Climate Litigation

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LATEST NEWS ON THIS TOPIC

A motion tabled earlier this month in the House of Commons is the latest effort to address the fossil fuel investments and climate risk exposure of Canadian banks and other financial institutions—including the world’s biggest fossil fuel financier in 2022.

House of Commons Motion, Senate Bill Urge New Climate Rules for Financial Institutions

A motion tabled earlier this month in the House of Commons is the latest effort to address the fossil fuel investments and climate risk exposure of Canadian banks and other financial institutions—including the world’s biggest fossil fuel financier in 2022.

With a coordinated, nation-wide net-zero strategy, Canada would see clean energy jobs grow 7% each year, adding 700,000 jobs to the sector by 2050 and creating a “pan-Canadian opportunity” for workers across provinces and industries.

Clean Energy to Add 700,000 New Jobs by 2050, with Alberta in the Lead

With a coordinated, nation-wide net-zero strategy, Canada would see clean energy jobs grow 7% each year, adding 700,000 jobs to the sector by 2050 and creating a “pan-Canadian opportunity” for workers across provinces and industries.

Thirteen oil and gas companies operating or based in Canada, including five of the six that make up the Pathways Alliance oil sands lobby group, are on the list of 88 big carbon polluters now being called out for a major share of the forested lands lost to wildfires in North America between 1986 and 2021, The Energy Mix has learned.

13 Canadian Fossils Linked to Massive Losses in Western Wildfires

Thirteen oil and gas companies operating or based in Canada, including five of the six that make up the Pathways Alliance oil sands lobby group, are on the list of 88 big carbon polluters now being called out for a major share of the forested lands lost to wildfires in North America between 1986 and 2021, The Energy Mix has learned.

Hamilton, Ontario is poised to become one of Canada's first municipalities to protect renters from dangerous heat waves as it develops a bylaw requiring landlords to install air conditioning in apartments to keep temperatures below 26°C.

Hamilton Plans Heat Bylaw for Rental Housing

Hamilton, Ontario is poised to become one of Canada’s first municipalities to protect renters from dangerous heat waves as it develops a bylaw requiring landlords to install air conditioning in apartments to keep temperatures below 26°C.

The United States Supreme Court has curtailed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s authority to protect wetlands from pollution, a ruling that some experts and justices say goes too far by positioning the court as “the national decision-maker on environmental policy.”

Supreme Court Decision Undercuts U.S. Clean Water Act

The United States Supreme Court has curtailed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s authority to protect wetlands from pollution, a ruling that some experts and justices say goes too far by positioning the court as “the national decision-maker on environmental policy.”

A simple strategy to reduce traffic and pollution in many of the United Kingdom’s most congested neighbourhoods has become a divisive force in the country, producing measurable local results but drawing vitriolic criticism from some news outlets.

UK Traffic Calming Strategy Produces Solid Results, Manufactured Anxiety

A simple strategy to reduce traffic and pollution in many of the United Kingdom’s most congested neighbourhoods has become a divisive force in the country, producing measurable local results but drawing vitriolic criticism from some news outlets.

A small village in Germany is generating income for all residents and a second cash crop for farmers with a community wind farm that dates back to 1999, recently boosted its capacity from four turbines to eight, and now produces about 50 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, enough to power about 16,000 homes.

Community Wind Farm Earns Support, Generates Income in German Village

A small village in Germany is generating income for all residents and a second cash crop for farmers with a community wind farm that dates back to 1999, recently boosted its capacity from four turbines to eight, and now produces about 50 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, enough to power about 16,000 homes.

A conflict between access to public space and a push for private development in Puerto Rico is being intensified by climate change, prompting residents and environmentalists to rally for a beachfront area threatened by fierce storms and rising seas.

Storms, Sea Level Rise Intensify Conflicts Over Public Beach Access

A conflict between access to public space and a push for private development in Puerto Rico is being intensified by climate change, prompting residents and environmentalists to rally for a beachfront area threatened by fierce storms and rising seas.

A small Nevada company spent decades buying up water rights. Now that the region is facing a megadrought brought on by climate change, the company is cashing out, and others are trying to imitate the business model.

U.S. Megadrought Brings Private Water Brokers Into Focus

A small Nevada company spent decades buying up water rights. Now that the region is facing a megadrought brought on by climate change, the company is cashing out, and others are trying to imitate the business model.

Ontario is pushing ahead with contracts to increase natural gas use and climate pollution in cities that have already declared their opposition to gas plant expansions, despite independent research showing how the province could clear its looming electricity shortfall with renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Ontario Overrules Cities to Push Gas Plant Expansions

Ontario is pushing ahead with contracts to increase natural gas use and climate pollution in cities that have already declared their opposition to gas plant expansions, despite independent research showing how the province could clear its looming electricity shortfall with renewable energy and energy efficiency.

As the EU and UK ban carbon-neutral labels and Canada and the U.S. overhaul their marketing watchdogs, is the Wild West era of greenwash finally coming to an end?

‘Carbon Neutral’, ‘Net-Zero’ Claims Face Global Greenwash Crackdown

As the EU and UK ban carbon-neutral labels and Canada and the U.S. overhaul their marketing watchdogs, is the Wild West era of greenwash finally coming to an end?

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/unrecognizable-from-the-original-design-suburban-renovations-disprove-cookie-cutter-stereotype

Embrace Suburbs, Exurbs in Climate Planning, Researchers Urge Cities

Extending regional planning to suburbs and exurbs is key to catapulting cities toward their climate goals, even as funding and capacity limits make it harder to implement climate pledges, two Brookings Institution researchers say in a recent blog post.

Vermont’s climate policy has “nudged” a local gas utility into the heat pump business.

Vermont Gas Utility Pivots to Heat Pumps

Vermont’s climate policy has “nudged” a local gas utility into the heat pump business.

Germany's recently-launched €49 (C$71.50) Deutschland Ticket—which covers monthly travel on all regional rail, metro, tram, and bus networks—is showing promise, but experts say its long-term success hinges on reliability and comfort improvements, essential for enticing car drivers to take public transport.

Germany’s Flat-Rate Fare Needs Comfortable, On-Time Transit to Succeed

Germany’s recently-launched €49 (C$71.50) Deutschland Ticket—which covers monthly travel on all regional rail, metro, tram, and bus networks—is showing promise, but experts say its long-term success hinges on reliability and comfort improvements, essential for enticing car drivers to take public transport.

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) may be on the verge of a breakthrough as it nears the end of a high-stakes, 18-month effort to map a net-zero pathway for the country’s energy sector.

NET-ZERO BREAKTHROUGH? Hopeful Signs as Regulator Finalizes Energy Futures Report

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) may be on the verge of a breakthrough as it nears the end of a high-stakes, 18-month effort to map a net-zero pathway for the country’s energy sector.

The Biden administration’s long-awaited plan to regulate emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants covers only 147 of 3,400 such facilities in the United States and relies heavily on costly technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen, critics say.

New U.S. Power Plant Rules Exclude ‘Vast Majority’ of Gas Plants

The Biden administration’s long-awaited plan to regulate emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants covers only 147 of 3,400 such facilities in the United States and relies heavily on costly technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen, critics say.

Beyond electrifying fleets, lowering fares, or fighting crime, experts say delivering reliable, timely service will be key to saving public transportation in the United States, where rising labour costs, inflation, and stagnated revenue from low ridership have led to multi-billion-dollar shortfalls.

Cities Need Fast, Frequent Service to Halt Transit ‘Death Spiral’

Beyond electrifying fleets, lowering fares, or fighting crime, experts say delivering reliable, timely service will be key to saving public transportation in the United States, where rising labour costs, inflation, and stagnated revenue from low ridership have led to multi-billion-dollar shortfalls.

New legislation in British Columbia could be a game-changer for lowering greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, as long as  communities across the province  take the next step.

B.C. Legislation Could Produce Clean Building Boom

New legislation in British Columbia could be a game-changer for lowering greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, as long as  communities across the province  take the next step.

Toronto has become the first community in North America to limit the carbon embodied in new municipal buildings by requiring lower-carbon construction materials.

Toronto Limits Embodied Carbon in New City Buildings

Toronto has become the first community in North America to limit the carbon embodied in new municipal buildings by requiring lower-carbon construction materials.

Small mode transport—cycling, walking, using a wheelchair, and riding e-bikes—is “undercounted and undervalued”, even though a kilometre walked or biked can eliminate five to 10 kilometres covered by car, a transport policy expert says.

Stop Undervaluing  ‘Small Mode Transport’, Expert Urges City Planners

Small mode transport—cycling, walking, using a wheelchair, and riding e-bikes—is “undercounted and undervalued”, even though a kilometre walked or biked can eliminate five to 10 kilometres covered by car, a transport policy expert says.

Despite ample evidence that nature-based solutions to flooding are cheaper and more effective than trying to contain water behind dikes and artificial channels, Canada continues to prioritize a concrete-centric approach, a recent report concludes.

Canada Lags on Nature-Based Flood Solutions, Report Finds

Despite ample evidence that nature-based solutions to flooding are cheaper and more effective than trying to contain water behind dikes and artificial channels, Canada continues to prioritize a concrete-centric approach, a recent report concludes.

A new offshore power transmission corridor could eventually connect wind turbines off the Nova Scotia coast and in the Gulf of Maine to power grids and green hydrogen facilities in the Maritimes and New England, under a preliminary scenario published last week by a seven-member business coalition.

Massive New Grid Corridor Could Connect Offshore Wind to Nova Scotia, New England

A new offshore power transmission corridor could eventually connect wind turbines off the Nova Scotia coast and in the Gulf of Maine to power grids and green hydrogen facilities in the Maritimes and New England, under a preliminary scenario published last week by a seven-member business coalition.

With Canada in the process of drafting crucial regulations to curb the oil and gas sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, climate advocates are enlisting Canadians in a postcard-writing campaign to remind Members of Parliament that the interests of all people in Canada must take precedence over corporate bottom lines and intensive industry lobbying.

Postcard Campaign Pushes Canadian MPs for Strong Oil and Gas Emissions Cap

With Canada in the process of drafting crucial regulations to curb the oil and gas sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, climate advocates are enlisting Canadians in a postcard-writing campaign to remind Members of Parliament that the interests of all people in Canada must take precedence over corporate bottom lines and intensive industry lobbying.

Leading environmental organizations and a government watchdog say Canada’s emissions accounting methods inaccurately portray the forestry industry’s emissions as net-negative and gloss over the climate impact of industrial logging, which represents more than one-tenth of Canada’s total annual emissions.

Canada’s Emissions Accounting Obscures Climate Costs of Logging, Reports Warn

Leading environmental organizations and a government watchdog say Canada’s emissions accounting methods inaccurately portray the forestry industry’s emissions as net-negative and gloss over the climate impact of industrial logging, which represents more than one-tenth of Canada’s total annual emissions.

Calgary-based Imperial Oil is facing continuing blowback for two releases of tailings from its Kearl oil sands mine in northern Alberta, days after Environment Canada opened an investigation into the spills.

Ottawa Investigates, Imperial Oil Faces Blowback for Kearl Oil Sands Leaks

Calgary-based Imperial Oil is facing continuing blowback for two releases of tailings from its Kearl oil sands mine in northern Alberta, days after Environment Canada opened an investigation into the spills.

Sweden's early shift from fossil-fueled heating to electric heat pumps suggests a carrot-and-stick approach of incentives and regulation could help Canadians achieve the lowered costs and 95% drop in building heating emissions that Swedes have enjoyed since the 1990s.

95% LOWER EMISSIONS: Sweden’s Shift to Heat Pumps Holds Lessons for Canada

Sweden’s early shift from fossil-fueled heating to electric heat pumps suggests a carrot-and-stick approach of incentives and regulation could help Canadians achieve the lowered costs and 95% drop in building heating emissions that Swedes have enjoyed since the 1990s.

Tech giant Google is joining forces with one of North America’s largest clean energy companies to build a 500-megawatt solar portfolio in 80 community- sized chunks, with 10% of the resulting revenue flowing to at least 25,000 “high-energy-burden” households.

Google Plans 500-MW ‘Synthetic’ Community Solar Project

Tech giant Google is joining forces with one of North America’s largest clean energy companies to build a 500-megawatt solar portfolio in 80 community- sized chunks, with 10% of the resulting revenue flowing to at least 25,000 “high-energy-burden” households.

Several Members of Parliament and activists are warning the Canadian government that its support for nuclear energy projects could prove costly and ineffective—even as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau maintains that nuclear is “on the table” for achieving the country’s climate goals.

MPs, Scientists Raise Alarm Over Climate Hype for Small Modular Reactors

Several Members of Parliament and activists are warning the Canadian government that its support for nuclear energy projects could prove costly and ineffective—even as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau maintains that nuclear is “on the table” for achieving the country’s climate goals.

The economic cost of greenhouse gas emissions is nearly five times higher than previously thought, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said last month.

Ottawa Calculates Social Cost of Carbon at $261/Tonne

The economic cost of greenhouse gas emissions is nearly five times higher than previously thought, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said last month.

Big Oil companies like Shell are selling off their polluting assets to private firms with less accountability and oversight, a trend that is worsening living conditions near fossil fuel infrastructure in one of Africa’s largest oil producing regions.

Niger Delta Suffers as Shell Sells Polluting Assets to Private Firms

Big Oil companies like Shell are selling off their polluting assets to private firms with less accountability and oversight, a trend that is worsening living conditions near fossil fuel infrastructure in one of Africa’s largest oil producing regions.

Residents of Berlin, Germany rejected a referendum aimed at achieving carbon neutrality 15 years earlier than planned. But the failed vote in late March brought silver linings, including a windfall €5-billion fund for climate action and valuable lessons for other cities.

Berlin Rejects 2030 Carbon-Neutral Target, Gains €5B Transition Fund

Residents of Berlin, Germany rejected a referendum aimed at achieving carbon neutrality 15 years earlier than planned. But the failed vote in late March brought silver linings, including a windfall €5-billion fund for climate action and valuable lessons for other cities.

Green space advocates in Ontario’s Lake Simcoe area are declaring a win after a judge ruled the federal government erred in deciding not to pursue an environmental assessment of the controversial Bradford Bypass.

Court Ruling Renews Calls for Federal Review of Ontario’s Bradford Bypass

Green space advocates in Ontario’s Lake Simcoe area are declaring a win after a judge ruled the federal government erred in deciding not to pursue an environmental assessment of the controversial Bradford Bypass.

Vancouver topped the charts in four categories of a citizen-led climate and sustainability contest that assessed 57 Canadian cities on a range of indicators like public transit, urban green space, air quality, and walkability.

Vancouver Tops Municipal Climate Contest, Steals Montreal’s Public Transit Crown

Vancouver topped the charts in four categories of a citizen-led climate and sustainability contest that assessed 57 Canadian cities on a range of indicators like public transit, urban green space, air quality, and walkability.

A 50-year-old arena in Dieppe, New Brunswick, is on course to slash energy use by 44% and greenhouse gas emissions by 46% after a major energy retrofit.

Decades-Old Arena Slashes Energy Use, Emissions by Nearly Half

A 50-year-old arena in Dieppe, New Brunswick, is on course to slash energy use by 44% and greenhouse gas emissions by 46% after a major energy retrofit.

Applicants in a landmark youth-led climate lawsuit against the Doug Ford government are vowing to appeal their loss this week, buoyed by the judge’s rebuke of Ontario’s emissions targets and its cynical bid to skirt litigation by declaring its own climate plan to have no status in law.

Judge Dismisses Youth Court Challenge, Scorches Ontario Climate Plan

Applicants in a landmark youth-led climate lawsuit against the Doug Ford government are vowing to appeal their loss this week, buoyed by the judge’s rebuke of Ontario’s emissions targets and its cynical bid to skirt litigation by declaring its own climate plan to have no status in law.

Calgary-based Suncor Energy has reported six million litres of water that exceed sediment guidelines have been released into the Athabasca River from a pond at its Fort Hills oil sands mine.

Suncor Dumps 6M Litres of High-Silt Water into Athabasca River

Calgary-based Suncor Energy has reported six million litres of water that exceed sediment guidelines have been released into the Athabasca River from a pond at its Fort Hills oil sands mine.

Several climate change experts said Friday they see reason for hope in Canada's efforts to slow global warming even though the country's greenhouse gas emissions rose slightly in 2021.

Canada’s Emissions Rebound Slightly Post-Pandemic, Fall 8.5% Since 2005

Several climate change experts said Friday they see reason for hope in Canada’s efforts to slow global warming even though the country’s greenhouse gas emissions rose slightly in 2021.

The largest community solar effort in United States history—expected to generate 1.2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power 140,000 homes and businesses—was made possible by incentives from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden administration says.

Harris Unveils ‘Largest Community Solar Project in U.S. History’

The largest community solar effort in United States history—expected to generate 1.2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power 140,000 homes and businesses—was made possible by incentives from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden administration says.

The Biden administration is proposing stiff new tailpipe emission limits that could eliminate 17 billion barrels of U.S. oil demand over three decades by requiring up to two-thirds of new vehicles sold to be electric by 2032.

New U.S. Auto Emissions Rule Pushes EVs, Cuts 17 Billion Barrels of Oil Demand

The Biden administration is proposing stiff new tailpipe emission limits that could eliminate 17 billion barrels of U.S. oil demand over three decades by requiring up to two-thirds of new vehicles sold to be electric by 2032.

Demand for crucial energy transition materials is expected to increase four to six times from current levels by 2050, making it urgent to solve the social and environmental problems of mining, say advocates for a clean and just energy transition.

Surging Demand for Critical Minerals Drives Fears of Unjust Transition

Demand for crucial energy transition materials is expected to increase four to six times from current levels by 2050, making it urgent to solve the social and environmental problems of mining, say advocates for a clean and just energy transition.

