public health
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Norway leads global transition to electric cars
Electric vehicles now dominate Norway’s new car market, making up nearly 90% of sales in 2024 as the country approaches its goal of phasing out fossil fuel car sales by 2025.
In short:
- Nearly nine out of 10 new cars sold in Norway in 2024 were electric, supported by tax exemptions and incentives like free parking and bus lane access.
- Norway’s vast charging network and renewable hydroelectricity have helped make EV adoption convenient, even in cold weather.
- Despite its oil wealth, Norway plans to fully transition to zero-emission cars, unlike the EU and UK, which set later targets for fossil fuel bans.
Key quote:
"I don't think a green mindset has much to do with it. It has to do with strong policies, and people gradually understanding that driving an electric car is possible.."
— Christina Bu, secretary general of the Norwegian EV Association
Why this matters:
Norway’s model shows how long-term policies and investments can accelerate EV adoption. Other countries could replicate aspects of this success, but wealth disparities and energy infrastructure gaps may pose challenges elsewhere.
Also see: Norway boosts oil production, defying environmental concerns
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Vancouver company uses mushroom roots to tackle global protein demand
A Vancouver-based company is betting on mushroom mycelium as a sustainable protein source, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of traditional meat production.
In short:
- Maia Farms developed a mycelium-based protein that takes just seven days to produce and emits 84% less carbon dioxide than chicken.
- The company is partnering with food manufacturers to incorporate the protein into various foods, with products appearing at major retailers like Costco.
- Plans include expanding globally by 2030, with facilities on five continents to meet both Earth’s growing protein needs and space exploration demands.
Key quote:
“It’s arguably the most efficient form of agriculture that will ever exist.”
— Gavin Schneider, Maia Farms founder
Why this matters:
With global meat demand rising, sustainable protein alternatives like mycelium could help mitigate the environmental impacts of meat production, including greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.
Related: Turning mushroom waste into a resource for sustainable farming
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Wildfires threaten Altadena’s diverse communities and Black homeownership
California’s historic wildfires have devastated Altadena, raising fears that rising rebuilding costs and gentrification will displace long-standing Black and working-class families.
Terry Tang, Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, and Jae Hong report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Altadena, once a beacon of Black homeownership, suffered widespread losses, with many residents fearing they can't afford to rebuild.
- The community's high rate of Black homeownership and multigenerational homes is at risk amid rising costs and outside development.
- Local leaders call for fair federal assistance to ensure fire recovery doesn’t deepen inequality.
Key quote:
"Your $40 million home is no different than my $2 million home."
— Kenneth Snowden, longtime Altadena resident
Why this matters:
The destruction in Altadena highlights how climate disasters can accelerate displacement and economic inequality. Policies that address equitable recovery could help stop gentrification from erasing the community’s history of progress in racial and economic inclusion.
Read more: LA wildfires force mass evacuations as homes burn across city
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Wildfire smoke pollution raises growing health concerns
Wildfire smoke, intensified by climate change, is becoming a leading global source of deadly air pollution, contributing to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year.
In short:
- Wildfire smoke contains hazardous pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and lead, which are linked to respiratory, cardiovascular and other diseases.
- Recent fires in Los Angeles elevated air quality to dangerous levels, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and older adults.
- Studies suggest that wildfire pollution has reversed progress in reducing harmful air particles, with mortality rates from wildfire-related pollution projected to rise significantly.
Key quote:
“We’re breathing in this toxic brew of volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and hexavalent chromium. All of it is noxious.”
— Dr. Lisa Patel, pediatrician and executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health
Why this matters:
Air pollution from wildfires threatens public health even in regions far from fire zones. Prolonged exposure to smoke may lead to long-term health complications, requiring urgent measures to address climate change and protect at-risk communities.
Related EHN coverage:
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Global warming surpasses key temperature limit as nations face climate reckoning
Global temperatures in 2024 exceeded the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold above preindustrial levels, raising urgent concerns about the effectiveness of current climate policies.
Raymond Zhong and Brad Plumer report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Last year marked the hottest on record, with global temperatures averaging 1.6 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.
- Despite international agreements like the Paris accord, carbon dioxide emissions hit record highs in 2024.
- Experts warn that achieving the 1.5-degree goal may no longer be feasible without extreme emission cuts.
Key quote:
“Even if the world overshoots 1.5 degrees, and the chances of this happening are increasing every day, we must keep striving” to bring emissions to zero as soon as possible.
— Inger Anderson, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program
Why this matters:
Exceeding 1.5 degrees could lead to more devastating heat waves, water shortages and sea-level rise. Continued warming raises the stakes for vulnerable communities and ecosystems, making climate adaptation and mitigation more urgent than ever.
Related:
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Wildfires in Los Angeles region set to become most expensive in U.S. history
Massive wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles' affluent neighborhoods could result in economic losses of up to $150 billion, surpassing previous wildfire records in the U.S.
In short:
- The Palisades Fire has destroyed more than 1,000 structures and forced 180,000 residents to evacuate, with another 200,000 on alert.
- Analysts project insured losses to top $20 billion, with total economic losses ranging from $50 billion to $150 billion due to damage in high-value areas like Malibu.
- Experts warn of long-term impacts on infrastructure, water contamination and health costs related to smoke exposure.
Key quote:
“These fast-moving, wind-driven infernos have created one of the costliest wildfire disasters in modern U.S. history.”
— Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather chief meteorologist
Why this matters:
Wildfires increasingly strain California's economy and resources, driven by climate-related drought and heat. The rising frequency and intensity of fires also impact public health, housing and long-term recovery efforts in vulnerable areas.
Related: Wildfires rage in Los Angeles. Why are they so bad?
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Trump’s disaster relief policies could be shaped by partisan politics
Donald Trump’s history of politicizing disaster relief has sparked concerns that he may withhold aid from states led by political opponents during his upcoming term, particularly in light of his previous threats regarding California wildfires.
In short:
- In past disasters, Trump has made inaccurate claims and blamed Democrats, including President Biden, for mismanagement.
- Reports suggest Trump considered political loyalty when approving federal aid, such as with Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
- Republican leaders have at times urged Trump to set aside partisan politics when responding to natural disasters.
Key quote:
“Trump absolutely didn’t want to give aid to California or Puerto Rico purely for partisan politics — because they didn’t vote for him.”
— Kevin Carroll, former senior counselor to former Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly
Why this matters:
Disaster relief decisions significantly impact vulnerable communities in crisis. If partisan considerations influence aid distribution, some regions may face delays in critical support during emergencies, exacerbating harm and deepening political divides.
Read more: Trump renews political threats over California wildfire disaster aid
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