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
Are we entering the golden age of geothermal energy?
Summary
Geothermal energy is mostly utilized to heat swimming pools, buildings, greenhouses, and urban heating systems across the globe. Boreholes up to 5,000 meters deep are used to pump water with temperatures reaching 200 degrees Celsius. The heat is subsequently extracted, and the cooled water is reintroduced through a second hole. This technique of capturing heat is viable globally, affordable, and becoming more popular in places with little volcanic activity. According to Renewables Global Status Report estimates, the installed capacity of geothermal heat plants globally is presently 38 gigawatts — more than twice the capacity of geothermal power plants that produce electricity. China (14 GW), Turkey (3 GW), Iceland (2 GW), and Japan (2 GW) are now the leaders in generating deep geothermal energy, which is heating an increasing number of metropolitan areas and greenhouses. Six German research organizations found that producing heat with deep geothermal energy costs less than three euro cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). Prior to Russia's invasion on Ukraine, several municipal utilities in Europe could produce heat at a lower cost than this. However, since Russia's invasion, dramatic increases in gas prices have increased that cost to more than 12 cents per kWh, making geothermal options more appealing.
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
November 6, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
New research suggests that allowing rainforests to regrow naturally could store significant carbon while restoring biodiversity. The study, published in *Nature*, estimates that 8
November 3, 2024
Human Health
Human Health
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., if given influence over health policy under a Trump administration, could advance certain bipartisan health reforms. His ideas, such as capping drug prices,
November 2, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
November 1, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
October 31, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
October 30, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
October 30, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
Footprint Project, a New Orleans-based nonprofit, is using solar-powered microgrids to replace traditional gas and diesel generators in disaster relief, aiming to cut emissions an
October 30, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
October 28, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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