renewable energy
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Trump administration redirects clean energy funds in defiance of Congress
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is cutting funding for wind, solar, and electric vehicles despite a signed federal budget that preserved those levels, prompting accusations of unlawful spending violations.
In short:
- The DOE released a spending plan showing steep cuts to renewable energy programs for fiscal year 2025, even though Congress passed and President Trump signed a law maintaining previous funding levels.
- Lawmakers and watchdogs question whether DOE has legal authority to make the reductions, noting potential violations of the Impoundment Control Act, which prohibits the executive branch from withholding congressionally approved funds.
- DOE officials admit that project approvals have stalled due to lack of authorization to extend funding, effectively pausing many renewable energy projects without formally canceling them.
Key quote:
“This isn’t a bureaucratic misstep – it’s a deliberate, partisan effort to sabotage bipartisan law and redirect funding to the energy sources favored by Secretary [Chris] Wright and his allies.”
— Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Marcy Kaptur, top Democrats on the Senate and the House Appropriations Committees
Why this matters:
When Congress sets funding levels, federal agencies are bound to follow the law. If the executive branch sidesteps those decisions to favor certain energy sources, it undercuts democratic accountability and disrupts long-term planning in clean energy sectors. These programs not only cut emissions but create jobs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and improve public health by decreasing pollution.
Learn more: Vermont climate goals face setbacks as federal support disappears
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Far-right group takes lead in EU climate talks, raising doubts over 2040 emissions goal
The far-right Patriots for Europe bloc will lead the European Parliament’s negotiations on the EU’s proposed 2040 climate target, placing a group hostile to existing climate policies at the center of the talks.
In short:
- The Patriots for Europe group, which includes parties led by Marine Le Pen and Viktor Orban, has secured control over the EU Parliament’s negotiating position on the bloc’s proposed 90% emissions reduction target for 2040.
- The group opposes the emissions goal, claiming it places excessive burdens on European industry and risks driving economic decline.
- Other political groups are attempting to bypass their influence by fast-tracking negotiations, allowing Parliament to skip the initial draft stage usually led by the assigned group.
Key quote:
"We are opposed to [the 90% emissions target] because we feel that there are far too many constraints already bearing on industry at European level, and this would simply precipitate us into de-growth."
— Jordan Bardella, chair of the Patriots for Europe
Why this matters:
The European Union’s 2040 climate target is a key step in achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, but the rise of far-right influence in the European Parliament could reshape its scope or stall progress entirely. Climate change has already made Europe the fastest-warming continent, with increasing heatwaves and weather disruptions. At the same time, political pushback is growing, as industries warn of high compliance costs and some governments fear voter backlash. The collision between environmental urgency and political resistance is widening, and decisions made in Brussels will ripple far beyond Europe, affecting global climate diplomacy, cross-border trade, and public health in a warming world.
Read more: Germany’s conservative strongholds push back against climate policies
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Solar is no longer alternative energy—it's the new default
Around the globe, solar power is scaling up at a breakneck pace, reshaping energy systems, economies, and even geopolitics.
In short:
- Solar and wind are now the fastest-growing energy sources in history, with global solar capacity doubling in just two years and new projects supplying most of the world’s electricity demand.
- China, India, South America, Africa, and even U.S. states like Texas are turning to renewables for affordability, reliability, and resilience in the face of extreme weather and rising fossil fuel costs.
- The transition is being slowed more by politics and utility red tape than by cost or technology — despite broad public support and economic incentives.
Key quote:
Continuing to burn fossil fuels "is a self-imposed financial penalty" which will "ultimately degrade the country’s long-term global competitiveness.”
— Rob Carlson, energy investor
Why this matters:
Around the world, solar panels are snapping into place faster than policymakers or utilities can keep up. This is no longer a boutique solution or a PR move but a basic infrastructure. And yet, ironically, it’s politics and bureaucracy — not price tags or power output — that are slowing this runaway train. Utilities are clinging to their old monopolies, while outdated policies drag their feet on connecting new projects. Still, the momentum is clear. And although the U.S. government may be retreating back toward fossil fuels, much of the rest of the world is marching steadily toward a bright solar future.
Read more: In the race for clean energy, the US is both a leader and a laggard — here’s how
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Shanxi province faces difficult path away from coal as China pushes clean energy
China’s top coal-producing region, Shanxi, is struggling to pivot from its fossil-fueled past to a cleaner economic future, as the country races to meet ambitious carbon targets by 2060.
In short:
- Shanxi mined over 1.2 billion tons of coal in 2024, more than India, and remains heavily dependent on coal for jobs and income, with about 10% of residents working in the industry.
- China is rapidly scaling up renewable energy, with wind and solar now exceeding fossil fuel capacity, but coal still provides nearly 60% of the country’s power due to reliability concerns.
- Efforts to diversify Shanxi’s economy include growing cultural tourism and renewable energy manufacturing, but job losses loom and “clean coal” strategies remain controversial and limited in scale.