A compromise deal between Australian Greens and the governing Australian Labor Party has secured a hard cap on greenhouse gas emissions, putting new coal and gas projects “on the ropes,” the Greens say.

Australia Sets Firm Emissions Cap for Big Fossil, Industrial Sites

A compromise deal between Australian Greens and the governing Australian Labor Party has secured a hard cap on greenhouse gas emissions, putting new coal and gas projects “on the ropes,” the Greens say.

“C” is for carbon credit greenwash could be the summary headline for a series of recent investigative reports from Climate Home News that reveal alarming evidence of the carbon credit market's susceptibility to manipulation, deception, and profiteering.

Investigative Reports Find Carbon Credit Market Rife with Greenwash

“C” is for carbon credit greenwash could be the summary headline for a series of recent investigative reports from Climate Home News that reveal alarming evidence of the carbon credit market’s susceptibility to manipulation, deception, and profiteering.

China may be coaxed into delaying an emissions rule that was set to leave auto dealerships with a glut of worthless, non-compliant gasoline cars, but an electric vehicle expert says the crisis is a sign that the global auto industry must accelerate EV production.

Unsold Gasoline Cars Plunge in Value as Swiss Banker Predicts Global Auto ‘Glut’, Price War

China may be coaxed into delaying an emissions rule that was set to leave auto dealerships with a glut of worthless, non-compliant gasoline cars, but an electric vehicle expert says the crisis is a sign that the global auto industry must accelerate EV production.

An orderly yet wide-ranging energy transition in the United States will require restrictive supply-side polices to “actively wind down fossil fuel extraction,” say the co-authors of a new report that urges policy-makers to treat carbon fuels the way they did lead paint and asbestos—either ban them outright or phase them out.

Orderly Climate Transition Needs Fossil Fuel Bans, Phaseouts, Authors Say

An orderly yet wide-ranging energy transition in the United States will require restrictive supply-side polices to “actively wind down fossil fuel extraction,” say the co-authors of a new report that urges policy-makers to treat carbon fuels the way they did lead paint and asbestos—either ban them outright or phase them out.

The countries of the United Nations led by the island state of Vanuatu adopted by consensus what they called a historic resolution last Wednesday calling for the UN’s highest court to strengthen countries’ obligations to curb warming and protect communities from climate disaster.

‘Historic’ UN Resolution Refers Climate to International Court of Justice

The countries of the United Nations led by the island state of Vanuatu adopted by consensus what they called a historic resolution last Wednesday calling for the UN’s highest court to strengthen countries’ obligations to curb warming and protect communities from climate disaster.

An array of new tax credits for clean energy development and a pledge to secure Canada’s place in a global green economy are at the centre of this year’s federal budget, released Tuesday afternoon by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, with an estimated $80 billion in multi-year funding for mostly clean energy technologies.

BREAKING: Federal Budget Pours Tens of Billions Into Clean Economy

An array of new tax credits for clean energy development and a pledge to secure Canada’s place in a global green economy are at the centre of this year’s federal budget, released Tuesday afternoon by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, with an estimated $80 billion in multi-year funding for mostly clean energy technologies.

Beginning next week, a new federal procurement standard will make it harder for large companies to bid on government contracts without reporting on their emission reduction plans. In some cases, if they don’t agree to the disclosure, they’ll have no chance of winning the business.

New Federal Procurement Rule Requires Biggest Bidders to Report Net-Zero Plans

Beginning next week, a new federal procurement standard will make it harder for large companies to bid on government contracts without reporting on their emission reduction plans. In some cases, if they don’t agree to the disclosure, they’ll have no chance of winning the business.

With five million Somalians left acutely food insecure after five consecutive failed rainy seasons, the Somali diaspora in Canada is trying to raise awareness of their homeland’s plight—and pointing to a financial policy that has made it costlier to send aid to their loved ones.

Somali Canadians Aid Drought-Stricken Homeland as 43,000 Reported Dead

With five million Somalians left acutely food insecure after five consecutive failed rainy seasons, the Somali diaspora in Canada is trying to raise awareness of their homeland’s plight—and pointing to a financial policy that has made it costlier to send aid to their loved ones.

British Columbia’s new energy framework is being hailed as a positive step towards capping oil and gas emissions in the province, but one critic is calling it a “political smokescreen,” coming hours after the approval of a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

B.C.’s New Energy Framework a ‘Smokescreen,’ Critic Warns

British Columbia’s new energy framework is being hailed as a positive step towards capping oil and gas emissions in the province, but one critic is calling it a “political smokescreen,” coming hours after the approval of a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

Canada and the United States will work together to develop critical mineral supply chains, coordinate efforts on net-zero grid development and electric vehicle charging networks, advance long-duration energy storage, measure and monitor methane and carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, and promote trade in products like green steel and aluminium in the wake of U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Ottawa March 23-24.

Biden’s Ottawa Visit Highlights EVs, Clean Grid, Critical Minerals

Canada and the United States will work together to develop critical mineral supply chains, coordinate efforts on net-zero grid development and electric vehicle charging networks, advance long-duration energy storage, measure and monitor methane and carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, and promote trade in products like green steel and aluminium in the wake of U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Ottawa March 23-24.

The Canadian government is launching a study of Rouge National Urban Park, a move that could give Ottawa the authority to block Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s plans to develop housing on once-protected areas of forests, wetlands, and farmlands in the province’s Greenbelt.

Toronto Urban Park Study Could Delay Ontario Greenbelt Plan

The Canadian government is launching a study of Rouge National Urban Park, a move that could give Ottawa the authority to block Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s plans to develop housing on once-protected areas of forests, wetlands, and farmlands in the province’s Greenbelt.

Cyclone Freddy, the most energy-intense tropical cyclone ever recorded, finally dissipated last week, but not before leaving more than 500 people dead, hundreds of thousands displaced, and millions facing heightened food insecurity on Africa’s southeast coast.

Cyclone Freddy Leaves Over 500 Dead on Africa’s Southeast Coast

Cyclone Freddy, the most energy-intense tropical cyclone ever recorded, finally dissipated last week, but not before leaving more than 500 people dead, hundreds of thousands displaced, and millions facing heightened food insecurity on Africa’s southeast coast.

A stark choice between climate stability and global devastation is the constant drumbeat from a landmark report released today by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). “The choices and actions implemented in this decade will have impacts now and for thousands of years,” the UN agency states in its Sixth Assessment Report.

Devastating Impacts, Affordable Climate Solutions Drive IPCC’s Urgent Call for Action

A stark choice between climate stability and global devastation is the constant drumbeat from a landmark report released today by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). “The choices and actions implemented in this decade will have impacts now and for thousands of years,” the UN agency states in its Sixth Assessment Report.

With more than 40% of the world’s population already exposed to the worst effects of global heating and “every region in the world” facing increased climate hazards by 2040, scientists warn that better, faster adaptation—and a lot more funding for it—is critical for a liveable future on Earth, especially for the most vulnerable.

Swift Action, Inclusive Resilience Vital in Face of Overlapping Climate Hazards

With more than 40% of the world’s population already exposed to the worst effects of global heating and “every region in the world” facing increased climate hazards by 2040, scientists warn that better, faster adaptation—and a lot more funding for it—is critical for a liveable future on Earth, especially for the most vulnerable.

A landmark agreement seeks to rectify decades of environmental destruction sanctioned by British Columbia policy-makers on Indigenous land, but also reopens one of Canada’s most prolific shale formations to the fossil industry, inviting them back to resume drilling a land once left “decimated” by extraction.

Historic Deal Reopens B.C. Indigenous Territory to Fracking, Promises Land Restoration

A landmark agreement seeks to rectify decades of environmental destruction sanctioned by British Columbia policy-makers on Indigenous land, but also reopens one of Canada’s most prolific shale formations to the fossil industry, inviting them back to resume drilling a land once left “decimated” by extraction.

Lauded by its backers as a boon for the Alaskan economy and a critical path to energy independence, the recently approved Willow oil project is now facing two lawsuits, along with tough questions about just how much Alaskans or America as a whole will gain from the project.

Willow Oil Project in Alaska Faces Legal Challenges, Economic Doubts

Lauded by its backers as a boon for the Alaskan economy and a critical path to energy independence, the recently approved Willow oil project is now facing two lawsuits, along with tough questions about just how much Alaskans or America as a whole will gain from the project.

Six Pacific Island nations have issued a call for a fossil fuel-free Pacific and called on all countries to sign a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty (FFNPT).

Six Countries Call for Fossil-Free Pacific

Six Pacific Island nations have issued a call for a fossil fuel-free Pacific and called on all countries to sign a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty (FFNPT).

State politicians in Kansas worried last week that the southern part of their state is vulnerable to oil spills from the Keystone pipeline, just days after a U.S. regulator ordered TC Energy to lower the operating pressure across the entire Keystone system.

Keystone Pipeline Safety Worries Lawmakers after TC Energy Ordered to Reduce Operating Pressure

State politicians in Kansas worried last week that the southern part of their state is vulnerable to oil spills from the Keystone pipeline, just days after a U.S. regulator ordered TC Energy to lower the operating pressure across the entire Keystone system.

Bailing on an election promise to never again allow drilling on federal lands, United States President Joe Biden has approved a US$8-billion plan to extract 600 million barrels of oil from an ecologically sensitive region in Alaska.

Biden Approves $8B Oil Extraction Plan in Ecologically Sensitive Alaska

Bailing on an election promise to never again allow drilling on federal lands, United States President Joe Biden has approved a US$8-billion plan to extract 600 million barrels of oil from an ecologically sensitive region in Alaska.

As the federal government consults about its upcoming legislation capping carbon emissions in the oil and gas sector, no doubt hearing often from industry lobbyists, Canadians are growing more cynical about the government’s ability to bring this powerful industry into line.

Canadians Want Strong Emissions Cap Regulations, Not More Missed Targets

As the federal government consults about its upcoming legislation capping carbon emissions in the oil and gas sector, no doubt hearing often from industry lobbyists, Canadians are growing more cynical about the government’s ability to bring this powerful industry into line.

Informed nine months after the fact that its hunting territories may have been poisoned by a leaking oil sands tailings pond, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is accusing the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and ExxonMobil subsidiary Imperial Oil of environmental racism, as experts urge Ottawa to close regulatory holes that fossil companies can exploit.

First Nation Scorches Imperial Oil, Alberta Regulator Over Toxic Leak

Informed nine months after the fact that its hunting territories may have been poisoned by a leaking oil sands tailings pond, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is accusing the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and ExxonMobil subsidiary Imperial Oil of environmental racism, as experts urge Ottawa to close regulatory holes that fossil companies can exploit.

Bankers will have to disclose but not take action on their exposure to financial risk, and the definition of “transitional” investments leading to a net-zero economy might include new spending on carbon capture and “blue” hydrogen projects, under two new reports from federal agencies over the last several days.

No Climate Risk Targets for Banks, New Guides for Green Finance as 2 Federal Agencies Issue New Rules

Bankers will have to disclose but not take action on their exposure to financial risk, and the definition of “transitional” investments leading to a net-zero economy might include new spending on carbon capture and “blue” hydrogen projects, under two new reports from federal agencies over the last several days.

Making it mandatory for Canadian companies to report their largest and most material Scope 3 emissions categories will set them up for success in the global energy transition, the Canadian Climate Institute (CCI) concludes in a blog post published last month,.

Canada Falls Behind on Reporting Scope 3 Emissions

Making it mandatory for Canadian companies to report their largest and most material Scope 3 emissions categories will set them up for success in the global energy transition, the Canadian Climate Institute (CCI) concludes in a blog post published last month,.

Nova Scotia has approved plans for what could be North America’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen facility, amid lingering concerns that powering the plant could cannibalize renewable energy that’s vital to meeting the province’s climate goals.

Trailblazing Hydrogen Plant Could ‘Cannibalize’ Green Power from Nova Scotia Grid

Nova Scotia has approved plans for what could be North America’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen facility, amid lingering concerns that powering the plant could cannibalize renewable energy that’s vital to meeting the province’s climate goals.

Locals remain desperate for answers almost a month after a train laden with harmful petrochemicals derailed in a small Ohio town, as government agencies refuse to test for some dangerous toxins, the railroad company shells out paltry restitution, and politicians steal the moment for publicity.

Ohio Train Derailment, Toxic Chemical Spill Renews Fears Over Canada-U.S. Rail Safety

Locals remain desperate for answers almost a month after a train laden with harmful petrochemicals derailed in a small Ohio town, as government agencies refuse to test for some dangerous toxins, the railroad company shells out paltry restitution, and politicians steal the moment for publicity.

It took Munich Re almost 50 years since, but the world’s largest reinsurance company is taking steps to detach itself not just from coal, oil, and gas. The company announced in October that it will no longer insure new oil and gas projects as of April, 2023.

Mounting Losses, Legal Risk Prompt Insurers to Abandon Fossil Fuels

It took Munich Re almost 50 years since, but the world’s largest reinsurance company is taking steps to detach itself not just from coal, oil, and gas. The company announced in October that it will no longer insure new oil and gas projects as of April, 2023.

A week after Shell announced record-high profits, an activist group sued its board of directors, in a bid to hold the 11 members personally liable for the British colossal fossil’s failure to pursue an effective climate strategy.

Lawsuit Targets Shell Directors Over Climate Failure

A week after Shell announced record-high profits, an activist group sued its board of directors, in a bid to hold the 11 members personally liable for the British colossal fossil’s failure to pursue an effective climate strategy.

A new report chalks out pathways for the United States to heavily reduce the amount of mined lithium it needs to decarbonize transportation and sidestep “irreversible harms” to water, air, and animal habitats—especially near Indigenous lands.

U.S. Can Shift to EV’s Without Widespread, Destructive Mining, Report Finds

A new report chalks out pathways for the United States to heavily reduce the amount of mined lithium it needs to decarbonize transportation and sidestep “irreversible harms” to water, air, and animal habitats—especially near Indigenous lands.

Recent studies clash on whether clean technologies and emission cuts can keep the world safely below 1.5°C warming, highlighting how projected climate policy outcomes are shaped by the factors that researchers choose to focus on—and raising questions about the utility of the Paris agreement target.

AI Predicts World Over 1.5°C Limit by 2030, Undercuts Climate Progress Reports

Recent studies clash on whether clean technologies and emission cuts can keep the world safely below 1.5°C warming, highlighting how projected climate policy outcomes are shaped by the factors that researchers choose to focus on—and raising questions about the utility of the Paris agreement target.

Mexico has become one of the first countries to ban solar engineering experiments, after a start-up released balloons of sulphur dioxide particles meant to cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight back into space.

Solar Geoengineering Banned in Mexico After ‘Rogue’ Stunt

Mexico has become one of the first countries to ban solar engineering experiments, after a start-up released balloons of sulphur dioxide particles meant to cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight back into space.

Oil and gas production will fall faster than previously expected, renewable energy will grow more rapidly, and global carbon dioxide emissions will drop as a result, according to a new analysis released yesterday by colossal fossil BP.

BP Predicts Faster Oil and Gas Decline as Clean Energy Spending Hits $1.1T in 2022

Oil and gas production will fall faster than previously expected, renewable energy will grow more rapidly, and global carbon dioxide emissions will drop as a result, according to a new analysis released yesterday by colossal fossil BP.

An independent federal advisory panel has declared Canada “unlikely to attain its 2030 emission target” without an oil and gas emissions cap, just days after senior oil sands executives insisted they can’t invest any faster in decarbonization.

Canada Needs Oil and Gas Emissions Cap to Hit 2030 Goal: NZAB

An independent federal advisory panel has declared Canada “unlikely to attain its 2030 emission target” without an oil and gas emissions cap, just days after senior oil sands executives insisted they can’t invest any faster in decarbonization.

A new study says virtual power plants (VPPs) and their many benefits for electrical grids are at an “inflection point” as consumer demand and legislation propel a shift to greater electrification.

Virtual Power Plants Hit an ‘Inflection Point’

A new study says virtual power plants (VPPs) and their many benefits for electrical grids are at an “inflection point” as consumer demand and legislation propel a shift to greater electrification.

Pressure from several countries has pushed the World Bank to put the climate crisis in sharper focus and reshuffle its leadership just weeks after drafting an “evolution roadmap” to reform operations. But critics say its proposals are “mostly a disappointing mix of navel gazing and finger pointing,” with urgently due financing flowing far too slowly.

World Bank Climate Reforms Too ‘Timid and Slow,’ Critics Warn

Pressure from several countries has pushed the World Bank to put the climate crisis in sharper focus and reshuffle its leadership just weeks after drafting an “evolution roadmap” to reform operations. But critics say its proposals are “mostly a disappointing mix of navel gazing and finger pointing,” with urgently due financing flowing far too slowly.

The federal government might intervene to stop some of the development the Doug Ford government has in store for the Ontario Greenbelt, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault told a news conference late last week.

Guilbeault Could Intervene on Ontario Greenbelt Development

The federal government might intervene to stop some of the development the Doug Ford government has in store for the Ontario Greenbelt, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault told a news conference late last week.

Denmark’s biggest bank has declared an end to fossil fuel financing, after concluding that 99.9% of its carbon footprint comes from financed emissions.

Danske Bank Quits New Fossil Fuel Financing

Denmark’s biggest bank has declared an end to fossil fuel financing, after concluding that 99.9% of its carbon footprint comes from financed emissions.

Two legal challenges against the Woodhouse Colliery coal mine in the North West England county Cumbria may determine the country’s future reputation as a climate leader, after a new analysis suggested the mine would release 17,500 tonnes of methane per year.

