Director's Picks Category

President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees signal a sharp turn toward fossil fuel expansion and climate deregulation. Key figures, including fracking executive Chris Wright f

A new study reveals that air pollution from wildfires causes 1.5 million deaths annually, with over 90% of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries, particularly i

Community Church Atlanta transformed its Vicars Community Center into the city's first community-owned resilience hub, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Equipped with

COP29 approved controversial rules for international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enabling countries to trade emissions reductions. Critics argue the gui

COP29 concluded in Baku with a contentious climate finance agreement that left many nations dissatisfied. The deal commits wealthy countries to lead efforts to triple climate aid

At COP29 in Baku, countries are advancing efforts to fund "loss and damage" payments, compensating low-income nations disproportionately affected by climate change. Cyclone Freddy

The U.S. Department of Energy finalized an agreement to allocate $1.2 billion for the development of a clean hydrogen hub in Houston, part of the Biden administration's initiative

A new analysis by Climate Central reveals that human-caused climate change intensified all 11 Atlantic hurricanes of 2024, increasing wind speeds by 9 to 28 mph. This boost elevat

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) completed a $1 billion initiative to retrofit affordable housing, making properties more energy-efficient and climate-re

Activists from 40 countries gathered in Oaxaca, Mexico, for the Global Meeting for Climate and Life, or "anti-COP," as an alternative to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Frustrated with

At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, nations face challenges in meeting the $1 trillion annual climate finance needed for low-income countries to address climate change. Donald Trump’s

Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels are projected to rise by 0.8% in 2024, reaching 41.2 billion tons, according to the Global Carbon Project. This increase exacerba

As COP29 highlights the need for climate finance, experts emphasize a shift toward evidence-based metrics to maximize the impact of climate funding. A recent Environmental Defense

COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, faces major challenges with the recent U.S. election of Donald Trump and global economic strain. Key issues include setting a new climate aid goal, as d

A recent analysis reveals that emissions from private jet travel rose 50% from 2019 to 2023, driven by increased use of jets for short trips, some under 50 kilometers. Tracking

New research suggests that allowing rainforests to regrow naturally could store significant carbon while restoring biodiversity. The study, published in *Nature*, estimates that 8

Hurricanes not only cause physical destruction but also fuel disease outbreaks, as shown in recent studies on post-storm health impacts in the U.S. and Caribbean. Floodwaters from

Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, has launched its Liberty Solar project near Houston, Texas, with operations beginning on October 31, 2024. Located in Liberty Cou

San Francisco’s Proposition K, set for a vote on November 5, seeks to close a 2-mile section of the Great Highway to cars, converting it into a park and recreation area. Supporter

The Biden-Harris administration has allocated $15.3 million to American Climate Corps projects in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing gre

Florida’s escalating home insurance crisis, compounded by repeated hurricanes, has left many residents contemplating leaving the state. With average premiums topping $10,000 annua

The Biden-Harris administration has allocated over $7.4 million to Texas ports under the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, part of a $3 billion national investment targeting zero-emissio

Bobbi Jo Chavarria, the newly appointed acting director of Sierra Club California, faces the challenge of uniting a divided membership amid pressing environmental issues. While

Grist highlights the economic benefits businesses can gain by installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, which attract customers during charging periods, increasing sales

This article explores the challenges faced by vulnerable communities who cannot afford to evacuate during hurricanes, as exemplified by the experiences of residents affected by Hu

A global study conducted by the University of Nottingham found that while many people, including those in climate-vulnerable regions, recognize social and economic injustices rela

Two UN committees have found Finland in violation of Sámi rights by granting mineral exploration permits in Sámi homelands without proper consent or impact assessments. The Sámi p

A World Resources Institute (WRI) report reveals that 25% of global crops are grown in areas facing significant water stress or unreliability, threatening food security.

