that discussions highlight the urgency around reducing fossil fuel emissions and mitigating climate impacts. Read more: Greenwashing’s medieval age.
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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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Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Trump selects climate skeptic J.D. Vance as running mate
Former President Donald Trump has chosen Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, known for his skeptical stance on climate change, as his vice-presidential running mate, raising concerns among environmental advocates.
In short:
- Vance, a first-term senator and author of "Hillbilly Elegy," was chosen over other prominent Republicans.
- He has focused on rail safety and is a lead sponsor of the bipartisan "Railway Safety Act."
- Vance has consistently dismissed climate change concerns and opposed green energy policies, favoring traditional energy sources and criticizing Chinese environmental practices.
Key quote:
"J.D. Vance is Donald Trump’s dream come true — a climate denier who is all too happy to do Big Oil’s bidding and pad their profits at the expense of working people.”
— Lori Lodes, executive director of Climate Power.
Why this matters:
Vance's selection is indicative of the Republican Party's continued resistance to climate change policies. Critics argue that his policies could exacerbate environmental degradation in the very areas he claims to champion, while supporters believe his strategy will rejuvenate local economies and provide much-needed jobs. Read more: East Palestine, Ohio, derailment reveals gaps in public health response to chemical emergencies, experts say.
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Plastic industry pushes for recycling as a solution to pollution crisis
The petrochemical industry claims to support a global treaty to curb plastic pollution but emphasizes recycling over production caps.
In short:
- Industry groups are promoting recycling targets and waste collection improvements as alternatives to capping plastic production.
- These proposals could cut global plastic pollution by 36% by 2050, but without a production cap, it's harder to achieve significant reductions.
- Industry influence over treaty negotiations is increasing, with substantial lobbying at recent sessions.
Key quote:
“Whether the treaty includes plastic production cuts is not just a policy debate. It’s a matter of survival.”
— Jorge Emmanuel, adjunct professor at Silliman University in the Philippines.
Why this matters:Recycling initiatives proposed by the petrochemicals industry while beneficial, are insufficient to tackle plastic pollution. A comprehensive approach, including production caps, is a more effective approach to achieve meaningful health and environmental benefits. For more read the op-ed by Pete Myers: We must determine which uses of plastic remain essential; eliminate those that aren’t; and design new materials to replace still essential plastics.
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Plastic Free July needs systemic change, not just consumer action
A recent analysis argues that while Plastic Free July aims to reduce plastic use, significant impact requires action from governments and companies, not just consumers.
In short:
- Individual efforts during Plastic Free July are insufficient to address plastic pollution without systemic changes.
- Governments and corporations must implement regulations and redesign production and distribution systems to reduce plastic waste.
- Effective solutions need to consider the essential roles plastics play in everyday life and avoid disadvantaging vulnerable communities.
Key quote:
"Consumers shouldn’t have to bear full responsibility for plastic pollution. Individual sacrifices – particularly temporary ones – won’t make a significant difference."
— Bhavna Middha, senior research fellow at the Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University and Ralph Horne, associate deputy vice chancellor of research & innovation at the College of Design & Social Context, RMIT University.
Why this matters:
Focusing solely on consumer action overlooks the need for comprehensive policies and industry accountability to create lasting environmental change. Addressing plastic pollution effectively requires broad, systemic reforms that protect both the environment and vulnerable populations. Read more: A plastic recipe for societal suicide.
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Conservative judges undermine environmental regulations
Several recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court pose significant challenges to the government's ability to combat climate change and pollution for years to come.
In short:
- Recent Supreme Court rulings restrict the Environmental Protection Agency's power to enforce air and water pollution regulations.
- The court overturned the Chevron doctrine, limiting federal agencies' authority to regulate critical areas, including the environment.
- The court also put a hold on an EPA plan to reduce industrial air pollution that drifts across state lines to downwind states.
- These decisions reflect a concerted campaign by industry and conservative groups to weaken the administrative state and the EPA.
Key quote:
“They had a knife before; they have a chain saw now.”
— Sam Sankar, senior vice president for programs at the environmental lawfirm Earthjustice
Why this matters:
These rulings hinder efforts to address climate change, potentially worsening health outcomes by allowing increased pollution and environmental degradation. The decisions could influence U.S. climate policy for decades, especially if conservative judges continue to dominate the judiciary. Read more: Supreme Court undoing 50 years’ worth of environmental progress.
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