New UK Coal Mine Faces Two Legal Challenges

Two legal challenges against the Woodhouse Colliery coal mine in the North West England county Cumbria may determine the country’s future reputation as a climate leader, after a new analysis suggested the mine would release 17,500 tonnes of methane per year.

The protracted culture war over environmental policy in the United States was rekindled earlier this month by a controversy over gas stoves, with Republicans declaring that their beloved cooking appliances would have to be pried from their “cold dead hands”—though nobody was coming for them.

Gas Stoves Enter U.S. Climate Culture War, Become ‘Bellwether’ for Industry

The protracted culture war over environmental policy in the United States was rekindled earlier this month by a controversy over gas stoves, with Republicans declaring that their beloved cooking appliances would have to be pried from their “cold dead hands”—though nobody was coming for them.

A first-ever systematic assessment of an oil and gas company's climate projections shows that Exxon scientists accurately predicted how fossil fuels would affect global temperatures, despite decades of PR activity meant to sow doubt and climate denial.

Exxon Had the Right Global Warming Numbers Through Decades of Denial: Study

A first-ever systematic assessment of an oil and gas company’s climate projections shows that Exxon scientists accurately predicted how fossil fuels would affect global temperatures, despite decades of PR activity meant to sow doubt and climate denial.

Ontario’s “misleading and illegitimate” system of clean energy credits is “little more than greenwashing” and “should not move forward,” a team of three researchers writes for the Canadian Climate Institute (CCI).

Ontario Greenwashes with ‘Misleading, Illegitimate’ Emission Credits

Ontario’s “misleading and illegitimate” system of clean energy credits is “little more than greenwashing” and “should not move forward,” a team of three researchers writes for the Canadian Climate Institute (CCI).

Innovators motivated by climate change have been shifting hydrogen technology toward low-emission solutions, boosting the potential for green hydrogen to replace fossil fuels in industries like long-haul transport, where few clean alternatives exist.

Hydrogen Patents Reveal Shift Toward Cleaner Technologies

Innovators motivated by climate change have been shifting hydrogen technology toward low-emission solutions, boosting the potential for green hydrogen to replace fossil fuels in industries like long-haul transport, where few clean alternatives exist.

The U.S. set out to widen more highways, even though traffic planners know it never reduces congestion. Parking lots were falling out of favour, major U.S. subway systems were falling apart, Toronto’s transit plan was falling far short, Toronto’s parking authority fell for the idea of an EV charging network, and urban transit advocates wanted a federal strategy for zero-emission transit, intercity coaches, and rail.

Traffic and Transit, U.S. Gas Bans, Rooftop Windmills, Radioactive Wastewater, and a March 23 Day of Action on Banking and Oil

The U.S. set out to widen more highways, even though traffic planners know it never reduces congestion. Parking lots were falling out of favour, major U.S. subway systems were falling apart, Toronto’s transit plan was falling far short, Toronto’s parking authority fell for the idea of an EV charging network, and urban transit advocates wanted a federal strategy for zero-emission transit, intercity coaches, and rail.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says a new lithium mine in northern Quebec can go ahead with more than 270 conditions to protect wildlife and respect Indigenous use of the lands for traditional purposes.

Ottawa Approves N. Quebec Lithium Mine with 270 Conditions

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says a new lithium mine in northern Quebec can go ahead with more than 270 conditions to protect wildlife and respect Indigenous use of the lands for traditional purposes.

A group of former oil and gas executives and academics is calling for the industry to pay tens of trillions of dollars through 2050 to take full responsibility for every tonne of carbon it produces.

BREAKING: Fossils Should Pay Trillions to Store Carbon through 2050, Ex-Industry Execs Say

A group of former oil and gas executives and academics is calling for the industry to pay tens of trillions of dollars through 2050 to take full responsibility for every tonne of carbon it produces.

With America’s first youth-led climate lawsuit scheduled to begin in a Montana court this June, a class action case against Australia by Torres Strait islanders, and numerous lawsuits against corporate climate culprits, climate change is very much on the docket for 2023.

2023 Will be a Watershed Year for Climate Litigation

With America’s first youth-led climate lawsuit scheduled to begin in a Montana court this June, a class action case against Australia by Torres Strait islanders, and numerous lawsuits against corporate climate culprits, climate change is very much on the docket for 2023.

power pylons sunrise grid

U.S. Clean Grid Transition Needs More Transmission Lines, Analysts Say

The United States is racing towards a carbon-free grid, but with economic and regulatory hurdles blocking transmission infrastructure, the shift off fossil-fueled power may be too slow to avert the worst effects of climate change.

Just as a majority Black community in Florida’s Gulf County has begun to envision a “safe, vibrant, and healthy” comeback from the polluted shadow of heavy industry, local officials risk thwarting those ambitions by saying yes to a waterfront gas terminal.

Majority Black Community Fights LNG Export Terminal in Its Back Yard

Just as a majority Black community in Florida’s Gulf County has begun to envision a “safe, vibrant, and healthy” comeback from the polluted shadow of heavy industry, local officials risk thwarting those ambitions by saying yes to a waterfront gas terminal.

construction worker

Wilkinson Promises Just Transition Bill in 2023

Canada will see federal just transition legislation early this year that will become a gateway for oil and gas workers to move into green energy jobs, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson told CBC this week.

One-fifth of all passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks sold in Canada in 2026 will need to run on electricity under new regulations published just before the holiday by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.

Ottawa Mandates 20% EV Sales by 2026, 60% by 2030

One-fifth of all passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks sold in Canada in 2026 will need to run on electricity under new regulations published just before the holiday by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.

The federal government should introduce an oil and gas emissions cap that aligns with a 1.5°C limit on average global warming and creates incentives for innovation without favouring any specific technology, the Commons Natural Resources Committee concludes in a report issued last week.

Make Oil and Gas Emissions Cap Fit for 1.5°, MPs Urge Ottawa

The federal government should introduce an oil and gas emissions cap that aligns with a 1.5°C limit on average global warming and creates incentives for innovation without favouring any specific technology, the Commons Natural Resources Committee concludes in a report issued last week.

State and city governments in the United States are using land use regulations—an option long overlooked in climate policy—to lower emissions and combat climate change.

U.S. States, Cities Turn to Zoning Reform to Slash Emissions

State and city governments in the United States are using land use regulations—an option long overlooked in climate policy—to lower emissions and combat climate change.

Agricultural ponds emit nearly twice as much methane than is accounted for in national emissions inventories, a new study has found.

Countries Undercount Methane Emissions from Farm Impoundments

Agricultural ponds emit nearly twice as much methane than is accounted for in national emissions inventories, a new study has found.

European Union governments and lawmakers reached a deal Sunday on key elements of the 27-nation bloc's green deal, reforming the EU's trading system for greenhouse gas emissions and creating a new hardship fund for those hardest-hit by measures to curb climate change.

EU Boosts Industrial Emissions Target from 43 to 62% by 2030

European Union governments and lawmakers reached a deal Sunday on key elements of the 27-nation bloc’s green deal, reforming the EU’s trading system for greenhouse gas emissions and creating a new hardship fund for those hardest-hit by measures to curb climate change.

Three influential Canadian climate activist-scholars died this year. They devoted their professional lives to finding solutions to the climate change crisis in the face of industry and government resistance that has dragged on for decades.

Remembering Three Climate Heroes We Lost This Year

Three influential Canadian climate activist-scholars died this year. They devoted their professional lives to finding solutions to the climate change crisis in the face of industry and government resistance that has dragged on for decades.

A 13-day leak from a 4.1-centimetre vent on a fossil gas storage well in rural Pennsylvania dumped more than 28.3 million cubic metres of methane into the atmosphere last month, enough to erase the emission reductions from half of the electric cars sold in the United States last year.

‘Methane Menace’ Produces Massive Emissions in Pennsylvania Leak

A 13-day leak from a 4.1-centimetre vent on a fossil gas storage well in rural Pennsylvania dumped more than 28.3 million cubic metres of methane into the atmosphere last month, enough to erase the emission reductions from half of the electric cars sold in the United States last year.

A peak in global oil demand before 2030, with steady declines afterwards, will make it essential for federal and provincial governments to press the fossil industry for faster decarbonization, the Pembina Institute concludes in a new analysis.

Falling Oil Demand Means Canadian Fossils Must Decarbonize: Pembina

A peak in global oil demand before 2030, with steady declines afterwards, will make it essential for federal and provincial governments to press the fossil industry for faster decarbonization, the Pembina Institute concludes in a new analysis.

Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau is opening another round of consultation on a national sustainable agriculture strategy, aimed at working with industry partners to build a climate-resilient food system.

Canada Opens Consultation on New Sustainable Farm Strategy

Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau is opening another round of consultation on a national sustainable agriculture strategy, aimed at working with industry partners to build a climate-resilient food system.

Europe is close to finalizing the world’s first carbon border adjustment tax, after a marathon negotiating session that ended at 5 AM Tuesday.

EU Closes In on World-First Carbon Border Adjustment

Europe is close to finalizing the world’s first carbon border adjustment tax, after a marathon negotiating session that ended at 5 AM Tuesday.

A ruptured pipe dumped enough oil late last week into a northeastern Kansas creek to nearly fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool, becoming the largest onshore crude pipeline spill in nine years and surpassing all the previous ones on the same pipeline system combined, according to U.S. government data.

Biggest Spill in Keystone’s History Dumps Oil into Kansas Creek

A ruptured pipe dumped enough oil late last week into a northeastern Kansas creek to nearly fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool, becoming the largest onshore crude pipeline spill in nine years and surpassing all the previous ones on the same pipeline system combined, according to U.S. government data.

A mining watchdog says calls for less robust assessments and quicker permitting in Canada’s new critical minerals strategy will undo protections for environmental and Indigenous rights, which are being threatened across the globe in the rush for critical minerals.

Faster Push for Critical Minerals Threatens Environment, Indigenous Rights

A mining watchdog says calls for less robust assessments and quicker permitting in Canada’s new critical minerals strategy will undo protections for environmental and Indigenous rights, which are being threatened across the globe in the rush for critical minerals.

The world won't succeed in halting biodiversity loss without Indigenous participation and leadership, according to leaders attending a major United Nations conference in Montreal.

Indigenous Participation Needed to Halt Global Biodiversity Loss

The world won’t succeed in halting biodiversity loss without Indigenous participation and leadership, according to leaders attending a major United Nations conference in Montreal.

Newcomer Davante Lewis, a Democrat backed by an environmental political action committee, easily won Saturday's runoff for a seat on Louisiana's Public Service Commission, an obscure regulatory body that has received national attention from media, celebrities, climate activists, and major public utility companies.

Renewables Advocate Wins Hotly Contested Seat on Louisiana Regulatory Panel

Newcomer Davante Lewis, a Democrat backed by an environmental political action committee, easily won Saturday’s runoff for a seat on Louisiana’s Public Service Commission, an obscure regulatory body that has received national attention from media, celebrities, climate activists, and major public utility companies.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged global consensus on conserving 30% of Earth’s land and waters by 2030 as the United Nations biodiversity conference, COP 15, opened in Montreal, presenting Canada as nature’s champion—despite its sizeable oil and gas investments.

Guterres Decries ‘Orgy of Destruction’ as COP 15 Nature Summit Opens in Montreal

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged global consensus on conserving 30% of Earth’s land and waters by 2030 as the United Nations biodiversity conference, COP 15, opened in Montreal, presenting Canada as nature’s champion—despite its sizeable oil and gas investments.

Farmers in the United States need more tools and support to be part of the climate solution, say advocates, urging lawmakers gearing up to draft the new 2023 Farm Bill to increase funding for a rural renewables and energy efficiency.

Boost Farm Bill Funds for Climate Solutions, U.S. Advocates Urge Lawmakers

Farmers in the United States need more tools and support to be part of the climate solution, say advocates, urging lawmakers gearing up to draft the new 2023 Farm Bill to increase funding for a rural renewables and energy efficiency.

A weekend shooting attack on two electric substations in Moore County, North Carolina, is raising questions about grid security in the United States, after 40,000 people—including seniors and people in need of medical care—lost power amid freezing winter temperatures.

Shooting Attack on North Carolina Grid Leaves Thousands Without Power

A weekend shooting attack on two electric substations in Moore County, North Carolina, is raising questions about grid security in the United States, after 40,000 people—including seniors and people in need of medical care—lost power amid freezing winter temperatures.

Opioid and oil companies alike have a history of obfuscating science as a litigation tactic. How does this harm victims, and what can climate litigants learn from opioid lawsuits?

By Talking Down Science, Fossil Lawyers Follow Opioid Industry Playbook

Opioid and oil companies alike have a history of obfuscating science as a litigation tactic. How does this harm victims, and what can climate litigants learn from opioid lawsuits?

Parking lots around the world are increasingly becoming sites for solar power generation, as governments and corporations seek out ways to accelerate their transition to renewables.

Solar Roofs on Car Parks Gain Ground as Energy Solution

Parking lots around the world are increasingly becoming sites for solar power generation, as governments and corporations seek out ways to accelerate their transition to renewables.

As liquefied natural gas (LNG) interests press for political support, British Columbia Premier David Eby must double down on his acknowledgement that any further fossil buildout will sink the province’s climate goals, the president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs says, in an op ed co-published with other leading climate advocates.

Reject Fossil Development, Honour Climate Commitments, B.C. Groups Urge Eby

As liquefied natural gas (LNG) interests press for political support, British Columbia Premier David Eby must double down on his acknowledgement that any further fossil buildout will sink the province’s climate goals, the president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs says, in an op ed co-published with other leading climate advocates.

Norway has postponed its next round of oil and gas leases in frontier areas until 2025 under a budget deal between the minority Labour government and the opposition Socialist Left (SV) party.

Norway Delays Frontier Oil and Gas Leases to 2025

Norway has postponed its next round of oil and gas leases in frontier areas until 2025 under a budget deal between the minority Labour government and the opposition Socialist Left (SV) party.

Canadian officials have greenlit plans for mining at one mid-northern Ontario site but called into question the future of mineral extraction in the Ring of Fire region northeast of Thunder Bay.

Canada Sidelines Ontario’s Ring of Fire, Approves Separate Mining Project

Canadian officials have greenlit plans for mining at one mid-northern Ontario site but called into question the future of mineral extraction in the Ring of Fire region northeast of Thunder Bay.

If global biodiversity—the subject of the huge COP 15 summit in Montreal this week and next—is too much of a mouthful, try thinking instead about the white-throated sparrow.

Advocates Want ‘Paris Moment’ for Nature as COP 15 Opens in Montreal

If global biodiversity—the subject of the huge COP 15 summit in Montreal this week and next—is too much of a mouthful, try thinking instead about the white-throated sparrow.

‘Watershed’ EU Decision Makes Shipping Industry Pay for Emissions

After the European Union’s landmark decision last week to bring the shipping industry into its carbon market, Transport & Environment is urging decision-makers to follow suit with air travel.

As Ontario’s newly-minted More Homes Built Faster Act is decried by Indigenous leaders, municipalities, farmers, and health experts alike, elected officials are questioning the “suspicious” link between developer titans buying parcels of protected Greenbelt land and Premier Doug Ford’s push to turn them into housing subdivisions.

Ontario New Housing Act Slammed for Promoting Sprawl, Weakening Protections

As Ontario’s newly-minted More Homes Built Faster Act is decried by Indigenous leaders, municipalities, farmers, and health experts alike, elected officials are questioning the “suspicious” link between developer titans buying parcels of protected Greenbelt land and Premier Doug Ford’s push to turn them into housing subdivisions.

Two more reinsurers have joined the slew of companies refusing to provide coverage to a proposed US$5-billion crude oil pipeline in East Africa that campaigners say would be disastrous for the climate and to its host countries.

Two More Reinsurers Nix Coverage for East Africa Pipeline Megaproject

Two more reinsurers have joined the slew of companies refusing to provide coverage to a proposed US$5-billion crude oil pipeline in East Africa that campaigners say would be disastrous for the climate and to its host countries.

A Wisconsin judge ordered a Canadian energy giant and a U.S. Indigenous band to water down their wine Monday and come together to avert the “draconian” shutdown of the cross-border Line 5 pipeline.

U.S. Judge Seeks Compromise to Avoid ‘Draconian’ Line 5 Shutdown

A Wisconsin judge ordered a Canadian energy giant and a U.S. Indigenous band to water down their wine Monday and come together to avert the “draconian” shutdown of the cross-border Line 5 pipeline.

The United States clean energy transition received two boosts this month from the Biden administration—a US$550 million cash infusion for community-based clean energy initiatives, and a first-ever 100% carbon-free electricity agreement with a utility.

Community Energy Fund, 100% Renewable Utility Deal Boost U.S. Energy Transition

The United States clean energy transition received two boosts this month from the Biden administration—a US$550 million cash infusion for community-based clean energy initiatives, and a first-ever 100% carbon-free electricity agreement with a utility.

The way to respond to political attacks on corporate ESG standards is not to drop the whole idea. It’s to make disclosure mandatory.

Opinion: Protect ESG from Political Attack by Making Disclosure Mandatory

The way to respond to political attacks on corporate ESG standards is not to drop the whole idea. It’s to make disclosure mandatory.

More than nine out of 10 coal ash impoundments in the United States are contaminating groundwater in violation of federal rules, according to environmental groups’ comprehensive analysis of the latest industry-reported data. 

‘Incredibly Dangerous’: U.S. Coal Plants Ignore Disposal Rules for Toxic Coal Ash

More than nine out of 10 coal ash impoundments in the United States are contaminating groundwater in violation of federal rules, according to environmental groups’ comprehensive analysis of the latest industry-reported data. 

Cities are at the centre of Canada’s five-year, C$1.6-billion climate adaptation and resilience strategy, with Ottawa looking to local governments to deliver supports to Canadians increasingly facing the threat of wildfires, heat waves, and catastrophic storms and flooding.

