A (non-comprehensive) list of interesting and relevant climate change, climate policy, and environmental justice stories.
Ron DeSantis signs bill scrubbing ‘climate change’ from Florida state laws. State, which just had its hottest year since 1895, will ban offshore wind power, boost natural gas and reduce gas pipeline rules. (read the full story here)
Economic damage from climate change six times worse than thought – report. A 1C increase in global temperature leads to a 12% decline in world gross domestic product, researchers have found. (read the full story here)
DeSantis Signs Law Deleting Climate Change From Florida Policy. The law also stops programs designed to encourage renewable energy and conservation in a state that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. (read the full story here)
Days after climate talks, US slaps tariffs on Chinese EVs and solar panels. The measures are designed to increase the cost of Chinese goods needed for the energy transition – and could therefore slow the US shift away from fossil fuels. (read the full story here)
UN agrees carbon market safeguards to tackle green land grabs. Local communities will be able to officially challenge UN-registered carbon credit projects before and after they are up and running. (read the full story here)
As California Considers Warning Labels for Gas Stoves, Researchers Learn More About Their Negative Health Impacts. A bill in the state legislature would require the appliances to feature information about ventilation. The proposal arrives on the heels of new findings about emissions harms. (read the full story here)
Tribes could lease their water to dry states. Why is it so hard? The Colorado River Indian Tribes can now lease water to non-Indigenous users along the drought-stricken river. Most nations can’t do the same. (read the full story here)
A White House Advisor and Environmental Justice Activist Wants Immediate Help for Two Historically Black Communities in Alabama. Robert Bullard says a federal civil rights probe shouldn’t forestall a “rapid response” to alleviate flooding and provide sewer access. After meeting with Department of Transportation officials in Washington, he’s frustrated with the administration he advises. (read the full story here)
Q&A: Robert Bullard Says 2024 Is the Year of Environmental Justice for an Inundated Shiloh, Alabama. “If we plan for environmental standards that would protect children, the most vulnerable in our society, we protect everybody. When we place the most vulnerable at risk, we place everybody at risk.” (read the full story here)