green
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
Newsletter
Credit: blackboard1965/Big Stock Photo
Green policies and the rise of the far right in Europe
A new study reveals a growing backlash in Europe against green policies, which is driving voters toward far-right political parties.
In short:
- Rising energy costs linked to green initiatives have increased support for far-right parties in Europe, such as the Netherlands and Germany.
- Restrictions on gas-powered vehicles and mandatory heat pump installations have sparked widespread protests and political shifts.
- These changes are perceived as unfairly burdening individuals rather than spreading costs across society and corporations.
Key quote:
"This has really expanded the coalition of the far right."
— Erik Voeten, professor of geopolitics at Georgetown University
Why this matters:
When people feel that changes are imposed on them without adequate consultation or consideration of their immediate concerns, there's a risk they will reject not just the specific policies but also the parties that promote them.
Far-right parties have capitalized on this discontent by framing green policies as elitist and disconnected from the common man's immediate economic concerns, promising to roll them back in favor of short-term economic relief.
Does the U.S. have its own far-right problem? Peter Dykstra argued last year that the Supreme Court has taken a brazen anti-regulatory turn. It’s our planet and health that will suffer.
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: Eutah Mizushima/Unsplash
The complex implications of Earth's increasing greenery
The planet is experiencing a significant increase in green vegetation, but this trend may not be as positive as it seems.
In short:
- Recent studies show a substantial increase in Earth's green vegetation, driven by factors like CO2 fertilization and agricultural expansion.
- While this greening can help absorb more CO2, it often masks the destruction of diverse ecosystems and can lead to negative environmental impacts.
- The trend reflects the extensive human alteration of the planet, raising concerns about biodiversity loss and ecosystem health.
Key quote:
“The intensification of agriculture that’s been happening in India over the past four decades is stunning.”
— Joshua Gray, geospatial scientist at North Carolina State University
Why this matters:
While increased greenery may seem beneficial for climate change mitigation, it often comes at the cost of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. This underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of environmental changes and their broader implications for the planet's health.
Rising CO2 will leave crops—and millions of humans—less healthy.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Big Stock Photo
Floating factories of artificial leaves could make green fuel for jets and ships
Cambridge University scientists develop a device to ‘defossilise’ the economy using sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.
Newsletter
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
The oceans are getting greener, remote sensing reveals
Satellite images have confirmed that the world’s oceans have become slightly greener. Scientists suspect climate change is the reason.
Newsletter
Photo by Laura Kessler on Unsplash
U.S. housing crisis thwarts recruitment for nature-based infrastructure projects
Even when the funding is lined up for green restoration efforts in northern Wisconsin, a lack of affordable housing makes it hard to attract workers and get started.
Photo by Linus Nylund on Unsplash
Some oceans are becoming greener thanks to climate change
More than half of the world’s ocean has changed colors in the past 20 years, a phenomenon that is likely driven by climate change, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