In Washington’s Marckworth State Forest, conservationists are experimenting with “assisted migration” by planting trees from warmer, drier regions to build resilience against clim

Amy Stelly, a third-generation resident of New Orleans’ Treme neighborhood, is leading the fight to dismantle the Claiborne Expressway, a highway that devastated a thriving Black

Thousands of aging dams across the U.S. face uncertain futures due to increasing flood risks from climate change and costly repairs. In Wisconsin's Vernon County, local officials

California’s 2014 plastic bag ban unintentionally led to increased plastic waste due to a loophole allowing thicker "reusable" plastic bags. Though aimed at reducing single-use

In 2024, Houston has experienced 116 unauthorized air pollution events, with nearly half related to flaring from industrial facilities. These events, occurring every 2.5 days

Hurricane Milton struck Florida just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, exacerbating the state's recovery efforts. Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, causing widespread

A new study from Princeton University advocates for coal plant retirement strategies that prioritize climate and environmental equity, rather than just minimizing costs.

An analysis reveals how Texas’ once-thorough air pollution monitoring team has been significantly weakened since the fracking boom. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s

Hurricane Helene's estimated damage cost has skyrocketed to $225-250 billion, making it one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history. The destruction spans from Florida to Tennesse

The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, Maine, received $7.5 million from the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to develop a distributed microgrid. This

This article explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding "managed retreat," where local governments offer buyouts to residents in climate-vulnerable areas. While some communities

Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has updated its MiEJScreen tool, which maps how environmental contamination intersects with health

Germany has equipped over 550,000 apartments with balcony solar systems, known as “balkonkraftwerk”, providing renters an accessible way to generate renewable energy.

Nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent but often overlooked greenhouse gas, has drawn increased attention as global efforts to combat climate change intensify.

The EPA has awarded $53 million in grants to 133 community groups to monitor air quality in underserved areas, aiming to address gaps in air monitoring.

Following the tragic death of 12-year-old Yahushua Robinson during an extreme heatwave, California has enacted a new law aimed at protecting students from extreme weather.

A new study examines how neighborhood perceptions influence gentrification, focusing on Houston's Northside, a predominantly Latino neighborhood.

Over the past 20 years, microplastics have been found in virtually every ecosystem, including the human body, with growing concerns about their potential harm.

Researchers at Emory University are mapping tick populations in Georgia as rising temperatures, driven by climate change, expand the range of ticks like the lone star tick.

New research published in *Earth’s Future* reveals that most U.S. cities have avoided building in floodplains since 2001, contradicting common assumptions about risky development.

Hurricane Francine, which hit Southern Louisiana on September 11, 2024, caused substantial damage, with initial estimates of $9 billion.

Despite the growing use of data-driven tools for environmental justice, these often fail to address the conditions in U.S. prisons.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved a $72.8 million loan guarantee to fund a solar and long-duration energy storage (LDES) microgrid project for the Viejas Band of Ku

This article explores the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on Houston, which resulted in widespread power outages and a severe heatwave, leaving two-thirds of homes without

South America is experiencing its worst wildfire season in nearly two decades, driven by severe drought and climate change.

Hurricane Francine hit southern Louisiana with 100 mph winds, highlighting the growing danger of storm surges worsened by climate change, sea level rise, and subsidence (land sink

A new initiative, the Green Bank for Rural America, will distribute $500 million from the Environmental Protection Agency to local lenders in Appalachia, supporting projects like

As extreme heat intensifies due to climate change, many low-income households, particularly in communities of color, are facing "energy poverty"—the inability to afford basic

Houston City Council will vote on an amendment to remove the requirement for developers of single-family homes to build sidewalks or pay a fee-in-lieu.

Texas has overtaken California as the leading state for utility-scale solar power capacity, reaching 21.9 gigawatts in the second quarter of 2024, according to the American Clean

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) has launched the Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx) to assist global efforts in addressing air pollution.

A global study led by Helmholtz Munich reveals that health risks from air pollution have remained high, despite reduced levels of pollutants like PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 from 1995 to

African nations are losing up to 5% of their GDP due to the impacts of climate change, according to Simon Stiell, UNFCCC's Executive Secretary.

A new study published in Nature reveals that the world produces 57 million tons of plastic pollution annually, with over two-thirds originating from the Global South.

Four years after Hurricanes Laura and Delta hit Lake Charles, Louisiana, thousands of residents remain displaced, raising concerns about the U.S. Census' ability to track populati

A report from Oil Change International (OCI) reveals that the U.S. has spent over $12 billion in subsidies on unproven climate solutions like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and

Two years after the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law, a report by the Rocky Mountain Institute reveals that states are underutilizing the available federal fundin

Following Hurricane Beryl, Houston's response to the ensuing heat crisis was critically slow, particularly in vulnerable communities of color.

