February 28, 2025
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
Yale Climate Connections’ bookshelf for February begins with a title that beautifully captures the mission of climate activism during Black History Month
World’s Climate Fight Needs Fundamental Reform, UN Expert Says: ‘Some States Are Not Acting in Good Faith’
Summary
UN Special Rapporteur Elisa Morgera has called for fundamental reforms to the global climate regime, criticizing the current system as ineffective and dominated by misinformation and bad-faith actors. She highlighted the exclusion of Indigenous voices, civil society, and evidence-based solutions from UN climate summits (COPs) while powerful states and corporate lobbyists drive self-serving agendas. Morgera argued that the process overlooks systemic inequalities and prioritizes controversial measures like carbon markets, which lack transparency and proven effectiveness. With the 2024 record-breaking heatwaves and devastating climate events, calls for accountability have intensified. Morgera emphasized the urgent need for fair and legally binding climate actions, particularly as wealthier nations resist transformative change. She underscored the stakes, citing the worsening impacts on vulnerable nations like Vanuatu, which face dire consequences despite minimal contributions to climate change.
Following President Donald Trump’s day-one Executive Orders, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced 31 actions to deregulate the agency.
March 11, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
According to the National Resources Defense Council, states on the East and West coasts are doing a better job than the rest of the country in cutting emissions...
March 10, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
The U.S. Treasury Department has formally pulled out of the International Climate Loss and Damage Fund.
March 10, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Space is becoming more littered. That’s the headline coming from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Two members of Congress are working together to end a popular tax incentive. Reps. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) announced efforts to repeal 45Q.
March 10, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Women and girls are more likely to suffer the health consequences of environmental issues like floods, droughts, and air pollution, but they are largely underrepresented...
March 7th marked the 60th anniversary of the infamous civil rights march that would later be named “Bloody Sunday”.
March 7, 2025
Education
Education
Dismantling of Education Department puts future of trillions of dollars in student loans in question
As President Donald Trump prepares to order the dismantling of the Department of Education, the financial arm of the agency – which makes loans directly to borrowers...
March 7, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recalled dozens of environmental justice staffers who were previously placed on administrative leave under the Trump...
March 7, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
The Trump administration has dismantled the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) authority over the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)...
March 6, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A recent cancer rate assessment has identified a 250-square-mile area along the San Jacinto River in Texas, including the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site...
Rising energy demand, fueled by artificial intelligence, data centers, and electrification, has intensified debates over the future of U.S. energy policy.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case that could establish the country’s first independent nuclear waste storage facility in West Texas, despite strong opposition from state
March 5, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The U.S. State Department has ended its global air quality monitoring program, which used sensors at over 80 embassies and consulates to track pollution levels in countries...