November 15, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
Addressing Orphan Wells for Environmental Justice
Summary
Orphan oil and gas wells, often abandoned without a responsible owner, pose environmental and health risks, particularly in communities historically impacted by fossil fuel production. These wells release harmful pollutants like methane, exacerbating air and water pollution and contributing to climate change. A growing initiative seeks to repurpose remediated well sites into parks and green spaces, providing environmental justice and addressing the lack of accessible recreational areas in underserved neighborhoods. Such transformations align with a "just transition," focusing on the communities most affected by fossil fuel decline. However, challenges like high remediation costs, land-use conflicts, and funding constraints complicate efforts. Advocates emphasize the long-term social and environmental benefits of converting these sites, urging public-private partnerships and equitable planning to transform hazardous spaces into community assets.
At COP29, the Biden administration announced plans to triple U.S. nuclear power capacity by 2050, aiming to add 200 gigawatts through large reactors and smaller modular facilities
Rice University's EcoStudio and R-STEM program received a $500,000 grant from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to expand its environmental justice edu
November 13, 2024
Human Health
Human Health
Betsy McCaughey outlines a five-point health policy agenda for President-elect Donald Trump. Key items include promoting healthy eating to combat chronic diseases, addressing inef
November 12, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
November 12, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
November 12, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Lee Zeldin, former Republican congressman from New York, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Known for his loyalty
Federal hydrogen hubs funded under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aim to decarbonize heavy industries, but communities near proposed sites criticize the Department of Ener
Orphan oil and gas wells, often abandoned without a responsible owner, pose environmental and health risks, particularly in communities historically impacted by fossil fuel produc
November 8, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
November 8, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
Key utility commission elections in Arizona, Montana, and Louisiana saw Republican victories, which could influence each state's approach to clean energy. In Arizona, a Republican
November 8, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
November 7, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
Despite Donald Trump’s plans to re-exit the Paris Climate Accord, the renewable energy movement appears resilient. Wind and solar power, now the cheapest energy sources worldwide,
November 7, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
In the recent U.S. elections, voters in five states passed significant environmental ballot initiatives, allocating billions for climate resilience and conservation. Minnesota vot
November 7, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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