The myth of a green energy transition hides a troubling truth

Promises of a shift to renewable energy have failed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, with global coal, oil and gas still dominating the energy mix.

Andrew Nikiforuk reports for The Tyee.

In short:

Coal production hit record highs in 2023, with fossil fuels still providing 82% of global energy despite renewable growth.
Experts argue that energy "transitions" often add new sources rather than replace old ones, accelerating overall consumption.
French historian Jean-Baptiste Fressoz and others suggest that true solutions require drastically reducing energy and material use, not relying on technological fixes.

Key quote:

“The energy transition is a slogan but not a scientific concept.”

— Jean-Baptiste Fressoz, historian

Why this matters:

Relying on renewable energy without addressing consumption may intensify climate impacts. Without reducing energy use, global systems risk collapse under the strain of resource scarcity and environmental crises.

Despite limited interest in drilling on federal land, US Forest Service ‘streamlines’ oil and gas leasing rules

The U.S. Forest Service announced revisions to its oil and gas leasing rules today that the agency promises “modernizes and streamlines” the permitting process to drill for fossil fuels in the nation’s forests and grasslands.

Read the Full Article on

insideclimatenews.org

The myth of a green energy transition hides a troubling truth

Alberta, once a hotspot for renewable energy projects, sees investment 'plummet’

Houston plans to hit UN climate targets despite Paris Agreement exit

The one big beautiful prediction: The energy transition is still alive

Trump destroyed offshore wind. The Northeast can’t live without it

OK state senator seeks to rein in oil companies’ groundwater pollution

'Doomsday Clock' advances to 85 seconds till midnight

Despite limited interest in drilling on federal land, US Forest Service ‘streamlines’ oil and gas leasing rules

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.