Donald Trump announced his intention to pull back unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, a key climate law, should he win the 2024 election, sparking concern over its impact on climate projects, especially in Republican districts.
Donald Trump vowed to cancel unused funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, targeting climate and energy programs.
He floated a government efficiency commission, possibly led by Elon Musk, aimed at reducing government waste.
The Biden administration has already allocated billions in climate funding, but much remains unspent, creating potential legal battles over clawing back those funds.
Key quote:
“I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises. No pay, no title, no recognition is needed.”
— Elon Musk
Why this matters:
The Inflation Reduction Act is funneling billions into renewable energy projects, electric vehicles, and cleaner industry across the U.S.—including a lot of Republican-led states that could really use the cash. If Trump succeeds in cutting these funds, it could derail green energy jobs and infrastructure growth in areas that have started to see the benefits. Read more: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding.
Australia may miss its February 2025 deadline to announce its 2035 climate target, awaiting the US election results.
A report suggests Australia could cut emissions by 65%-75% by 2035, but the government awaits further recommendations.
Th U.S. election outcome could heavily influence global climate policy.
Key quote:
“A Harris presidency would likely see the U.S. continue to exert pressure on all countries, including Australia, to set a strong 2035 target as soon as possible.”
— Erwin Jackson, director of policy, Investor Group on Climate Change
Why this matters:
Delaying climate goals can slow global progress toward reducing emissions. The US election outcome may impact how aggressively other countries act to combat climate change.
Oil companies could use tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act to extract more crude from existing wells through enhanced oil recovery, which injects CO2 underground to dislodge oil.
The Inflation Reduction Act boosts tax credits for storing CO2, incentivizing its use for oil recovery.
Critics argue weak oversight allows companies to claim tax benefits without effectively storing CO2.
Environmentalists say enhanced oil recovery (EOR) undermines climate goals by encouraging fossil fuel production.
Key quote:
“There’s a lot of money from the [Inflation Reduction Act], and a lot of concerns that taxpayer money is going out the door to industry that hasn’t proven EOR to be an efficient climate solution.”
— Autumn Hanna, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense
Why this matters:
EOR could help oil companies extend well production while claiming climate-friendly tax credits. Without better oversight, it’s unclear whether this will actually reduce carbon emissions.
Europe's farming and green groups reached a consensus on reducing meat consumption, calling for urgent reforms to improve sustainability in agriculture.
A report acknowledges Europeans consume more animal protein than recommended and calls for shifting toward plant-based diets.
It proposes a "just transition fund" to support farmers adopting sustainable practices and rethink farm subsidies.
Stakeholders agree on gradual changes, though some farm groups express concerns about the report's livestock recommendations.
Key quote:
“This is a victory for our farmers, our environment and our future – if politicians will have the courage and integrity to act on it.”
— Ariel Brunner, director of Birdlife Europe
Why this matters:
Meat-heavy diets contribute to climate change and environmental harm. The agreed reforms aim to make food systems more sustainable, but they require political will to implement.
Maui residents whose homes survived last year's wildfires are grappling with toxic contamination and insufficient insurance coverage to restore their homes, leaving many unable to return.
Many Maui homeowners are battling insurers over inadequate payouts for smoke damage after the 2023 wildfires, which left homes filled with toxic residue.
Independent experts estimate restoration costs up to four times higher than what insurers, like State Farm, are covering, leaving families displaced.
Hawaii lacks industry standards for assessing wildfire smoke damage, leaving insurers to determine what is safe.
Key quote:
“We are not trying to make money or profit off of disaster. We just want our houses cleaned. We want to know we are safe in our homes, and we don’t know that.”
— Maria Linz, Lahaina resident
Why this matters:
As wildfires increase due to climate change, more homeowners face costly battles with insurers over smoke contamination. Without standards or regulation, families are left at risk, both financially and health-wise.
A collaboration between Vancouver Island University and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency seeks to improve biotoxin testing in seafood to protect Indigenous food sovereignty.
Indigenous communities relying heavily on seafood face higher risks from paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Current testing is slow, expensive and inaccessible for remote areas, prompting research into portable kits.
Researchers are exploring alternative seafood sources like sea urchins, which may not absorb dangerous toxin levels.
Key quote:
"Could we eventually get a test that’s reliable and easy to use like a pregnancy test or COVID RAT [rapid antigen test] into Indigenous communities which could tell people if the seafood is safe to eat? That’s our aim."
— Timothy Green, Vancouver Island University's Canada Research Chair in shellfish health and genomics
Why this matters:
Remote Indigenous communities depend on seafood for cultural and nutritional needs but are vulnerable to biotoxins. Improved testing methods could help safeguard these communities from the health risks of PSP and preserve their traditional diets.
Texas is considering its first major revision of oil and gas waste management rules in 40 years, but environmentalists and industry leaders disagree over the new regulations.
Texas' revised rule aims to improve waste disposal from oil and gas drilling, including the handling of toxic byproducts like produced water and drilling mud.
Environmental groups argue the rule doesn't do enough to protect groundwater, while the industry says stricter measures could be too expensive for smaller companies.
The public has until September 30 to comment on the proposal, with hearings scheduled this week.
Key quote:
“This is a massive overhaul of extremely important groundwater protection rules.”
— Virginia Palacios, executive director of Commission Shift
Why this matters:
Texas generates billions of gallons of oilfield waste annually, some of which poses a risk to groundwater. Updated regulations could strengthen protections or lead to more conflicts between environmentalists and the energy industry.