Cities Take a Lead in Canada’s $1.6B Climate Adaptation Strategy

Cities are at the centre of Canada’s five-year, C$1.6-billion climate adaptation and resilience strategy, with Ottawa looking to local governments to deliver supports to Canadians increasingly facing the threat of wildfires, heat waves, and catastrophic storms and flooding.

The organization representing Canada's oil and gas drilling sector is asking the federal government to create a new tax credit it says it needs to help the industry decarbonize, with one member saying the industry is “finally fun again”..

Oil and Gas Contractors Demand Federal Cash to Decarbonize

The organization representing Canada’s oil and gas drilling sector is asking the federal government to create a new tax credit it says it needs to help the industry decarbonize, with one member saying the industry is “finally fun again”..

Municipal politicians in Alberta are troubled by a proposed provincial program that would give oil and gas companies public dollars to clean up abandoned wells, saying the companies owe outstanding taxes and need to clean up after themselves anyway.

Alberta Municipalities Push Back on Royalty Breaks for Oil Well Cleanups

Municipal politicians in Alberta are troubled by a proposed provincial program that would give oil and gas companies public dollars to clean up abandoned wells, saying the companies owe outstanding taxes and need to clean up after themselves anyway.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to nearly quadruple its calculation of the social cost of carbon, from US$51 to $190 per tonne.

EPA Proposes Big Hike in Social Cost of Carbon Calculation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to nearly quadruple its calculation of the social cost of carbon, from US$51 to $190 per tonne.

A new screening tool that prioritizes 27,000 disadvantaged U.S. communities for billions of dollars in federal climate and energy investments is being criticized for leaving out racial makeup—one of the strongest predictors of environmental burden—as a criterion.

New Screening Tool Flags 27,000 U.S. Communities for Climate Investment

A new screening tool that prioritizes 27,000 disadvantaged U.S. communities for billions of dollars in federal climate and energy investments is being criticized for leaving out racial makeup—one of the strongest predictors of environmental burden—as a criterion.

China has drafted a plan to reduce methane emissions and the United States has pledged to help, but climate campaigners say the country’s biggest methane culprits—coal mines and livestock—have yet to be addressed.

China Surprises at COP 27 with Draft Methane Plan

China has drafted a plan to reduce methane emissions and the United States has pledged to help, but climate campaigners say the country’s biggest methane culprits—coal mines and livestock—have yet to be addressed.

Provincial energy efficiency programs and national energy savings rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic, but energy savings for low-income households still need a lot more attention, Efficiency Canada concludes in the latest edition of its annual Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard.

Back Low-Income Energy Savings, Efficiency Canada Urges Ottawa [Sign-On]

Provincial energy efficiency programs and national energy savings rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic, but energy savings for low-income households still need a lot more attention, Efficiency Canada concludes in the latest edition of its annual Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard.

Buildings, transportation, and industry are all contributing to a rise in emissions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area (GTHA) that is moving the region farther from meeting its emission reduction targets, The Atmospheric Fund warns in a new report.

GTHA Emissions Rising to Pre-Pandemic Levels, Putting Reduction Targets at Risk

Buildings, transportation, and industry are all contributing to a rise in emissions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area (GTHA) that is moving the region farther from meeting its emission reduction targets, The Atmospheric Fund warns in a new report.

France is upping its renewable energy capacity by requiring all large car parks to cover at least half of their area with solar panels—a move that could generate up to 11 gigawatts of power.

France to Mandate Solar Panels for All Large Car Parks

France is upping its renewable energy capacity by requiring all large car parks to cover at least half of their area with solar panels—a move that could generate up to 11 gigawatts of power.

Canada won't agree to add language calling for the phaseout of all fossil fuels—including oil and gas—to the final agreement at this year's United Nations climate talks in Egypt, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Thursday.

Canada Refuses to Back Oil and Gas Phasedown in COP 27 Text

Canada won’t agree to add language calling for the phaseout of all fossil fuels—including oil and gas—to the final agreement at this year’s United Nations climate talks in Egypt, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Thursday.

A dramatic new offer from the plenary floor at COP 27, in which rich countries would immediately set up a loss and damage fund in exchange for a pledge to peak greenhouse gas emissions before 2025 and phase down oil and gas as well as coal, changed the tone and may have salvaged the outcome of climate negotiations that seemed hopelessly deadlocked just hours before.

BREAKING: EU Proposes Immediate Loss and Damage Fund, Emissions Peak Before 2025

A dramatic new offer from the plenary floor at COP 27, in which rich countries would immediately set up a loss and damage fund in exchange for a pledge to peak greenhouse gas emissions before 2025 and phase down oil and gas as well as coal, changed the tone and may have salvaged the outcome of climate negotiations that seemed hopelessly deadlocked just hours before.

A COP 27 event marked the Glasgow Statement’s one-year anniversary by urging Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United States to live up to climate promises that could shift US$28 billion per year from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Canada, Other Countries Urged to End Fossil Financing, Shift $28B Per Year to Clean Energy

A COP 27 event marked the Glasgow Statement’s one-year anniversary by urging Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United States to live up to climate promises that could shift US$28 billion per year from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Sumatra elephant

Climate Leaders Urge Paris-Style Agreement for Biodiversity

The 2015 Paris agreement legally bound the world to keep global warming “well below” 2.0°C. Now its architects say nature needs a similar treaty, arguing that without urgent action to protect ecosystems, there will be no hope of accomplishing the Paris mission.

Six weeks before taking power, Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday told cheering crowds at the UN climate conference, COP 27, that he would crack down on illegal deforestation in the Amazon, revive relationships with countries that finance forest protection efforts, and push to host an upcoming world climate summit in the rainforest.

Brazil Will Crack Down on Illegal Logging, Finance Forest Protection, Lula Tells COP 27

Six weeks before taking power, Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday told cheering crowds at the UN climate conference, COP 27, that he would crack down on illegal deforestation in the Amazon, revive relationships with countries that finance forest protection efforts, and push to host an upcoming world climate summit in the rainforest.

For decades, 40,000 litres per day of toxic effluent have been knowingly released from an oil terminal on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, endangering a super-hardy coral species that may contain the key to climate-proofing the rest of the world’s coral.

Oil Effluent Endangers Red Sea ‘Super Coral’ that Could Protect Endangered Reefs

For decades, 40,000 litres per day of toxic effluent have been knowingly released from an oil terminal on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, endangering a super-hardy coral species that may contain the key to climate-proofing the rest of the world’s coral.

Canada’s economy faces a stranded asset risk of at least C$100 billion when the fossil fuel era comes to an end, says a new report, with further losses as the global energy transition outpaces the country’s climate policy and clean energy investments.

Canada Risks $100B in Stranded Assets from Fossil Expansion, Report Finds

Canada’s economy faces a stranded asset risk of at least C$100 billion when the fossil fuel era comes to an end, says a new report, with further losses as the global energy transition outpaces the country’s climate policy and clean energy investments.

Fifteen of the world’s top food-producing companies have a methane footprint equal to 80% of the European Union’s emissions of the super-potent greenhouse gas, says a new report by the Changing Markets Foundation and the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

15 Big Agribusinesses Create Nearly as Much Methane as EU: Report

Fifteen of the world’s top food-producing companies have a methane footprint equal to 80% of the European Union’s emissions of the super-potent greenhouse gas, says a new report by the Changing Markets Foundation and the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

The COP 27 climate summit has been dominated by “false solutions” that ignore the needs of underrepresented people and shun vital principles like energy sovereignty, gender justice, and land rights, according to a panel of community experts on the front lines of the climate crisis.

Put Energy Sovereignty, Gender Justice Ahead of ‘False Solutions’, Community Panel Urges

The COP 27 climate summit has been dominated by “false solutions” that ignore the needs of underrepresented people and shun vital principles like energy sovereignty, gender justice, and land rights, according to a panel of community experts on the front lines of the climate crisis.

http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/campaigns/Energy/tarsands/

Canada Hits Bottom Tier in Climate Change Performance Index

Canada placed fifth from the bottom, and the top three ranks were left empty for the second year in a row, in the latest edition of the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) released at the COP 27 climate summit Monday.

A cap on greenhouse gas emissions from Canada's oil and gas sector will be ready by the end of next year, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Monday.

Guilbeault Promises Fossil Emissions Cap by Late 2023

A cap on greenhouse gas emissions from Canada’s oil and gas sector will be ready by the end of next year, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Monday.

The Biden administration has unveiled proposed rules to hold government contractors accountable for greenhouse gases, and oil and gas companies for methane, as it pushes to slash federal emissions and assure other countries that the United States can deliver on its climate promises.

Biden Announces New Procurement Rules to Slash Federal Emissions

The Biden administration has unveiled proposed rules to hold government contractors accountable for greenhouse gases, and oil and gas companies for methane, as it pushes to slash federal emissions and assure other countries that the United States can deliver on its climate promises.

Mainstreaming climate action into city financial systems, applying a climate budget to all decisions, and encouraging private sector investment in climate adaptation are strategies that all municipalities, regardless of their situation, can implement to unlock green financing, says C-40 Cities.

Unlock Municipal Green Finance in Global South, C-40 Cities Urges

Mainstreaming climate action into city financial systems, applying a climate budget to all decisions, and encouraging private sector investment in climate adaptation are strategies that all municipalities, regardless of their situation, can implement to unlock green financing, says C-40 Cities.

As the federal government moves to tighten regulations on methane emissions, new assessments suggest the amount of the potent greenhouse gas escaping into the atmosphere has been significantly underestimated.

‘Uncontrolled Emissions Everywhere’ as Canada Tackles Methane

As the federal government moves to tighten regulations on methane emissions, new assessments suggest the amount of the potent greenhouse gas escaping into the atmosphere has been significantly underestimated.

Major energy exporting and importing countries made an ostensibly worthy pledge at the COP 27 climate summit to slash emissions from fossil fuels—but it turns out to be a toothless “paper tiger,” say climate watchdogs, with no legally binding effects and nothing new added to past commitments.

‘Toothless’ Methane Pledge Draws Fire at COP 27

Major energy exporting and importing countries made an ostensibly worthy pledge at the COP 27 climate summit to slash emissions from fossil fuels—but it turns out to be a toothless “paper tiger,” say climate watchdogs, with no legally binding effects and nothing new added to past commitments.

With the partisan tilt of the next U.S. Congress still uncertain nearly a week after midterm elections last Tuesday, a few things are clear: there was no “red wave” propelling Trump-friendly candidates into office, a strong youth vote was a decisive factor in the election result, and climate action was a winning issue for campaigns in several key U.S. states.

Climate Action Gains, ‘Red Wave’ Fizzles in U.S. Midterm Elections

With the partisan tilt of the next U.S. Congress still uncertain nearly a week after midterm elections last Tuesday, a few things are clear: there was no “red wave” propelling Trump-friendly candidates into office, a strong youth vote was a decisive factor in the election result, and climate action was a winning issue for campaigns in several key U.S. states.

An invisible work force of people in the informal economy should receive the same support as fossil energy workers during a just transition to a green economy, says a lawyer with expertise in international environmental, trade and labour law and agreements.

Include 2 Billion ‘Invisible’ Workers in Just Transition, Lawyer Urges

An invisible work force of people in the informal economy should receive the same support as fossil energy workers during a just transition to a green economy, says a lawyer with expertise in international environmental, trade and labour law and agreements.

Experts Look to COP 27 for Decisive Moment on Shipping

Responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the “hard to abate” global shipping industry is on track to receive more scrutiny than ever before at this year’s COP 27 climate summit.

With COP 27 host Egypt and 16 other natural gas-exporting governments pledging to plug the fossil energy source as “the perfect solution” to climate change and energy security, critics warned of a “dash for gas” in Africa—a prophecy taking shape this week in Sharm el-Sheikh, where some African countries said exploiting fossil reserves will help lift people out of poverty.

‘Dash for Gas’ Takes Off at COP 27

With COP 27 host Egypt and 16 other natural gas-exporting governments pledging to plug the fossil energy source as “the perfect solution” to climate change and energy security, critics warned of a “dash for gas” in Africa—a prophecy taking shape this week in Sharm el-Sheikh, where some African countries said exploiting fossil reserves will help lift people out of poverty.

Russia’s war in Ukraine has been driving up global greenhouse gas emissions—to the tune of 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in seven months—but the biggest climate impact is expected from rebuilding after the war ends.

Russia’s War Produces 100 Million Tonnes of Emissions in 7 Months

Russia’s war in Ukraine has been driving up global greenhouse gas emissions—to the tune of 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in seven months—but the biggest climate impact is expected from rebuilding after the war ends.

Competition Bureau Canada has opened an investigation into allegations that the Canadian Gas Association is greenwashing fossil methane as clean, following a C$10-million complaint filed in September by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE).

Competition Bureau to Probe Industry Greenwashing of ‘Clean’, ‘Natural’ Gas

Competition Bureau Canada has opened an investigation into allegations that the Canadian Gas Association is greenwashing fossil methane as clean, following a C$10-million complaint filed in September by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE).

At last year’s United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, 193 governments promised to strengthen their national climate targets within one year. But only about two dozen of them have delivered on that promise, leaving civil society representatives wary of more empty promises and false solutions at the onset of COP 27.

‘Disappointing’ National Climate Plans Insufficient to Avert Crisis

At last year’s United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, 193 governments promised to strengthen their national climate targets within one year. But only about two dozen of them have delivered on that promise, leaving civil society representatives wary of more empty promises and false solutions at the onset of COP 27.

Countries across Africa could lose 14% of their per capita GDP to climate change by 2050 and 34% by 2100, even if average global warming is held to 1.5°C, according to a report released this morning at this year’s UN climate conference, COP 27, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

Africa Loses 34% of GDP at 1.5° Warming, ‘Grim’ New Report Concludes

Countries across Africa could lose 14% of their per capita GDP to climate change by 2050 and 34% by 2100, even if average global warming is held to 1.5°C, according to a report released this morning at this year’s UN climate conference, COP 27, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

This year’s COP 27 climate conference may prove UN negotiations on global heating dead for some. But for others, the annual, marathon negotiating summits are a crucial forum to exert soft power, keep checks on Big Oil, and remind corporate interests that the Amazon is much more than just a business opportunity.

COP Process is Busted but Not Irrelevant, Observers Say

This year’s COP 27 climate conference may prove UN negotiations on global heating dead for some. But for others, the annual, marathon negotiating summits are a crucial forum to exert soft power, keep checks on Big Oil, and remind corporate interests that the Amazon is much more than just a business opportunity.

With 40 countries expected to unveil their methane reduction plans at COP 27, global action on the climate-busting greenhouse gas could get a boost after stalling out under industry pressure over the last year, even after more 100 countries signed on to the Global Methane Pledge at COP 26.

40 Countries to Reveal Methane Action Plans at COP 27

With 40 countries expected to unveil their methane reduction plans at COP 27, global action on the climate-busting greenhouse gas could get a boost after stalling out under industry pressure over the last year, even after more 100 countries signed on to the Global Methane Pledge at COP 26.

Climate science and the depth of the climate emergency demand that industries, financial institutions, cities, and regions commit fully to real net-zero targets, end new fossil fuel investment, stop greenwashing their activities, start lobbying for rather than against ambitious government climate policies, and shift from voluntary climate action to regulated, verified emission reductions, according to a UN expert panel chaired by former Canadian environment and climate minister Catherine McKenna.

Stop Greenwashing, Set Regulated Net-Zero Targets, McKenna Task Force Urges

Climate science and the depth of the climate emergency demand that industries, financial institutions, cities, and regions commit fully to real net-zero targets, end new fossil fuel investment, stop greenwashing their activities, start lobbying for rather than against ambitious government climate policies, and shift from voluntary climate action to regulated, verified emission reductions, according to a UN expert panel chaired by former Canadian environment and climate minister Catherine McKenna.

Tuvalu has joined its fellow Pacific Island nation Vanuatu in calling on countries to develop a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT), becoming the second nation-state to endorse the proposal.

Tuvalu Backs Calls for Fossil Non-Proliferation Treaty

Tuvalu has joined its fellow Pacific Island nation Vanuatu in calling on countries to develop a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT), becoming the second nation-state to endorse the proposal.

With the COP 27 climate summit in full swing in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Canadian climate hawks were in Ottawa yesterday delivering more than 80,000 petition signatures—82,622, to be exact—calling on the Trudeau government to make good on its promise to impose an emissions cap on the country’s oil and gas industry.

Petition Delivers 82,622 Signatures Demanding Oil and Gas Emissions Cap

With the COP 27 climate summit in full swing in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Canadian climate hawks were in Ottawa yesterday delivering more than 80,000 petition signatures—82,622, to be exact—calling on the Trudeau government to make good on its promise to impose an emissions cap on the country’s oil and gas industry.

As COP 27 opens in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, developing countries and climate justice leaders are urging a notoriously reluctant developed world to get serious about financing for loss and damage, with the immediate and long-term well-being of hundreds of millions hanging in the balance.

COP 27 a ‘Make or Break Moment’ for Loss and Damage Finance

As COP 27 opens in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, developing countries and climate justice leaders are urging a notoriously reluctant developed world to get serious about financing for loss and damage, with the immediate and long-term well-being of hundreds of millions hanging in the balance.

A look at past agendas for United Nations climate conferences sheds light on what is given priority at the annual summit and what gets left out, giving some predictive insight into how vulnerable nations’ push for loss and damage negotiations will fare during this year’s meetings in Egypt.

Past UN Climate Agendas Hint at Priorities for COP 27

A look at past agendas for United Nations climate conferences sheds light on what is given priority at the annual summit and what gets left out, giving some predictive insight into how vulnerable nations’ push for loss and damage negotiations will fare during this year’s meetings in Egypt.

