A (non-comprehensive) list of interesting and relevant climate change, climate policy, and environmental justice stories.
Climate Change is Disrupting Global Trade. Around 1,000 ships pass through the Panama Canal each month carrying a total of over 40 million tons of goods—about 5 percent of global maritime trade volumes. But water levels in this vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans have fallen to critical lows because of the worst drought in the canal’s 143-year history. (read the full story here)
Of course working-class people care about the climate crisis: they emit the least, but will suffer most. The implications of policy are felt very differently depending on how well-off you are. It’s time for politicians to recognise this. (read the full story here)
Who are the polluter elite and how can we tackle carbon inequality? The richest 1% of people are responsible for as much carbon output as the poorest 66%, research from Oxfam shows. Luxury lifestyles including frequent flying, driving large cars, owning many houses, and a rich diet, are among the reasons for the huge imbalance. (read the full story here)
Treasury Expands Tax Credit for Clean Energy Projects. Late last week, the United States Department of the Treasury released guidance on the Section 48 investment tax credit which “could provide credits of up to 70 percent for certain energy storage and other clean power projects.” Moreover, the guidance clarifies eligibility for offshore wind, battery storage, as well as small-scale solar and wind projects. (read the full story here)
‘Not On Course’: US Emissions Set for 3% Decline in 2023. Projections estimate that the U.S. is set to reduce emissions “as much as three percent in 2023 […] reversing two years of flat or increasing output of planet-warming pollution.” However, the analyses illustrate that the U.S. is far from meeting its target under the Paris climate accord. (read the full story here)
At APEC, Governor Newsom Highlights California’s Low-Carbon, Green Growth Economy. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to—in part—highlight the state’s climate cooperation with international partners. Of note, the Governor met with leaders from Australia, Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom to discuss ongoing green partnerships. (read the full story here)
Nations Are Getting Serious About Climate Action. Just Not Serious Enough, U.N. Says.
There’s a lot more work to do to keep global temperatures at relatively safe levels, according to a U.N. report issued in advance of global climate talks. (read the full story here)
They’re Talking, But a Climate Divide Between Beijing and Washington Remains. Despite a surprise deal between the two nations and recent discussions between leaders, China and the U.S. “remain at odds on tough questions such as how quickly to shut down coal and who should provide climate aid to developing nations.” (read the full story here)
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $2 Billion to Fund Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants as Part of Investing in America Agenda. EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights announces the largest single investment in environmental justice in history, funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (read the full story here)