Key quote:
“In every document on realizing the dual carbon goals, and realising the energy transition, there is some kind of role or carveout for the coal industry.”
— Lauri Myllyvirta, co-founder of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air
Why this matters:
Shanxi’s story illustrates the collision between urgent climate action and entrenched economic realities. Coal remains central to powering China’s cities and factories, but it also drives pollution, health risks, and greenhouse gas emissions. As the world’s largest emitter, China’s energy choices reverberate globally, and within its borders, places like Shanxi will feel the deepest shocks. A mismanaged transition could leave millions jobless and worsen inequality, echoing the post-industrial decay seen in other regions around the world. While renewable energy capacity is soaring, a true shift from coal will require reshaping local economies and social systems, not just technologies.
Related: China pivots toward renewable energy in global investments
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Denmark pushes to tie climate goals to European defense and economic strength
Denmark launched its European Union presidency with a push to keep climate policy on the agenda, arguing that energy independence is critical to Europe’s security and competitiveness.
In short:
- Denmark began its six-month EU Council presidency in July, emphasizing green policy as a means to bolster European defense and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.
- Shifting global pressures — including war in Ukraine, U.S. tariffs, and rising industrial concerns — have pushed many EU nations to deprioritize climate goals in favor of economic and military concerns.
- The European Commission's new emissions target of a 90% cut by 2040 faces strong opposition from some EU countries, while critics also warn that loopholes in carbon credit rules undermine climate progress.
Key quote:
"Climate change is about defense. Europe’s strategic autonomy is threatened, and it’s threatened partly because we are so extremely dependent on the import of fossil fuels."
— Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s climate and energy minister
Why this matters:
Europe’s ambitious climate agenda is now colliding with geopolitical and economic realities. As the EU races to rearm and secure energy supplies, the continent risks drifting from its green commitments. Military expansion, while aimed at protecting democratic institutions, can come with hidden environmental costs — from emissions to raw material extraction. At the same time, extreme weather across southern Europe is escalating public concern over inaction.
Denmark’s effort to link climate resilience with defense underscores the growing recognition that energy policy and national security are intertwined. But with opposition mounting among EU states, the broader question is whether green priorities can survive the political push to deregulate in an increasingly unstable world.
Related: EU shifts course on climate policy as deregulation accelerates
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Tidal energy turbine in Scotland breaks record for underwater operation
A tidal turbine off the coast of Scotland has operated continuously for more than six years, setting a record that could help unlock new investment in marine energy.
In short:
- A turbine at the MeyGen site in northern Scotland has been generating electricity underwater for 6.5 years without unplanned maintenance, demonstrating long-term durability in harsh marine conditions.
- The site includes four turbines generating 1.5 megawatts each, enough to power about 7,000 homes annually, and plans are underway to expand to 130 higher-output turbines.
- Experts say the milestone may ease investor concerns about maintenance challenges, though regulatory hurdles, environmental impacts, and space conflicts still limit wider adoption.
Key quote:
“I think they have checked the boxes. Because skeptics, and that includes investors of course and governments, said, ‘How on Earth are you going to operate these things especially for any length of time in this very tough environment?’ And that’s what I think they proved.”
— Andrea Copping, distinguished faculty fellow, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs at the University of Washington
Why this matters:
Tidal energy offers a steady, predictable source of clean power, unlike wind and solar, which fluctuate with weather. The ocean holds massive untapped energy potential, but converting that energy into electricity at scale has long been a technical and financial challenge. Saltwater corrodes metal, marine debris can jam machinery, and underwater maintenance is expensive. Demonstrating that turbines can last more than six years without disruption is a major step toward scaling the technology.
Related: France’s new tidal turbines aim to power thousands of homes with clean energy
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California Democrats scale back climate goals amid cost-of-living backlash
Faced with political fallout from the 2024 election and rising affordability concerns, California Democrats are retreating from some of the state’s most ambitious climate policies.
In short:
- California leaders have paused or diluted key environmental measures, including clean fuel rules, plastic waste regulations, and environmental reviews for new development, citing cost concerns and political pressure.
- The shift marks a break from California’s previous position as a national climate leader, especially during Trump’s first term, and reflects broader national trends as Democrats reassess the electoral impact of aggressive climate actions.
- Polls now show climate change ranking low among voters' priorities, while issues like gas prices and housing costs dominate, driving the party to scale back policies seen as contributing to those burdens.
Key quote:
“It’s one of the more disappointing turnabouts. We have backed down, and we may not be flying a white handkerchief, but it’s pretty close to white.”
— Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog
Why this matters:
California has long been a bellwether for climate policy, often leading the country with ambitious rules aimed at cutting emissions and curbing fossil fuel dependence. But as housing, fuel, and energy costs rise, even environmentally progressive states are facing resistance from voters and lawmakers. The state’s backpedaling signals a broader national trend where short-term economic pressures are outpacing long-term environmental planning. That has major implications for public health and environmental justice, particularly in communities already vulnerable to pollution and climate impacts.
Learn more: Advocating for structural change for environmental and climate health
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