In the Putumayo region of the Colombian Amazon, Segundo Meneses' daily routine took him to the Chufiya river, its banks verdant and waters alive with catfish and piranha. On one morning seven years ago, he noticed a dark film lapping the shore. Where the river turned a bend, it turned to black. It was an oil slick that he says went on to sicken his young family and poison their cows and pigs.

Big Banks Deliver the Dollars for Polluting Amazon Oil Project

In the Putumayo region of the Colombian Amazon, Segundo Meneses’ daily routine took him to the Chufiya river, its banks verdant and waters alive with catfish and piranha. On one morning seven years ago, he noticed a dark film lapping the shore. Where the river turned a bend, it turned to black. It was an oil slick that he says went on to sicken his young family and poison their cows and pigs.

Parliament Buildings Ottawa Centre Block

CCUS Mostly Shut Out, Renewables Get Tax Credit in Federal Economic Statement

A pitch for private investment in emission reduction projects, including tax credits for renewable energy, low-carbon heating, and clean hydrogen, is one of the highlights of the fall economic statement released Thursday by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Pipelines, compressor stations, and other fossil equipment in Texas and across the United States continue to gush climate-busting methane into the atmosphere, even when companies have installed equipment that’s meant to get the emissions under control.

Texas Oilfields Gush Methane Despite Best Available Prevention Tech

Pipelines, compressor stations, and other fossil equipment in Texas and across the United States continue to gush climate-busting methane into the atmosphere, even when companies have installed equipment that’s meant to get the emissions under control.

The CEO of the pension fund that controls retirement investments for 21 million Canadians has reconfirmed his position that “engagement,” not divestment from fossil fuel companies, is the right way forward during the global energy transition.

Canadian Pension Fund Rejects Divestment, Takes Fire for Fossil ‘Entanglements’

The CEO of the pension fund that controls retirement investments for 21 million Canadians has reconfirmed his position that “engagement,” not divestment from fossil fuel companies, is the right way forward during the global energy transition.

Canadian regulators say they were unaware of a methane cloud spotted above Western Canada by a European satellite, revealing a crack in the country’s emissions reporting.

Missed Methane Cloud Reveals Cracks in Canada’s Emissions Reporting

Canadian regulators say they were unaware of a methane cloud spotted above Western Canada by a European satellite, revealing a crack in the country’s emissions reporting.

Municipal climate and energy leaders in Ontario are scrambling to protect energy-efficient building standards that may be at risk in the provincial government’s rush to push through its More Homes Built Faster Act, Bill 23.

Local Green Building Laws at Risk as Ontario Fast-Tracks New Housing Bill [Sign-On]

Municipal climate and energy leaders in Ontario are scrambling to protect energy-efficient building standards that may be at risk in the provincial government’s rush to push through its More Homes Built Faster Act, Bill 23.

Brazil’s newly-elected president has vowed to reverse the deforestation of the Amazon that occurred under his predecessor, but a hostile Congress is likely to block his efforts, as are the thousands of Brazilians who say the election was rigged and still others convinced that environmental protections equal lost livelihoods.

Brazil’s Lula Faces Polarized Congress in Drive to Restore Amazon

Brazil’s newly-elected president has vowed to reverse the deforestation of the Amazon that occurred under his predecessor, but a hostile Congress is likely to block his efforts, as are the thousands of Brazilians who say the election was rigged and still others convinced that environmental protections equal lost livelihoods.

Global deforestation slowed by 6.3% in 2021, but most countries are still falling short of their 2030 targets for stopping forest loss and degradation, a new report says.

Deforestation Slowed in 2021 But Fell Short of Climate Goals, Report Finds

Global deforestation slowed by 6.3% in 2021, but most countries are still falling short of their 2030 targets for stopping forest loss and degradation, a new report says.

The European Union’s historic decision to ban all new fossil-fuelled cars and vans by 2035 is being hailed as a win for the climate, but equity issues and manufacturing headwinds loom.

EU to End All New Combustion Car Sales by 2035

The European Union’s historic decision to ban all new fossil-fuelled cars and vans by 2035 is being hailed as a win for the climate, but equity issues and manufacturing headwinds loom.

U.S. federal judges have ordered a nine-year-old lawsuit calling on oil and gas companies to pay for damage to Louisiana's wetlands to be returned to state court for trial, potentially clearing the way for at least 41 similar lawsuits to move forward.

Louisiana Wetlands Case Could Open U.S. Fossils to Dozens of Lawsuits

U.S. federal judges have ordered a nine-year-old lawsuit calling on oil and gas companies to pay for damage to Louisiana’s wetlands to be returned to state court for trial, potentially clearing the way for at least 41 similar lawsuits to move forward.

The world’s seven biggest oil firms are projected to reap gargantuan profits of US$173 billion this year, leading to fresh calls for windfall taxes on a sector that has thrived after Russia’s war in Ukraine led to sky-high fuel prices.

Oil Profits Set to Soar Past $173 Billion This Year

The world’s seven biggest oil firms are projected to reap gargantuan profits of US$173 billion this year, leading to fresh calls for windfall taxes on a sector that has thrived after Russia’s war in Ukraine led to sky-high fuel prices.

Those who have the most to lose under the Ontario Ford government’s proposed More Homes Built Faster Act—which, if passed, will effectively gut the province’s land conservation and public consultation policies—include neighborhoods and civil society organizations determined to have a say in how development proceeds, municipalities looking to implement sustainable design initiatives, and especially Ontario’s wetlands, early analysis shows.

New Ontario Bill Set to Gut Land Conservation, Public Consultation

Those who have the most to lose under the Ontario Ford government’s proposed More Homes Built Faster Act—which, if passed, will effectively gut the province’s land conservation and public consultation policies—include neighborhoods and civil society organizations determined to have a say in how development proceeds, municipalities looking to implement sustainable design initiatives, and especially Ontario’s wetlands, early analysis shows.

The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority has banned two HSBC advertisements for misleading the public about its efforts to tackle climate change, marking the first time the regulator has taken action against a bank for greenwashing.

UK Ad Watchdog Scolds HSBC for Greenwashing

The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority has banned two HSBC advertisements for misleading the public about its efforts to tackle climate change, marking the first time the regulator has taken action against a bank for greenwashing.

The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) has identified a half-dozen key steps municipalities can take to tackle the biggest barriers to zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption.

6 Key Actions Can Boost Cities’ EV Uptake, Green Municipal Fund Says

The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) has identified a half-dozen key steps municipalities can take to tackle the biggest barriers to zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption.

In the lead-up to the COP 27 climate summit, a food systems think tank is calling for more discussion of “agroecology” and warning that corporations can exploit less well-defined terms to greenwash, while maintaining business-as-usual operations.

Put Agroecology Ahead of ‘Green Grabs’, Think Tank Urges

In the lead-up to the COP 27 climate summit, a food systems think tank is calling for more discussion of “agroecology” and warning that corporations can exploit less well-defined terms to greenwash, while maintaining business-as-usual operations.

Redirecting $570 billion per year from planned oil and gas investments could “fully finance” wind and solar expansion to meet a 1.5°C target, showing that oil and gas development must be halted to keep global warming within safe limits, a new report concludes.

Fossil Investment Could ‘Fully Finance’ Renewable Shift to 1.5°C

Redirecting $570 billion per year from planned oil and gas investments could “fully finance” wind and solar expansion to meet a 1.5°C target, showing that oil and gas development must be halted to keep global warming within safe limits, a new report concludes.

Incoming British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will restore his country’s ban on oil and gas fracking, Reuters reported yesterday, after his predecessor Liz Truss reversed a moratorium originally set out in the UK Conservative Party’s 2019 election platform.

Sunak to Restore UK Fracking Ban, Faces Long Climate To-Do List

Incoming British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will restore his country’s ban on oil and gas fracking, Reuters reported yesterday, after his predecessor Liz Truss reversed a moratorium originally set out in the UK Conservative Party’s 2019 election platform.

France will become the latest European Union country to leave an energy agreement which climate groups claim is being used by the fossil fuel industry to legally challenge environmental measures, President Emmanuel Macron said last Friday.

France to Quit Fossil-Friendly Energy Charter Treaty

France will become the latest European Union country to leave an energy agreement which climate groups claim is being used by the fossil fuel industry to legally challenge environmental measures, President Emmanuel Macron said last Friday.

EU European Union

European Parliament Backs Fossil Non-Proliferation Treaty

The European Parliament is calling on EU nation states to begin developing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT), and to “stand ready” to do what is needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

The Cedar LNG project in British Columbia received some positive regulatory feedback for its plan to produce and export liquified natural gas to Asia, but campaigners and analysts maintain it will undermine Canada’s climate ambitions.

B.C. Maintains New LNG Project Will Cut Global Emissions

The Cedar LNG project in British Columbia received some positive regulatory feedback for its plan to produce and export liquified natural gas to Asia, but campaigners and analysts maintain it will undermine Canada’s climate ambitions.

Coastal GasLink and a former prime contractor with alleged links to organized crime are being sued by four companies, working in partnership with three First Nations communities, for allegedly failing to pay an outstanding C$10 million for services rendered.

Coastal GasLink Builders Sued for Millions in Unpaid Work

Coastal GasLink and a former prime contractor with alleged links to organized crime are being sued by four companies, working in partnership with three First Nations communities, for allegedly failing to pay an outstanding C$10 million for services rendered.

A 5% threshold for renewable energy on the power grid might not sound like much, but it’s the milestone that could tip electricity systems in 87 countries into a rapid shift off carbon, a Bloomberg news analyst says.

87 Countries Have Reached Clean Energy Tipping Point

A 5% threshold for renewable energy on the power grid might not sound like much, but it’s the milestone that could tip electricity systems in 87 countries into a rapid shift off carbon, a Bloomberg news analyst says.

Solar and wind power purchase agreements (PPAs) in the United States could be signed for less than one cent per kilowatt-hour (kWh) thanks to Inflation Reduction Act funding, concludes an analysis by investment banking giant Crédit Suisse.

Renewable Electricity May Soon Cost U.S. Buyers Next to Nothing

Solar and wind power purchase agreements (PPAs) in the United States could be signed for less than one cent per kilowatt-hour (kWh) thanks to Inflation Reduction Act funding, concludes an analysis by investment banking giant Crédit Suisse.

America’s extensive transmission permitting regulations could slow the clean energy transition facilitated by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and reform won’t come easy for a narrowly divided senate.

Lagging Transmission Permits Imperil U.S. Climate Targets

America’s extensive transmission permitting regulations could slow the clean energy transition facilitated by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and reform won’t come easy for a narrowly divided senate.

Analyst chatter about TC Energy considering selling off the controversial Keystone pipeline could raise the risk of a major spill or leak, but still improve the Calgary-based pipeliner’s rating for environmental responsibility, The Energy Mix has learned.

EXCLUSIVE: Rumoured Keystone Pipeline Sale Could Increase Spill Risk

Analyst chatter about TC Energy considering selling off the controversial Keystone pipeline could raise the risk of a major spill or leak, but still improve the Calgary-based pipeliner’s rating for environmental responsibility, The Energy Mix has learned.

New Jersey is taking five colossal fossils and the American Petroleum Institute to court, saying they deliberately deceived the public about their contribution to global heating.

New Jersey Sues Big Oil for Deceiving on Climate Change

New Jersey is taking five colossal fossils and the American Petroleum Institute to court, saying they deliberately deceived the public about their contribution to global heating.

With Ontario’s municipal elections around the corner, environmental advocates are urging citizens to use their vote to push for climate action.

Op-Eds Nudge Ontarians to Vote for Local Climate Action

With Ontario’s municipal elections around the corner, environmental advocates are urging citizens to use their vote to push for climate action.

A fuel crisis in Haiti is inflaming security and humanitarian crises, as gangs exploit the country’s oil dependency to pressure interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign after he cut fuel subsidies in September.

Haiti Fuel Blockade Drives Humanitarian Crisis

A fuel crisis in Haiti is inflaming security and humanitarian crises, as gangs exploit the country’s oil dependency to pressure interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign after he cut fuel subsidies in September.

Nearly a million Canadian households live in energy poverty, the David Suzuki Foundation says, in a new report that urges Ottawa to address this social injustice while setting Canada’s path to net-zero electricity by 2035.

Nearly a Million Canadian Households Face Energy Poverty

Nearly a million Canadian households live in energy poverty, the David Suzuki Foundation says, in a new report that urges Ottawa to address this social injustice while setting Canada’s path to net-zero electricity by 2035.

The federal government is busy consulting us now, gathering input from Canadians on policy proposals for a just transition to renewables, a carbon emissions cap for the oil and gas sector, a clean electricity grid, and more. But how well informed do Canadians think they are about these potential solutions?

Research Shows Big Knowledge Gaps on Climate Solutions, Nature Loss

The federal government is busy consulting us now, gathering input from Canadians on policy proposals for a just transition to renewables, a carbon emissions cap for the oil and gas sector, a clean electricity grid, and more. But how well informed do Canadians think they are about these potential solutions?

Underfunded and poorly administered, Canada’s C$3.3-billion disaster resilience fund is short on cash—and has become a symptom of Ottawa’s failure to protect small communities from the climate crisis, experts say.

Canada’s Disaster Adaptation Fund Running Short Ahead of Schedule

Underfunded and poorly administered, Canada’s C$3.3-billion disaster resilience fund is short on cash—and has become a symptom of Ottawa’s failure to protect small communities from the climate crisis, experts say.

Indigenous involvement is critical to meeting Canada’s ‘30x30’ conservation pledge to protect 30% of its land, freshwater, and oceans by decade’s end, says a recent report by the World Wildlife Fund.

Conservation Goals Depend on Indigenous Involvement: WWF Canada

Indigenous involvement is critical to meeting Canada’s ‘30×30’ conservation pledge to protect 30% of its land, freshwater, and oceans by decade’s end, says a recent report by the World Wildlife Fund.

Climate denial will be a stealth candidate in several municipal elections being held in British Columbia this Saturday.

Climate Denial is Stealth Candidate in B.C. City Elections

Climate denial will be a stealth candidate in several municipal elections being held in British Columbia this Saturday.

The federal Competition Bureau’s decision to investigate charges of misleading advertising against the Royal Bank of Canada is a sign that federal regulators are paying closer attention to the climate crisis and its causes, says the environmental law charity that filed the case.

Competition Bureau Probes Climate Greenwashing Claim Against Royal Bank

The federal Competition Bureau’s decision to investigate charges of misleading advertising against the Royal Bank of Canada is a sign that federal regulators are paying closer attention to the climate crisis and its causes, says the environmental law charity that filed the case.

As the United Kingdom pursues fracking as a solution to its energy independence, new analysis finds the country’s power sector can reduce its reliance on gas from 40% to 1% by 2030, with a rapid renewables switch bringing £93 billion (C$142 billion) in savings.

UK Can Shake Gas Dependence, Study Finds, as Truss Greenlights Fracking

As the United Kingdom pursues fracking as a solution to its energy independence, new analysis finds the country’s power sector can reduce its reliance on gas from 40% to 1% by 2030, with a rapid renewables switch bringing £93 billion (C$142 billion) in savings.

Former Toronto mayor David Miller, now managing director of the C40 Centre for City Climate Policy and Economy, talks about cities’ responsibility to take action on the climate emergency.

Informed, Engaged Citizens Drive Municipal Climate Action, Miller Says

Former Toronto mayor David Miller, now managing director of the C40 Centre for City Climate Policy and Economy, talks about cities’ responsibility to take action on the climate emergency.

A group of climate heavy hitters have launched legal action to stop the European Union from including fossil gas in its sustainable finance rulebook.

Legal Action Challenges EU’s ‘Sustainable’ Label for Fossil Gas

A group of climate heavy hitters have launched legal action to stop the European Union from including fossil gas in its sustainable finance rulebook.

Nestlé is one of the world’s top producers of plastic waste, but its CEO objects to the idea that corporations should substantially pick up the tab for this toxic pollution.

Nestlé Pushes Back on Corporate Responsibility for Plastic Waste

Nestlé is one of the world’s top producers of plastic waste, but its CEO objects to the idea that corporations should substantially pick up the tab for this toxic pollution.

New Zealand's government on Tuesday proposed taxing the greenhouse gases that farm animals make from burping and peeing as part of a plan to tackle climate change.

New Zealand ‘Burp Tax’ to Target Methane from Farm Animals

New Zealand’s government on Tuesday proposed taxing the greenhouse gases that farm animals make from burping and peeing as part of a plan to tackle climate change.

A group of 40 climate, energy, and social justice NGOs is urging the Trudeau government to sign on to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT).

40 Groups Urge Ottawa to Support Fossil Non-Proliferation Treaty

A group of 40 climate, energy, and social justice NGOs is urging the Trudeau government to sign on to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT).

http://cdooginz.deviantart.com/art/California-Drought-518267539

Nevada Farmers Develop Plan to Manage Dwindling Water Supply

As water scarcity becomes a growing threat to global food security, falling groundwater levels have prompted farmers in a Nevada community to share resources despite laws that distribute water rights less equally.

The Austrian government said Monday it has filed a legal complaint with the European Union's top court over plans by the bloc’s executive branch to label natural gas and nuclear power generation as sustainable energies.

Austria Sues Over EU Recognition for Gas, Nuclear

The Austrian government said Monday it has filed a legal complaint with the European Union’s top court over plans by the bloc’s executive branch to label natural gas and nuclear power generation as sustainable energies.

Immediate policy reform is needed to stop the fossil industry from using anti-competition laws to thwart corporate climate action, says an Oxford University public policy expert who recently had to lawyer-proof his advisory group’s guidance on the climate risks of coal.

