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
Zombie Wells, Part 1: Texas Oil Wells Are Leaking Toxic Waste, and No One Wants to Pay to Clean It
Legacy oil wells in Texas have reanimated, causing environmental concerns and spewing toxic mixtures of crude oil, salty water, and methane from decades-old wells. These unplugged wells, known as "zombie wells," are emitting noxious fumes and climate-warming gases, poisoning groundwater aquifers, and posing environmental hazards. While there is no precise count of leaking wells, estimates suggest there could be around 500,000 plugged wells leaking nationwide. In addition, the nation is grappling with over 120,000 orphaned wells with no responsible owner, and many more undocumented wells are yet to be discovered. Addressing this costly problem requires federal funds, and the Biden administration has allocated $25 million to plug 800 wells in Texas. However, plugging wells is becoming more expensive, and the total number of unplugged wells remains a significant concern for climate change.
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
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
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,
In the recent U.S. elections, voters in five states passed significant environmental ballot initiatives, allocating billions for climate resilience and conservation. Minnesota vot
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
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,
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
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
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