As climate change drives more extreme heat waves across the U.S., prisoners in states with traditionally milder climates are now facing life-threatening conditions similar to

As extreme heat becomes more frequent and intense, those living alone are at greater risk of heat-related death, particularly in U.S. cities.

Caribbean nations, heavily impacted by climate change-induced disasters, are turning to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold big polluters accountable.

A recent study published in Science analyzed 1,500 climate policies across 41 countries, revealing that while carbon pricing is effective in reducing emissions, combining multiple

This report emphasizes the urgent need for policymakers to address the growing risks that extreme heat poses to older adults.

Farmers worldwide are increasingly adopting biochar, a technique that converts waste biomass into a form of charcoal that can sequester carbon for thousands of years.

As global emissions continue to rise, direct air capture (DAC) technology is gaining momentum as a potential solution to slow climate change.

On August 10, Suzanne Murdock, a Cypress resident, joined over 100 volunteers in Texas' largest community-led heat-mapping campaign to identify extreme heat spots in Harris County

Amid a summer of intense heat waves, a new poll reveals that while many Americans can recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses, the majority are unaware of local cooling stati

Dr. Prathyush Sambaturu from Oxford’s Department of Biology highlights the urgent need to address the complex interplay between climate change, migration, and infectious diseases.

Amid growing concerns over extreme heat, some experts are advocating for naming heat waves to raise public awareness, similar to hurricanes.

On the island of Molokaʻi, a community-driven initiative is spearheading a transition to solar energy, reducing reliance on expensive, unreliable fossil fuels.

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., has overturned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) approval of two major liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plants

The California Legislature has passed Senate Bill 674, the Refinery Pollution Reduction and Transparency Act, which is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.

Texas is facing an unprecedented number of natural disasters in 2024, with 16 events already causing over $1 billion in damages each, matching the total from 2023.

Texas' power grid, managed by ERCOT, is projected to reach near-record energy demand due to extreme heat, raising concerns about potential blackouts.

Renters are disproportionately affected by climate disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, often facing longer displacement and inadequate support compared to homeowners.

The carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, long supported by oil companies and conservative leaders in Canada, is now facing opposition from right-wing groups like Canada Pr

A report by Air Alliance Houston reveals that three facilities—ExxonMobil's Baytown complex, LyondellBasell Industries' Channelview complex, and Chevron Phillips Chemical's Cedar

New research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference indicates that wildfire smoke poses a greater risk to brain health compared to other air pollutants.

A United Nations report reveals that one in 11 people globally experienced hunger last year, with one in three struggling to afford a healthy diet.

A new study highlights that the push for renewable energy could exacerbate socioeconomic disparities for Indigenous communities unless Western science and settler colonialism issu

After a levee failure flooded Pajaro, California, a predominantly immigrant community, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) has been instrumental in a

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is allocating nearly $220 million, with an additional $66 million for future funding, to support 32 habitat restoration

Farmers in South Texas are struggling with extreme heat and drought, forcing many to reduce their farmed acres and shift to drought-tolerant crops.

Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm, has exacerbated food insecurity in southeastern Texas and beyond.

Cities are increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat due to the urban heat-island effect, which exacerbates temperatures with heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt.

The National Young Farmers Coalition’s Michelle Hughes discusses the shortcomings of the 2024 Farm Bill in a conversation with Ray Levy Uyeda.

Brent McNiel's home in Richmond, Texas, remained powered during Hurricane Beryl thanks to his solar and battery system from Sunrun Solar.

CenterPoint Energy spent significantly less on tree maintenance compared to other utilities serving Greater Houston.

FEMA is revising its disaster rules to incorporate climate change impacts when rebuilding after floods.

Carlos Claussell Velez discusses the significant impact of trees in mitigating the effects of urban heat islands, particularly during heat waves.

Timet’s new titanium production facility in Ravenswood, West Virginia, will be the first industrial plant in the U.S. powered by a solar microgrid.

Aging water infrastructure in Texas's major cities is leading to significant water loss, with approximately 88 billion gallons wasted in the past year.