Fossils Misuse Antitrust Law to Foil Climate Action, Expert Warns

Immediate policy reform is needed to stop the fossil industry from using anti-competition laws to thwart corporate climate action, says an Oxford University public policy expert who recently had to lawyer-proof his advisory group’s guidance on the climate risks of coal.

A deal to sell 38,000 hectares of Alberta oil and gas lands to a company controlled by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is shining a light on large fossils’ favourite path to decarbonization: rather than shutting down some of their assets, they hand them off to smaller operators that then keep them in production.

EXCLUSIVE: Pension Fund Gambles Retirement Savings on Alberta Oilfield Buy

A deal to sell 38,000 hectares of Alberta oil and gas lands to a company controlled by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is shining a light on large fossils’ favourite path to decarbonization: rather than shutting down some of their assets, they hand them off to smaller operators that then keep them in production.

A group of Canadian public health professionals and advocates have filed a C$10-million greenwashing complaint against the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) for a recent ad campaign promoting natural gas as a clean, affordable, sustainable energy option.

$10M Complaint Accuses Canadian Gas Lobby of Greenwashing

A group of Canadian public health professionals and advocates have filed a C$10-million greenwashing complaint against the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) for a recent ad campaign promoting natural gas as a clean, affordable, sustainable energy option.

The United Nations aviation agency has allowed corporate interests to influence the direction of its climate policy, say environmental groups, pointing to new research that finds nearly one-third of delegates at its environmental committee meetings come from aviation or fossil fuel industries.

 Study Finds Outsized Corporate Influence on UN Aviation Emissions Talks

The United Nations aviation agency has allowed corporate interests to influence the direction of its climate policy, say environmental groups, pointing to new research that finds nearly one-third of delegates at its environmental committee meetings come from aviation or fossil fuel industries.

Ten years of aggressive “gentrification by upgrading” has left Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood increasingly unaffordable, forcing lower-income tenants to compromise on basic needs like medicine and food to pay soaring rents, finds a recent study.

Toronto Corporate Landlords Use Cosmetic Upgrades to Raise Rents

Ten years of aggressive “gentrification by upgrading” has left Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood increasingly unaffordable, forcing lower-income tenants to compromise on basic needs like medicine and food to pay soaring rents, finds a recent study.

Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) latest sale of clean energy credits to Microsoft Corporation raises questions about whether the credits meet the basic criteria for genuine carbon offsets—especially given Ontario’s plan to increase gas plant use and resulting emissions.

Critics Slam Ontario Power Generation Clean Energy Credit Deal

Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) latest sale of clean energy credits to Microsoft Corporation raises questions about whether the credits meet the basic criteria for genuine carbon offsets—especially given Ontario’s plan to increase gas plant use and resulting emissions.

Australia has violated the rights of a group of Indigenous islanders by not protecting them from the impacts of climate change, the United Nations Human Rights Committee ruled last week.

Indigenous Islanders Win Climate Rights Ruling Against Australia

Australia has violated the rights of a group of Indigenous islanders by not protecting them from the impacts of climate change, the United Nations Human Rights Committee ruled last week.

As power slowly returns to Puerto Rico in Hurricane Fiona’s wake, pressure is building to wean the island’s grid off its 97% dependence on fossils fuels—towards a climate-resilient distributed system that relies on renewables.

349,000 Without Power in Puerto Rico, 10 Days After Fiona

As power slowly returns to Puerto Rico in Hurricane Fiona’s wake, pressure is building to wean the island’s grid off its 97% dependence on fossils fuels—towards a climate-resilient distributed system that relies on renewables.

As the European Union moves to develop new carbon removal legislation, campaigners are warning against offsetting schemes and corporate greenwashing.

Offsets, Greenwashing Endanger EU Carbon Farming Plan

As the European Union moves to develop new carbon removal legislation, campaigners are warning against offsetting schemes and corporate greenwashing.

New analysis shows that forest loss in the Brazilian Amazon could drop by 89% if incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro is voted out of office in this Sunday’s general election.

Brazil Forest Loss Falls 89% if Lula Beats Bolsonaro, Study Finds

New analysis shows that forest loss in the Brazilian Amazon could drop by 89% if incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro is voted out of office in this Sunday’s general election.

As fossil fuel costs soar, Nova Scotia Power is looking to secure a domestic supply of coal from the recently-reopened Donkin mine in Cape Breton—and pushing to pass the cost on to ratepayers.

Nova Scotia Power Seeks Cape Breton Coal Despite Green Transition

As fossil fuel costs soar, Nova Scotia Power is looking to secure a domestic supply of coal from the recently-reopened Donkin mine in Cape Breton—and pushing to pass the cost on to ratepayers.

With a new report expected to reveal a massive increase in global oil pipeline construction, an analyst says Canada is running counter to public opinion and wider international trends by adding to the problem.

Canada Adds to Alarming Rise in Global Pipeline Construction

With a new report expected to reveal a massive increase in global oil pipeline construction, an analyst says Canada is running counter to public opinion and wider international trends by adding to the problem.

Canadian fossils are steadfastly refusing to invest significantly in new decarbonization projects, even though they’re flush with record amounts of cash, the Pembina Institute reports in a scathing analysis released last week.

Oilsands Alliance Failing to Invest in Carbon Cuts, Report Finds

Canadian fossils are steadfastly refusing to invest significantly in new decarbonization projects, even though they’re flush with record amounts of cash, the Pembina Institute reports in a scathing analysis released last week.

In an historic appeal that further affirms the South Pacific island country as a global climate leader, Vanuatu has thrown its support behind the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Vanuatu Becomes First Country to Back Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

In an historic appeal that further affirms the South Pacific island country as a global climate leader, Vanuatu has thrown its support behind the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Cities are increasingly footing the bill for climate change as they strain to adapt their infrastructure to rising temperatures, new rainfall patterns, and extreme weather.

Climate Bill is ‘Coming Due’, Report Warns U.S. Cities

Cities are increasingly footing the bill for climate change as they strain to adapt their infrastructure to rising temperatures, new rainfall patterns, and extreme weather.

A U.S. rooftop solar company is facing headwinds as it seeks to build off-grid neighbourhoods that would be less dependent on established utilities.

Rooftop Solar Firm Sunnova Pitches Off-Grid Neighbourhoods

A U.S. rooftop solar company is facing headwinds as it seeks to build off-grid neighbourhoods that would be less dependent on established utilities.

Big Oil is spending more money now than ever before on elaborate, deceptive public relations strategies to thwart climate policy, a PR expert told a United States congressional hearing, as freshly released internal emails revealed how fossil executives watered down the language of their climate commitments, mocked activists, and derided Americans in general.

PR Firms Throw Weight Behind Fossil Misinformation, Expert Says

Big Oil is spending more money now than ever before on elaborate, deceptive public relations strategies to thwart climate policy, a PR expert told a United States congressional hearing, as freshly released internal emails revealed how fossil executives watered down the language of their climate commitments, mocked activists, and derided Americans in general.

A September 30 deadline is looming for public comment on a new guideline meant to protect Canada’s finance sector from climate impacts, without addressing finance’s role in driving the climate emergency, an outside analyst warns.

Regulator Plans New Guideline to ‘Support’ Banks on Climate Risk

A September 30 deadline is looming for public comment on a new guideline meant to protect Canada’s finance sector from climate impacts, without addressing finance’s role in driving the climate emergency, an outside analyst warns.

The United States’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) could change the landscape of energy economics with its unprecedented support for clean energy sources, says a new report.

New U.S. Climate Law to Slash Clean Energy Costs, Report Finds

The United States’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) could change the landscape of energy economics with its unprecedented support for clean energy sources, says a new report.

Ontario’s climate plan is just a “communications product” and a “glossy brochure” with no legal force, not anything for which citizens or the courts can hold the Doug Ford government accountable, a provincial lawyer told a judge last week.

Ontario Climate Plan is Just a ‘Glossy Brochure’, Ontario Lawyer Says

Ontario’s climate plan is just a “communications product” and a “glossy brochure” with no legal force, not anything for which citizens or the courts can hold the Doug Ford government accountable, a provincial lawyer told a judge last week.

Many people are focused on repairing and upgrading their homes, neighbourhoods, towns, and cities. And the key decisions about these repairs and upgrades are made at City Hall, says Ontario Greenbelt Alliance Coordinator Franz Hartmann.

Opinion: Cities Hold the Answer as Ontario Pushes Costly Sprawl

Many people are focused on repairing and upgrading their homes, neighbourhoods, towns, and cities. And the key decisions about these repairs and upgrades are made at City Hall, says Ontario Greenbelt Alliance Coordinator Franz Hartmann.

Britain’s new policy of capping home energy bills and subsidizing energy giants fails to address the country’s old, inefficient housing stock, says a new report—with one critic warning such an impractical energy policy could “play into the hands” of Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

UK Must Tackle Energy Efficiency or Risk Larger Crisis: Report

Britain’s new policy of capping home energy bills and subsidizing energy giants fails to address the country’s old, inefficient housing stock, says a new report—with one critic warning such an impractical energy policy could “play into the hands” of Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Ensuring that America’s clean energy revolution leaves no one behind will require incentives for domestic production and targeted, collaborative investment in communities most likely to see job losses, two expert authors write.

U.S. Clean Energy Boom Must Leave No One Behind, Advocates Say

Ensuring that America’s clean energy revolution leaves no one behind will require incentives for domestic production and targeted, collaborative investment in communities most likely to see job losses, two expert authors write.

A South African court sided with environmental groups and local fishing communities to strike down an oil and gas exploration permit after two UK-based companies—Royal Dutch Shell and Impact Africa—failed to consult with local Indigenous communities.

South Africa Court Backs Indigenous Communities, Blocks Wild Coast Seismic Testing

A South African court sided with environmental groups and local fishing communities to strike down an oil and gas exploration permit after two UK-based companies—Royal Dutch Shell and Impact Africa—failed to consult with local Indigenous communities.

The World Health Organization and nearly 200 global health associations have endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT), calling for an end to new fossil infrastructure and a “fair and equitable” phaseout of existing production.

WHO, 192 Global Health Associations Back Fossil Fuel Phaseout

The World Health Organization and nearly 200 global health associations have endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT), calling for an end to new fossil infrastructure and a “fair and equitable” phaseout of existing production.

Canada has all the right components to cash in on an electric vehicle battery industry worth C$48 billion per year, but only if governments take ambitious action now to help the sector meet its potential, concludes a new report issued this week.

Canadian EV Battery Industry Could Hit $48B Per Year

Canada has all the right components to cash in on an electric vehicle battery industry worth C$48 billion per year, but only if governments take ambitious action now to help the sector meet its potential, concludes a new report issued this week.

Outdated infrastructure is making America’s electricity grid vulnerable to blackouts in the face of climate change and an ambitious clean energy transition, experts say.

Aging Infrastructure, Market Barriers Make U.S. Grid Vulnerable

Outdated infrastructure is making America’s electricity grid vulnerable to blackouts in the face of climate change and an ambitious clean energy transition, experts say.

Economic, political, and ecological concerns are driving the creation of renewable energy communities in Central Eastern Europe, but more needs to be done to facilitate these local efforts to democratize energy systems.

Central Europeans Meet Energy Crisis with Renewable Energy Communities

Economic, political, and ecological concerns are driving the creation of renewable energy communities in Central Eastern Europe, but more needs to be done to facilitate these local efforts to democratize energy systems.

Australian states and businesses are moving in step with the country’s new climate policy, making their own leaps to decarbonization after a new climate change law pledged to slash the nation’s carbon emissions 43% by 2030.

Australian States Keep Pace with Momentous National Climate Law

Australian states and businesses are moving in step with the country’s new climate policy, making their own leaps to decarbonization after a new climate change law pledged to slash the nation’s carbon emissions 43% by 2030.

Chris Severson-Baker is the newly-appointed executive director of the Pembina Institute. In this feature interview, he talks about what it will take to turn climate plans and promises into real investments in faster, deeper carbon cuts.

Time to Deliver on Climate Pledges, Severson-Baker Says

Chris Severson-Baker is the newly-appointed executive director of the Pembina Institute. In this feature interview, he talks about what it will take to turn climate plans and promises into real investments in faster, deeper carbon cuts.

wood pellets biomass

Drop Forest Biomass from Renewables Subsidies, EU Leaders Urged

EU parliamentarians are being urged to vote “yes” on a measure that would exclude woody biomass from counting towards renewable energy targets.

Solar saved the European Union up to €29 billion in gas imports this past summer, and is poised for “exponential growth” across five of Asia’s biggest economies, according to two separate analyses released last week by the UK-based Ember think tank.

Solar Saves EU €29B in Summer Gas Costs, Set to Surge in Asia

Solar saved the European Union up to €29 billion in gas imports this past summer, and is poised for “exponential growth” across five of Asia’s biggest economies, according to two separate analyses released last week by the UK-based Ember think tank.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Wisconsin Judge Backs Indigenous Band, Stops Short of Shutting Down Line 5 Pipeline

The Line 5 pipeline has won a stay of execution in Wisconsin, where a federal judge sided with an Indigenous group’s complaint but stopped short of ordering the controversial cross-border energy link shut down entirely.

A new poll concludes that 74% of Canadians want car manufacturers pushed to increase zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) production, even if it harms their profits. But an industry representative warns that regulations targeting Canadian automakers could disrupt the North American auto market.

74% Want More EV’s in Canada as Automakers Face Supply Chain Snags

A new poll concludes that 74% of Canadians want car manufacturers pushed to increase zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) production, even if it harms their profits. But an industry representative warns that regulations targeting Canadian automakers could disrupt the North American auto market.

As wealthier communities in Massachusetts electrify, environmental justice advocates are urging policy changes so that poorer households aren’t left with the costs of the state’s dwindling, aging gas infrastructure.

Shift Off Gas Could Leave Poor Families ‘Holding the Bag’

As wealthier communities in Massachusetts electrify, environmental justice advocates are urging policy changes so that poorer households aren’t left with the costs of the state’s dwindling, aging gas infrastructure.

When it comes to getting landlords to retrofit the buildings responsible for up to 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, bad incentives are leading to bad outcomes, writes green economy lawyer Marc Z. Goldgrub.

Opinion: Canada’s Landlords Need Green Incentives

When it comes to getting landlords to retrofit the buildings responsible for up to 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, bad incentives are leading to bad outcomes, writes green economy lawyer Marc Z. Goldgrub.

A northern Alberta First Nation has filed what experts say is the province's first lawsuit claiming cumulative effects from industry, agriculture, and settlements are so pervasive that they violate the band's treaty rights.

Alberta First Nation Sues Over Cumulative Impacts of Development

A northern Alberta First Nation has filed what experts say is the province’s first lawsuit claiming cumulative effects from industry, agriculture, and settlements are so pervasive that they violate the band’s treaty rights.

Research and development, manufacturing, and infrastructure investment decisions over the next decade will determine how the United States achieves a 100% clean electricity system by 2035, say the authors of a new report that finds multiple pathways to hit the target.

U.S. Clean Grid Needs Speed, Scale, and Supply, Study Finds

Research and development, manufacturing, and infrastructure investment decisions over the next decade will determine how the United States achieves a 100% clean electricity system by 2035, say the authors of a new report that finds multiple pathways to hit the target.

A 90% clean power target by 2035, $54 billion in new spending on clean energy and drought resilience, quicker approvals for power grid upgrades and clean energy projects, and a long-awaited phaseout for oil and gas wells near homes and schools are highlights of a climate package adopted last week by the California state assembly.

California Votes $54B for Climate Action, Limits Oil Wells Near Homes

A 90% clean power target by 2035, $54 billion in new spending on clean energy and drought resilience, quicker approvals for power grid upgrades and clean energy projects, and a long-awaited phaseout for oil and gas wells near homes and schools are highlights of a climate package adopted last week by the California state assembly.

Seven youth are in court next week with an

Ontario Youth Court Case Makes Climate a Charter of Rights Issue

Seven youth are in court next week with an “obviously historic” lawsuit challenging Ontario’s climate plan under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Canadian government is asking the public how best to spend $3 billion per year on transit beginning in 2026.

Ottawa Asks Public How to Spend $3B Per Year on Transit

The Canadian government is asking the public how best to spend $3 billion per year on transit beginning in 2026.

Upstream from one of the United States’ most biologically diverse wetlands sits a coal ash pond leaking toxic metals into the groundwater, imperiling ecosystems and threatening drinking water supplies as climate change increases flood risks.

Alabama Coal Ash Pond a ‘Disaster Waiting to Happen’ as Flood Risks Rise

Upstream from one of the United States’ most biologically diverse wetlands sits a coal ash pond leaking toxic metals into the groundwater, imperiling ecosystems and threatening drinking water supplies as climate change increases flood risks.

As a Canadian deep sea mining company pushes to consummate its 15-year “courtship” of the United Nations agency responsible for overseeing the equitable, ecologically safe extraction of seabed resources, a new investigative report is raising flags about the deal and its impacts.

Canadian Deep Sea Miner Seeks Ocean Riches, Island States Lose Big in Bonanza of EV Minerals

As a Canadian deep sea mining company pushes to consummate its 15-year “courtship” of the United Nations agency responsible for overseeing the equitable, ecologically safe extraction of seabed resources, a new investigative report is raising flags about the deal and its impacts.

After emerging from brutal July heat waves, the United Kingdom is headed for a harsh winter, with an 80% jump in energy bills expected to strain millions of households and businesses.

British Energy Bills Will Rise 80% This Winter Amid Energy Crisis

After emerging from brutal July heat waves, the United Kingdom is headed for a harsh winter, with an 80% jump in energy bills expected to strain millions of households and businesses.

