fossil fuels
Newsletter
Credit: David Vives/Unsplash
Trump's push for fossil fuels could clash with Europe's green transition
As the U.S. boosts fossil fuel deals under Trump and Biden, Europe's shift to renewables risks reducing demand for American gas.
In short:
- Donald Trump and Joe Biden are both promoting U.S. fossil fuel exports, but Europe's decreasing gas demand could undermine these plans.
- Europe's commitment to reducing emissions has led to a significant drop in gas usage, with a shift towards renewable energy.
- U.S. companies, expecting a decline in European demand, are pivoting towards Asia for future gas and LNG markets.
Key quote:
"We expect that demand for natural gas is going to continue declining at pace. Given we have these climate commitments, the expectation is that demand will be lower by 2030, even lower by 2040, with the effect that there is no long-term gas demand in Europe."
— Georg Zachmann, senior fellow at economics think tank Bruegel
Why this matters:
The clash between U.S. fossil fuel ambitions and Europe's renewable energy goals could lead to oversupply and economic repercussions. As Europe reduces gas dependency, American companies will need to adapt to changing global energy demands.
Keep reading...Show less
UN
Credit: Orkhan Farmanli/Unsplash
Azerbaijan seeks contributions from fossil fuel producers for new climate fund
Azerbaijan, hosting the Cop29 summit in November, is asking fossil fuel-producing countries and companies to fund a new initiative to help poorer nations combat climate change.
In short:
- Azerbaijan is setting up the Climate Finance Action Fund to receive contributions from fossil fuel countries and companies.
- The fund aims to invest in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience in developing countries.
- Contributions are voluntary, with no enforcement mechanism proposed.
Key quote:
"Traditional funding methods have proven to be inadequate to the challenges of the climate crisis, so we have decided on a different approach."
— Yalchin Rafiyev, chief negotiator for the Cop29 presidency
Why this matters:
Voluntary contributions from fossil fuel producers to a climate fund could be a step towards holding these entities accountable for their emissions. However, without mandatory enforcement, the fund's impact may be limited.
Related EHN coverage:
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Michael Fousert/Unsplash
Automakers and oil industry face off over electric vehicles
The battle between the auto and oil industries intensifies as the Biden administration pushes for cleaner vehicle standards, with automakers leaning toward electric vehicles while the oil industry resists change.
In short:
- The Biden administration's drive for cleaner vehicles has created a rift between automakers, who are investing in electric vehicles, and the oil industry, which fears losing its gasoline market.
- Former President Donald Trump supports the oil industry's stance, pledging to roll back EV-friendly policies in exchange for campaign contributions.
- Environmental groups and some automakers support the transition to EVs, while the oil industry mounts a significant campaign against it, claiming it limits consumer choice.
Key quote:
“They want to stop you from having cars.”
— Former President Donald Trump
Why this matters:
The outcome of this battle will significantly impact the U.S. strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A shift to electric vehicles could drastically cut fossil fuel consumption, but the transition faces strong opposition from powerful oil interests.
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: The White House
Biden administration unveils plan to wean US government off single-use plastics
“Because of its purchasing power … the Federal Government has the potential to significantly impact the supply of these products.”
The U.S. government will stop using single-use plastics in all federal operations by 2035, according to a strategy released by the Biden administration on Friday.
The announcement also set a goal for the federal government to stop buying plastic for food service, events and packaging by 2027. While the strategy isn’t enforceable by law and could change under future administrations, it is the first government-wide strategy aimed at reducing plastic pollution and recognizes that the plastic pollution “crisis” encompasses the entire lifecycle: from the fossil fuels used as building blocks in plastic manufacturing to the microplastic bits lining our shorelines.
“With its multitude of environmental impacts across its supply chain, broad global effects, and severe public health consequences, plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing and consequential environmental problems in the U.S. and around the globe,” said Brenda Mallory and Ali Zaidi, two White House environmental and climate officials, in the joint letter accompanying the strategy document.
Changes in federal purchasing can have huge impacts: The U.S. federal government is the largest buyer of consumer goods in the world, with nearly $600 billion in annual spending. “Because of its purchasing power, by reducing the demand of plastic products through procurement changes, the Federal Government has the potential to significantly impact the supply of these products,” the strategy reads.
The document also points to already underway federal efforts to curb plastic pollution’s impact — including an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule set in April to tackle chemical emissions, a Department of the Interior order to phase-out single use plastics on public lands by 2032, ongoing EPA recycling grants, and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration effort to tackle marine debris.
"Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing and consequential environmental problems in the U.S. and around the globe." - Brenda Mallory and Ali Zaidi, White House officials
The announcement comes as the plastic crisis continues to grow. The world generates roughly 400 million tons of plastic waste each year, and less than 10% of plastic ever made has been recycled. Plastic waste is set to triple by 2060.
The crisis has garnered international attention as more than 175 countries are negotiating a global plastics treaty. The talks have stalled over issues such as regulating the chemicals in plastic, production caps, and the role of chemical recycling and bioplastics. There is a High Ambition Coalition of countries that want an end to plastic pollution by 2040. There is also a Global Coalition for Plastics Sustainability — made of nations economically reliant on fossil fuels — that is pushing for a larger focus on addressing plastic waste (via chemical and mechanical recycling and other means) rather than plastic bans or production limits. The U.S. — the largest exporter of oil and gas in the world — is not part of either and has been criticized for not taking a stronger stance on limiting production.
The new strategy similarly does not call for any plastic production caps, but many environmental groups said it is a step in the right direction.
“This report is the clearest articulation to date from the White House of the scale and urgency of the plastic pollution crisis and the threat it poses for our ocean and communities,” Jeff Watters, Ocean Conservancy’s vice president of external affairs said in a statement.
Erin Simon, vice president and head of plastic waste and business for the World Wildlife Fund, praised the strategy for focusing on the entire lifecycle.
“We’re heartened to see this report doesn’t shy away from the negative impacts that plastics have on human health and analyzes the problem through the full life cycle of plastic,” Simon said in a statement. “Cleaning up the global plastic mess must start at home. And today under President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, the U.S. government is doing exactly that."
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: leungchopan/Big Stock Photo
TVA faces pressure for greener and more transparent operations
The Tennessee Valley Authority faces community backlash and legislative scrutiny over plans for a new gas power plant and its slow adoption of renewable energy.
In short:
- Cheatham County residents oppose TVA's proposed gas plant, feeling it is inappropriate for the area.
- Bipartisan legislation aims to increase TVA’s transparency and accountability in planning and executive pay.
- Environmentalists criticize TVA for lagging behind other utilities in renewable energy adoption.
Key quote:
“Back when it was created in the 1930s, TVA was on the cutting edge of transforming a region of the country and investing in a lot of infrastructure to create that transformation. We‘re just not seeing that happen now.”
— Amanda Garcia, attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
The controversy has ignited a broader debate about the future of energy in the region, with critics arguing that the TVA is missing a crucial opportunity to invest in cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the call for renewable energy solutions has never been louder. Despite this, the TVA maintains that the new gas plant is essential for meeting the area's energy needs and ensuring reliable power supply.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Decades-old oil industry magazine predicted climate crisis, starvation
In 1977, a publication by a predecessor of Marathon Petroleum warned that rising global temperatures could cause severe economic and social disruptions, including widespread starvation.
In short:
- The 1977 article from Marathon Petroleum's predecessor predicted climate-related disasters due to industrial expansion.
- The lawsuit claims Marathon and other companies concealed their knowledge of climate risks for decades.
- Marathon is accused of opposing climate policies while privately acknowledging the dangers of carbon emissions.
Key quote:
"The climate is not going to get better, only worse. Over the long haul, we are going to have to brace ourselves for the prospect of a lot of poor harvests."
— J Murray Mitchell, NOAA scientist
Why this matters:
Companies like Marathon Petroleum knew about climate change risks long ago but continued to prioritize profit over environmental responsibility. Understanding this history is vital for holding them accountable and addressing current climate challenges.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Shane Rounce/Unsplash
Trump blames Biden for high electricity prices to gain political edge
Former President Donald Trump criticizes President Joe Biden for rising electricity costs, leveraging it as a campaign issue.
In short:
- Trump vows to reduce energy prices and blames Democrats for the current high costs.
- Republicans criticize Biden’s climate policies, linking them to a 20% rise in electricity prices since 2020.
- Experts say short-term electricity prices are more influenced by state regulators and natural gas prices than federal policies.
Key quote:
“They could say we’re just going all in on fossil fuels and to hell with the carbon emissions. That would probably have some effect but relatively small.”
— Severin Borenstein, professor at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley
Why this matters:
Electricity prices are becoming a significant political issue, with Republicans using them to attack Democratic climate policies. As energy costs rise, voters may become more concerned about the economic impact of these policies.
Be sure to read EHN’s piece:
Keep reading...Show less
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