Six months after the Alberta government admitted its efforts to make the Canadian oilpatch pay C$253 million in outstanding taxes had failed, rural communities that depend on the revenue have been forced to cut staff and suspend critical infrastructure repairs.

Deadbeat Fossils Dodge Property Taxes Despite Record Profits, Rural Alberta Suffers

Six months after the Alberta government admitted its efforts to make the Canadian oilpatch pay C$253 million in outstanding taxes had failed, rural communities that depend on the revenue have been forced to cut staff and suspend critical infrastructure repairs.

California plans to require all new cars, trucks, and SUVs to run on electricity or hydrogen by 2035 under a policy approved Thursday by regulators that seeks a dramatic cut in carbon emissions and an eventual end to gasoline-powered vehicles.

California to Set 2035 Ban for New Gasoline, Diesel Vehicles

California plans to require all new cars, trucks, and SUVs to run on electricity or hydrogen by 2035 under a policy approved Thursday by regulators that seeks a dramatic cut in carbon emissions and an eventual end to gasoline-powered vehicles.

A new case study from Alberta shows that when regulators force the issue and producers of fossil fuels get serious, the companies can drastically reduce their methane emissions without any immediate reduction in their oil and gas extraction.

Fossils Can Cut Methane Emissions to ‘Near-Zero’ When Regulators Get Serious, Study Shows

A new case study from Alberta shows that when regulators force the issue and producers of fossil fuels get serious, the companies can drastically reduce their methane emissions without any immediate reduction in their oil and gas extraction.

China suspended cooperative climate talks with the United States after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) recent trip to Taiwan, raising questions about what the two countries’ worsening relationship means for global climate action. But contrary to initial worries, some observers are taking hope from a “clean energy arms race” in the making.

‘Clean Energy Arms Race’ Between China, U.S. Could Speed Climate Action

China suspended cooperative climate talks with the United States after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) recent trip to Taiwan, raising questions about what the two countries’ worsening relationship means for global climate action. But contrary to initial worries, some observers are taking hope from a “clean energy arms race” in the making.

America’s petrochemical industry is pushing hard—and with considerable success—to have states reclassify the controversial “chemical recycling” of plastics as a manufacturing process to avoid environmental protection regulations that apply to waste disposal, says a new report by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA).

U.S. Petrochemical Industry Lobbies States to Dodge Environmental Protection Rule

America’s petrochemical industry is pushing hard—and with considerable success—to have states reclassify the controversial “chemical recycling” of plastics as a manufacturing process to avoid environmental protection regulations that apply to waste disposal, says a new report by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA).

Google’s decision to change how its Google Flights search tool calculates emissions is being condemned by climate scientists and activists as cynically misleading and deeply counterproductive to the climate fight.

Google ‘Airbrushes’ Aviation Emissions Out of Online Flight Planning Tool

Google’s decision to change how its Google Flights search tool calculates emissions is being condemned by climate scientists and activists as cynically misleading and deeply counterproductive to the climate fight.

Decrying a decision to exempt golf greens from watering bans in drought-stricken France, Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists have filled golf course holes on several courses around Toulouse with cement.

Environmental Group Fills Golf Holes with Cement After France Allows Water Ban Exemption

Decrying a decision to exempt golf greens from watering bans in drought-stricken France, Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists have filled golf course holes on several courses around Toulouse with cement.

The number of satellites that circle the globe is expected to rise dramatically over the next few years. Some of the current cohort of satellites bounce signals to our phones; others gather imagery of Earth’s surface. A growing field of satellite technology will be gathering information about greenhouse gas emissions.

Big Investors Turn to Satellites to Track Fossil Methane Releases

The number of satellites that circle the globe is expected to rise dramatically over the next few years. Some of the current cohort of satellites bounce signals to our phones; others gather imagery of Earth’s surface. A growing field of satellite technology will be gathering information about greenhouse gas emissions.

power pylons sunrise grid

With 247 Gigawatts Waiting in Queue, U.S. Climate Plan Could Help Stalled Wind Industry

Three recent reports from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) show the country’s wind industry healthy but struggling to expand, leading to hopes that President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)might change this trajectory.

For redlined communities like one in South Memphis, Tennessee, a win for grassroots advocates against environmental racism can be quickly followed by new threats and greater losses.

U.S. Utility Giant to Truck Toxic Coal Ash Through Black Neighbourhood in Memphis

For redlined communities like one in South Memphis, Tennessee, a win for grassroots advocates against environmental racism can be quickly followed by new threats and greater losses.

Environmental advocates celebrated when U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law earlier this month. But the joy is tempered by lingering caution about a murky side bargain purported to streamline oil and gas projects, Energy News Network reports.

People in Appalachia ‘Refuse to Be Sacrificed’ for Mountain Valley Gas Pipeline

Environmental advocates celebrated when U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law earlier this month. But the joy is tempered by lingering caution about a murky side bargain purported to streamline oil and gas projects, Energy News Network reports.

Freeport LNG has changed its tune on the cause of an explosion and fire at the company’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Texas, according to three trading sources and a document shared with Reuters.

Texas Export Terminal Admits Human Error in LNG Explosion, Fire

Freeport LNG has changed its tune on the cause of an explosion and fire at the company’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Texas, according to three trading sources and a document shared with Reuters.

Rural Pennsylvania is facing a continuing onslaught of new natural gas and petrochemical facilities on farmland, despite health and environmental threats that trouble locals.

Rural Pennsylvania Pays the Price as Gas Production Grows 40-Fold Since 2010

Rural Pennsylvania is facing a continuing onslaught of new natural gas and petrochemical facilities on farmland, despite health and environmental threats that trouble locals.

Straights of Mackinac

U.S. Judge Squashes Michigan’s Bid to Keep Line 5 Case Out of Federal Court

The international dispute over Enbridge Inc.’s Line 5 pipeline belongs in federal court, a Michigan judge declared Thursday, dealing a critical blow to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s bid to shut down the controversial cross-border oil and gas line.

A strong voice for small island states is taking the helm of United Nations climate negotiations with the appointment of Grenada’s former environment minister, Simon Stiell, as the new executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).

Grenada’s Simon Stiell Appointed UN Climate Secretary

A strong voice for small island states is taking the helm of United Nations climate negotiations with the appointment of Grenada’s former environment minister, Simon Stiell, as the new executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).

Releasing treated tar sands/oil sands tailings into the environment isn't the only solution being considered to clean up the massive toxic ponds in northern Alberta, federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says.

Guilbeault Considering Alternatives to Releasing Toxic Tailings into Athabasca River

Releasing treated tar sands/oil sands tailings into the environment isn’t the only solution being considered to clean up the massive toxic ponds in northern Alberta, federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says.

Ford F-150 LIghtning

U.S. Utility Plans to Draw Power from Ford Electric Pickups

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration just got a boost in North Carolina, with utility giant Duke Energy signing a deal with Ford for a pilot that will draw energy from customers leasing their F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks.

As the Toronto Community Housing Corporation embarks on an ambitious retrofit that will benefit its tenants and the climate, residents sweltering in a privately-owned low-income building across town are battling a landlord threatening eviction if they turn on the air-conditioning.

Toronto Housing’s Flagship Green Retrofit to Deliver 70% Drop in Energy Use

As the Toronto Community Housing Corporation embarks on an ambitious retrofit that will benefit its tenants and the climate, residents sweltering in a privately-owned low-income building across town are battling a landlord threatening eviction if they turn on the air-conditioning.

When U.S. President Joe Biden signed a landmark, US$369-billion climate and energy package into law earlier this week, the price of the deal was a promise to make more federal lands available for oil and gas drilling. But that doesn’t mean U.S. fossil companies are terribly keen to bid on those leases.

Fossils May Not Bid on New Drilling Leases Under U.S. Climate Bill

When U.S. President Joe Biden signed a landmark, US$369-billion climate and energy package into law earlier this week, the price of the deal was a promise to make more federal lands available for oil and gas drilling. But that doesn’t mean U.S. fossil companies are terribly keen to bid on those leases.

The United States needs a 45% drop in transportation emissions by 2030 to meet its climate pledges, and the country’s web of Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) branches is ideally positioned to help make that happen, says a new report from the Rocky Mountain Institute.

New Fee Model Would Turn Licence Bureaus into ‘Climate Champions’

The United States needs a 45% drop in transportation emissions by 2030 to meet its climate pledges, and the country’s web of Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) branches is ideally positioned to help make that happen, says a new report from the Rocky Mountain Institute.

U.S. climate hawks declared victory, Congressional Democrats got credit for a newly pragmatic approach to climate action, community campaigners demanded more ambitious action, and attention shifted to implementation after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the country’s $370-billion climate and clean energy plan and sent it to President Joe Biden’s desk for signature.

Historic Climate Bill Passes U.S. House, Goes to Biden for Signature

U.S. climate hawks declared victory, Congressional Democrats got credit for a newly pragmatic approach to climate action, community campaigners demanded more ambitious action, and attention shifted to implementation after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the country’s $370-billion climate and clean energy plan and sent it to President Joe Biden’s desk for signature.

A suite of recent policy and technology advancements is allowing for the growth of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the U.S., with innovative approaches like transportable microgrids and vehicle-to-grid programs gaining momentum.

Distributed Energy Gains Ground With Mobile Microgrids, Vehicle-to-Grid Technology

A suite of recent policy and technology advancements is allowing for the growth of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the U.S., with innovative approaches like transportable microgrids and vehicle-to-grid programs gaining momentum.

As the global push for a hydrogen economy accelerates, researchers are urging policy-makers to address new knowledge and fill in some profound data gaps, with recent studies revealing the considerable global warming potential of a fuel that many fossils see as their industry’s best hope for a second life.

Global Push for Hydrogen Sidesteps Knowledge Gaps on Climate Impacts

As the global push for a hydrogen economy accelerates, researchers are urging policy-makers to address new knowledge and fill in some profound data gaps, with recent studies revealing the considerable global warming potential of a fuel that many fossils see as their industry’s best hope for a second life.

Campaigners and local residents are using photos, video, and drone footage to document a Trans Mountain pipeline work site they say is impeding an early salmon run and leaving dead fish along the Coquihalla River in British Columbia.

Trans Mountain Work Site Blocks Early Salmon Run on Coquihalla River, Local Observers Say

Campaigners and local residents are using photos, video, and drone footage to document a Trans Mountain pipeline work site they say is impeding an early salmon run and leaving dead fish along the Coquihalla River in British Columbia.

This month’s EcoA Tip highlights some useful data showing who Canadians tend to blame for climate change. The research comes from a national survey conducted by EcoAnalytics, a non-profit initiative that provides data, analysis, and guidance to strengthen Canada’s environmental movement.

Focus Blame for Climate Change on Fossils and Governments, Ecoanalytics Advises

This month’s EcoA Tip highlights some useful data showing who Canadians tend to blame for climate change. The research comes from a national survey conducted by EcoAnalytics, a non-profit initiative that provides data, analysis, and guidance to strengthen Canada’s environmental movement.

Two years after it closed, and as it contemplates reopening, the Donkin coal mine in Cape Breton is still exceeding Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gas emissions cap without incurring any penalty, as it has since it began operations five years ago.

Cape Breton’s Donkin Mine Pays No Penalty for Exceeding Provincial Emissions Cap

Two years after it closed, and as it contemplates reopening, the Donkin coal mine in Cape Breton is still exceeding Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gas emissions cap without incurring any penalty, as it has since it began operations five years ago.

After a marathon series of votes that began just before midnight Saturday, the United States Senate adopted a US$369-billion climate and clean energy plan Sunday afternoon, the country’s biggest-ever investment in climate action.

BREAKING: U.S. Senate Passes Historic $369B Climate Package

After a marathon series of votes that began just before midnight Saturday, the United States Senate adopted a US$369-billion climate and clean energy plan Sunday afternoon, the country’s biggest-ever investment in climate action.

Canada’s biggest fossil companies are lining up to dismiss the federal government’s new emissions cap for their sector as “very aggressive” and “almost unrealistic”, even as Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault hastens to offer them flexibility and an extended deadline to hit the long-awaited target.

Fossils Dismiss Federal Emissions Cap as ‘Aggressive’, ‘Unrealistic’

Canada’s biggest fossil companies are lining up to dismiss the federal government’s new emissions cap for their sector as “very aggressive” and “almost unrealistic”, even as Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault hastens to offer them flexibility and an extended deadline to hit the long-awaited target.

Slamming climate action as “irrational” and “woke,” and positioning themselves as saviours of local economies, many Republican state treasurers have spent the last 18 months working to hobble and punish private and public sector efforts to wean the United States off fossil fuel dependence.

U.S. State Treasurers Use Public Office to Thwart Climate Action, Investigation Finds

Slamming climate action as “irrational” and “woke,” and positioning themselves as saviours of local economies, many Republican state treasurers have spent the last 18 months working to hobble and punish private and public sector efforts to wean the United States off fossil fuel dependence.

The Trudeau government has released a proposed frame for new Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) aimed at bringing the grid’s greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2035. Comments on the plan close August 17.

Ottawa Releases Regulatory ‘Frame’ for Net-Zero Grid by 2035

The Trudeau government has released a proposed frame for new Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) aimed at bringing the grid’s greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2035. Comments on the plan close August 17.

Offshore oil and gas activities in Atlantic Canada are a genuine threat to the ocean ecosystem and exacerbate climate change, but the federal government is falling short in its plans to regulate that activity, writes Mark Brooks, senior specialist, oil and gas at WWF-Canada, in a recent post on the WWF blog.

Analysis: Lax Offshore Oil Regulation Puts Atlantic Canada Ecosystems, Communities at Risk

Offshore oil and gas activities in Atlantic Canada are a genuine threat to the ocean ecosystem and exacerbate climate change, but the federal government is falling short in its plans to regulate that activity, writes Mark Brooks, senior specialist, oil and gas at WWF-Canada, in a recent post on the WWF blog.

Fifty years in the making, the United Nations’ recent overwhelming approval of a resolution recognizing the right to a “clean, healthy, and sustainable environment” is being heralded as a “victory for people and planet,” and a potential foundation for future legal action.

UN Declares Healthy Environment a Human Right

Fifty years in the making, the United Nations’ recent overwhelming approval of a resolution recognizing the right to a “clean, healthy, and sustainable environment” is being heralded as a “victory for people and planet,” and a potential foundation for future legal action.

A campaign of misinformation is working to undermine a 30% fertilizer emissions reduction target in Canada’s next Agriculture Policy Framework (APF), says a national farmers’ coalition, contending that recently announced emissions policies actually don’t go far enough.

Canada Faces Pushback Over Proposed Fertilizer Emissions Cuts

A campaign of misinformation is working to undermine a 30% fertilizer emissions reduction target in Canada’s next Agriculture Policy Framework (APF), says a national farmers’ coalition, contending that recently announced emissions policies actually don’t go far enough.

As brutal, extended heat waves bring record temperatures across the United States and put millions of residents at risk of heat stroke and death, the government has launched a website aiming to support heat resilience amid a climate crisis.

Record Temperatures Trigger Heat Alerts for Over 100 Million in U.S.

As brutal, extended heat waves bring record temperatures across the United States and put millions of residents at risk of heat stroke and death, the government has launched a website aiming to support heat resilience amid a climate crisis.

The global slowdown in human activity that occurred during the pandemic left some species healing and others hurting badly—a pattern offering complex and nuanced lessons about humanity’s impact on wildlife, say ecologists.

Pandemic ‘Anthropause’ Both Healed and Hurt Nature, Scientists Find

The global slowdown in human activity that occurred during the pandemic left some species healing and others hurting badly—a pattern offering complex and nuanced lessons about humanity’s impact on wildlife, say ecologists.

With Canada lagging far behind Europe and the United Kingdom in tackling carbon pollution from aviation, the country’s upcoming 10-year climate plan for the sector must be developed with public input and enforce a 30% emissions reduction target by 2030, climate advocates say.

Canada Needs Firm 2030 Target for Aviation Emissions, Advocates Tell Ottawa [Sign-on]

With Canada lagging far behind Europe and the United Kingdom in tackling carbon pollution from aviation, the country’s upcoming 10-year climate plan for the sector must be developed with public input and enforce a 30% emissions reduction target by 2030, climate advocates say.

With the Canada Energy Regulator still months away from completing its next projection of the country’s future oil and gas production, climate policy watchers are cautiously optimistic that the analysis will chart a real course for a low-carbon future—and rooting for the CER to get its modelling right.

‘Watchful Optimism’ from Climate Analysts as Canada Energy Regulator Plots Net-Zero Future

With the Canada Energy Regulator still months away from completing its next projection of the country’s future oil and gas production, climate policy watchers are cautiously optimistic that the analysis will chart a real course for a low-carbon future—and rooting for the CER to get its modelling right.

A new survey reveals that less than half of U.S. utility companies are taking steps to reduce emissions, despite roughly 90% citing that activity as a high or moderate priority.

Less Than Half of U.S. Utilities Making Good on Decarbonization Promises: Survey

A new survey reveals that less than half of U.S. utility companies are taking steps to reduce emissions, despite roughly 90% citing that activity as a high or moderate priority.

Rebuffing the still widespread narrative that natural gas is a “bridge” fuel, a team of German energy economists is warning that the massive global expansion of gas infrastructure now under way puts both climate mitigation efforts and the transition to renewable energy at risk.

Global Gas Expansion Endangers Climate Targets, Renewables Transition

Rebuffing the still widespread narrative that natural gas is a “bridge” fuel, a team of German energy economists is warning that the massive global expansion of gas infrastructure now under way puts both climate mitigation efforts and the transition to renewable energy at risk.

Vancouver City Council voted 6-5 late Wednesday afternoon to help fund a class action lawsuit to hold the world’s biggest fossil companies responsible for their local climate impacts, in what West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL) is hailing as a “historic win”.

BREAKING: Vancouver Votes to Fund Lawsuit Against Big Oil

Vancouver City Council voted 6-5 late Wednesday afternoon to help fund a class action lawsuit to hold the world’s biggest fossil companies responsible for their local climate impacts, in what West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL) is hailing as a “historic win”.

Parliament Buildings Ottawa Centre Block

‘Devil in the Details’ as Ottawa Releases Options for Oil and Gas Emissions Cap

An initial proposal for an oil and gas emissions cap that is a cornerstone of Canada’s 2030 climate strategy is generating glimmers of hope but early skepticism on all sides, after Environment and Climate Minister Steven Guilbeault opened public consultations on the plan earlier this week.

Britain’s High Court has declared the country’s net-zero emissions strategy “unlawful”, capping a successful court challenge by Friends of the Earth UK, environmental law charity ClientEarth, and the Good Law Project.

‘Huge Political Embarrassment’ as High Court Declares UK’s Net-Zero Target Unlawful

Britain’s High Court has declared the country’s net-zero emissions strategy “unlawful”, capping a successful court challenge by Friends of the Earth UK, environmental law charity ClientEarth, and the Good Law Project.

Rising clean energy investments and an expanding offshore wind sector are pointing toward a new renewable energy boom in India, as the falling cost of clean technologies paired with the global energy crisis siphons investment away from fossil fuels.

India Sees Renewables Boom Amid Global Energy Crisis

Rising clean energy investments and an expanding offshore wind sector are pointing toward a new renewable energy boom in India, as the falling cost of clean technologies paired with the global energy crisis siphons investment away from fossil fuels.

A detailed carbon reduction roadmap for agriculture will have to compete with a menu of other farm sector priorities at a high-level meeting in Saskatoon this week, as federal, provincial, and territorial ministers hash out the details of Canada’s next Agriculture Policy Framework (APF).

Carbon Roadmap for Agriculture May Face Uphill Fight at Federal-Provincial Ministers’ Meeting

A detailed carbon reduction roadmap for agriculture will have to compete with a menu of other farm sector priorities at a high-level meeting in Saskatoon this week, as federal, provincial, and territorial ministers hash out the details of Canada’s next Agriculture Policy Framework (APF).

The United States’ largest public utility has issued a request for 5,000 megawatts of carbon-free energy before 2029—weeks after it was directed to reconsider plans for converting a retiring coal plant to a natural gas facility.

U.S. Utility Seeks Suppliers for 5,000 Megawatts of Carbon-Free Power

The United States’ largest public utility has issued a request for 5,000 megawatts of carbon-free energy before 2029—weeks after it was directed to reconsider plans for converting a retiring coal plant to a natural gas facility.

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is urging its member states to support the Escazú Agreement following the release of its final report last month, though some say there’s a lack of political will to implement the world’s first legally binding instrument to include provisions on environmental human rights defenders.

Indigenous Leaders Point to Inaction on Escazú Agreement as UN Urges Signing

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is urging its member states to support the Escazú Agreement following the release of its final report last month, though some say there’s a lack of political will to implement the world’s first legally binding instrument to include provisions on environmental human rights defenders.

Fossil fuel burning by the United States, China, Russia, India, and Brazil caused more than US$6 trillion in economic harm to other countries between 1990 and 2014, according to a study team that set out to lift the “veil of deniability” that has shielded big emitters from “climate liability and national accountability” for their actions.

$6 TRILLION CLIMATE DEBT: U.S., 4 Other Big Emitters Could Face Litigation for Harm to Other Countries

Fossil fuel burning by the United States, China, Russia, India, and Brazil caused more than US$6 trillion in economic harm to other countries between 1990 and 2014, according to a study team that set out to lift the “veil of deniability” that has shielded big emitters from “climate liability and national accountability” for their actions.

In what CNN is calling a “rare move”, more than 200 U.S. congressional staffers have written to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer demanding fast action on climate change and clean energy.

U.S. Congressional Staffers Push Pelosi, Schumer for Fast Climate Action

In what CNN is calling a “rare move”, more than 200 U.S. congressional staffers have written to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer demanding fast action on climate change and clean energy.

An organization representing eight Mi'kmaq groups in New Brunswick is joining a court challenge to the federal government's approval of a new offshore oil project in Newfoundland.

New Brunswick Mi’kmaq Communities Join Legal Fight Against Bay du Nord

An organization representing eight Mi’kmaq groups in New Brunswick is joining a court challenge to the federal government’s approval of a new offshore oil project in Newfoundland.

Lake Michigan’s shoreline communities face “toxic risks,” says a new report, as extreme weather threatens to damage waste storage sites, nuclear power plants, and industrial facilities in the area.

Hazardous Waste Sites on Lake Michigan Shores Face Climate Threats, Report Warns

Lake Michigan’s shoreline communities face “toxic risks,” says a new report, as extreme weather threatens to damage waste storage sites, nuclear power plants, and industrial facilities in the area.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icebreaker

Sea Ice Melt Creates Legal Questions, ‘No Good News’ for Arctic Shipping Routes

Controversy over shipping routes in the Arctic Ocean is intensifying in light of recent climate science projections of sea ice melt.

Boris Johnson’s imminent departure as British Prime Minister is raising concern that the country will soon begin backsliding on its climate and nature commitments—even if those commitments consisted primarily of grand gestures, with relatively little practical action to back them up.

UK Climate Action Could Wane After Johnson Resigns as PM

Boris Johnson’s imminent departure as British Prime Minister is raising concern that the country will soon begin backsliding on its climate and nature commitments—even if those commitments consisted primarily of grand gestures, with relatively little practical action to back them up.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

Michigan Regulator Probes Safety Risks of Line 5 Pipeline Tunnel

A Michigan regulatory panel said Thursday it needs more information about safety risks before it can rule on Calgary-based Enbridge Energy’s plan to extend the Line 5 pipeline through a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The state Public Service Commission voted 3-0 to seek further details about the potential for explosions and fires involving […]

With extreme heat continuing to feed an increasing number of wildfires in northern Canada, Yukon authorities say some residents must prepare to evacuate within two hours of notification, while in the Northwest Territories a government with stretched resources has asked locals to do their part to prevent unnecessary fires.

Wildfires Torch Parts of Northern Canada Triggering Smoke, Evacuation Alerts

With extreme heat continuing to feed an increasing number of wildfires in northern Canada, Yukon authorities say some residents must prepare to evacuate within two hours of notification, while in the Northwest Territories a government with stretched resources has asked locals to do their part to prevent unnecessary fires.

A slow and steady approach to community consultation is opening the door to car-free cities in Europe, turning many urban dwellers’ initial, visceral resistance to the idea into support.

In ‘Car-Free’ European Cities, Residents’ Qualms Turns to Support

A slow and steady approach to community consultation is opening the door to car-free cities in Europe, turning many urban dwellers’ initial, visceral resistance to the idea into support.

Two of Canada’s most influential cities stepped up this week with serious action on the climate emergency, with Calgary adopting a new emissions reduction strategy that includes a 2050 net-zero target and Ottawa endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Calgary Adopts Net-Zero Climate Strategy, Ottawa Endorses Fossil Non-Proliferation Treaty

Two of Canada’s most influential cities stepped up this week with serious action on the climate emergency, with Calgary adopting a new emissions reduction strategy that includes a 2050 net-zero target and Ottawa endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The European Parliament looks likely to face legal challenges after voting yesterday to temporarily include natural gas and nuclear energy in its “taxonomy” of green energy technologies, potentially triggering billions of Euros in green investment for the two technologies.

EU Adds Gas, Nuclear to Green Finance Taxonomy, Reversing Earlier Vote

The European Parliament looks likely to face legal challenges after voting yesterday to temporarily include natural gas and nuclear energy in its “taxonomy” of green energy technologies, potentially triggering billions of Euros in green investment for the two technologies.

Australia's new government is putting climate change at the top of its legislative agenda when Parliament sits later this month for the first time since the May 21 election, with bills to enshrine a cut in greenhouse gas emissions and make electric cars cheaper, a minister said last Wednesday.

Australia’s New Government Plans Legislated Emissions Cut, EV Incentives

Australia’s new government is putting climate change at the top of its legislative agenda when Parliament sits later this month for the first time since the May 21 election, with bills to enshrine a cut in greenhouse gas emissions and make electric cars cheaper, a minister said last Wednesday.

(Part 2 of a series) In the wake of last week’s Supreme Court decision limiting government regulation of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, climate analysts and campaigners are now turning to other legislative options, state and city governments, market forces, and ultimately the ballot box for solutions.

U.S. Looks to Other Options After Supreme Court Undercuts EPA Carbon Rules

(Part 2 of a series) In the wake of last week’s Supreme Court decision limiting government regulation of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, climate analysts and campaigners are now turning to other legislative options, state and city governments, market forces, and ultimately the ballot box for solutions.

power pylons sunrise grid

California Weighs Fossil-Fuelled Electricity to Confront Climate-Driven Heat Waves

Looking to avoid power blackouts, California may turn to the one energy source it’s otherwise desperate to get rid of: fossil fuels.

As utilities and municipalities rush to conserve water so that no one is left thirsty, the Chicago-based Alliance of Water Efficiency is reminding policy-makers and the public that saving water also means saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Conserving Water Saves Energy, Cuts Emissions, U.S. Utilities Find

As utilities and municipalities rush to conserve water so that no one is left thirsty, the Chicago-based Alliance of Water Efficiency is reminding policy-makers and the public that saving water also means saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

A deeply radical ruling Thursday by the United States Supreme Court has set back but not ended efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from the country’s fossil-fuelled power plants.

‘Climate Math Gets Harder’ as Radicalized Supreme Court Upends U.S. Carbon Regulation

A deeply radical ruling Thursday by the United States Supreme Court has set back but not ended efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from the country’s fossil-fuelled power plants.

The 53 migrants who died from heat exhaustion in Texas after being abandoned in a sweltering tractor-trailer in 100°F heat were victims of vicious smugglers, inhumane laws, dire conditions at home, and a climate crisis that continues to pick off the world’s most vulnerable first.

Dire Living Conditions, Climate-Driven Heat Wave Produce Deadliest Human Smuggling Event in U.S. History

The 53 migrants who died from heat exhaustion in Texas after being abandoned in a sweltering tractor-trailer in 100°F heat were victims of vicious smugglers, inhumane laws, dire conditions at home, and a climate crisis that continues to pick off the world’s most vulnerable first.

The European Court of Human Rights said Thursday that a complaint against 33 countries filed by six young Portuguese climate activists will be examined by the tribunal's top panel of judges, a move reflecting the case's legal significance.

Youth Climate Case Moves to Top Tribunal in European Court

The European Court of Human Rights said Thursday that a complaint against 33 countries filed by six young Portuguese climate activists will be examined by the tribunal’s top panel of judges, a move reflecting the case’s legal significance.

As early spring heat, increasingly dry summers, and high demand for water drain rivers and aquifers, municipalities across southern Quebec are sounding the alarm on what they know will be a long-term problem they currently have neither the data nor the tax base to resolve.

Southern Quebec Towns Scramble for Solutions as Water Sources Dwindle

As early spring heat, increasingly dry summers, and high demand for water drain rivers and aquifers, municipalities across southern Quebec are sounding the alarm on what they know will be a long-term problem they currently have neither the data nor the tax base to resolve.

Marine stewardship, better methane management, and increased recycling figure prominently in Project Drawdown’s latest update on its already vast array of available, scalable, and financially viable climate solutions.

Marine Stewardship Figures Prominently in Latest Project Drawdown List

Marine stewardship, better methane management, and increased recycling figure prominently in Project Drawdown’s latest update on its already vast array of available, scalable, and financially viable climate solutions.

London Eye UK England

London Becomes Biggest City to Sign Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

London has become the biggest city so far to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty—a signal that experts say must be matched by action in the United Kingdom capital, where the London Stock Exchange (LSE) holds gigatonnes of embedded carbon emissions in listed companies.

The federal government is delaying new greenhouse gas emissions standards on gasoline and diesel by another year but will demand the oil and gas sector make bigger cuts to fuel emissions by 2030 given how much more money the companies are now making.

Ottawa Demands Deeper Fuel Emissions Cuts, Offers Fossils a Double-Dip on Tax Breaks

The federal government is delaying new greenhouse gas emissions standards on gasoline and diesel by another year but will demand the oil and gas sector make bigger cuts to fuel emissions by 2030 given how much more money the companies are now making.

Less than a year after Petaluma, California, became the first city in the world to ban new gas stations, four others have passed similar policies, and at least six more are working on it, including the infamously car-centric Los Angeles—and the British Columbia town of Comox.

Comox Joins Municipalities Seeking Ban on New Gas Stations

Less than a year after Petaluma, California, became the first city in the world to ban new gas stations, four others have passed similar policies, and at least six more are working on it, including the infamously car-centric Los Angeles—and the British Columbia town of Comox.

While global spending on agriculture has increased, critical support to help the sector build resilience and reduce emissions has decreased, an international agency concludes, even though effective policies are vital to avert a global disaster as food supplies are threatened by climate disasters and the war in Ukraine.

Refocus Agriculture Spending to Cut Emissions, Boost Productivity, OECD Urges Governments

While global spending on agriculture has increased, critical support to help the sector build resilience and reduce emissions has decreased, an international agency concludes, even though effective policies are vital to avert a global disaster as food supplies are threatened by climate disasters and the war in Ukraine.

Public vigilance will be vital to preserving the well-being of the world’s greenbelts, which are needed more than ever but increasingly under threat, says a new report produced by the Ontario-based Greenbelt Foundation.

Public Vigilance Key to Protecting Greenbelts for Climate Resilience, Report Finds

Public vigilance will be vital to preserving the well-being of the world’s greenbelts, which are needed more than ever but increasingly under threat, says a new report produced by the Ontario-based Greenbelt Foundation.

With the United States Supreme Court widely expected to turn its ideological wrecking ball on the country’s greenhouse gas emission controls, a group of climate scientists is pitching a new approach to regulating carbon as a toxic substance.

U.S. Supreme Court Expected to Gut Emission Controls as Climate Scientists Petition for Plan B

With the United States Supreme Court widely expected to turn its ideological wrecking ball on the country’s greenhouse gas emission controls, a group of climate scientists is pitching a new approach to regulating carbon as a toxic substance.

Canada has inched closer to passing its first-ever on environmental racism, after a private member’s bill passed second reading in the House of Commons last week.

Environmental Racism Bill Passes Second Reading in House of Commons

Canada has inched closer to passing its first-ever on environmental racism, after a private member’s bill passed second reading in the House of Commons last week.

The sudden rise in fertilizer prices since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could have implications for global emissions by reducing how much of it farmers use in their fields. But experts say there’s more to the picture, with non-monetary variables like human capital making a big impact on farming decisions.

Soaring Fertilizer Prices Could Deliver ‘Silver Lining’ for Emissions, But Farmers Struggle to Limit Use

The sudden rise in fertilizer prices since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could have implications for global emissions by reducing how much of it farmers use in their fields. But experts say there’s more to the picture, with non-monetary variables like human capital making a big impact on farming decisions.

Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first elected leftist president, will take office in August with ambitious proposals to halt the record-high rates of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.

Colombia’s President-Elect Has ‘Ambitious’ Plans to Halt Amazon Deforestation

Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first elected leftist president, will take office in August with ambitious proposals to halt the record-high rates of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.

As spiking inflation converges with an unequal post-pandemic recovery and an ever-escalating climate crisis, economists warn of widespread public pessimism about the future that is rapidly curdling into violent despair, especially among young men in many of the world’s poorer countries.

Pandemic Drives Up Support for Climate Action, Pessimism About Elected Leaders

As spiking inflation converges with an unequal post-pandemic recovery and an ever-escalating climate crisis, economists warn of widespread public pessimism about the future that is rapidly curdling into violent despair, especially among young men in many of the world’s poorer countries.

Ottawa is poised to release a new 10-year action plan to reduce aviation emissions—but the document has been crafted in close consultation with the industry, with zero public input planned, according to a recent op-ed.

No Public Input as Canada Finalizes Climate Plan for Airlines

Ottawa is poised to release a new 10-year action plan to reduce aviation emissions—but the document has been crafted in close consultation with the industry, with zero public input planned, according to a recent op-ed.

In a shifting landscape of climate policies in Vietnam—as indicated by the recent arrest of anti-coal activist Nguy Thi Khanh—Japanese and Korean lobbyists are seizing the moment to push gas infrastructure into the country’s energy planning.

Japan, Korea Sell Vietnam on Gas Amid Crackdown on Climate Activists

In a shifting landscape of climate policies in Vietnam—as indicated by the recent arrest of anti-coal activist Nguy Thi Khanh—Japanese and Korean lobbyists are seizing the moment to push gas infrastructure into the country’s energy planning.

There’s a categorical difference between the raw materials of the clean energy economy and those from fossil fuels, writes Canary Media. But to be considered truly sustainable, renewable industries need to restructure to allow their products to be recycled at the end of their lives.

U.S. Renewables Industries Scramble to Reuse, Recycle Before Waste Volumes Skyrocket

There’s a categorical difference between the raw materials of the clean energy economy and those from fossil fuels, writes Canary Media. But to be considered truly sustainable, renewable industries need to restructure to allow their products to be recycled at the end of their lives.

A scathing budget analysis and a new lawsuit alleging police harassment produced a day of bad news Wednesday for the Trans Mountain and Coastal GasLink pipelines in British Columbia.

Trans Mountain Pipeline On Track to Lose $600 Million, Parliamentary Budget Officer Finds

A scathing budget analysis and a new lawsuit alleging police harassment produced a day of bad news Wednesday for the Trans Mountain and Coastal GasLink pipelines in British Columbia.