by Gerson Freitas Jr and Vanessa Dezem, Bloomberg Highlights: Investors are ditching natural gas and fossil fuels in order to invest in renewable energy such as solar and wind: Environmentalist push-back on dirty energy investments has put fossil fuel valuations at a tipping point For the first time in about a decade, local gas distributors indices are … Read more
By Dan Gearino, Inside Climate News Highlights Consumers Energy in Michigan aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, the fastest timetable of any major utility in the country. Previously, the utility pledged to cut 90% of its emissions by 2040 Renewable energy will account for almost 72% of their portfolio, while natural gas will account … Read more
by Hannah Wiley, Sacramento Bee Highlights The oil and real estate industry is contributing to fund campaigns for moderate Democrats in California in order to establish connections and favors in Sacramento. Examples include: Money is given through independent expenditure committees since businesses cannot coordinate directly with the candidates In the Central Valley, an expenditure committee … Read more
by Neela Banerjee, Inside Climate News Highlights Air pollution, mainly from burning fossil fuels, reduces life expectancy worldwide by an average of 2.9 years and has led to 8.8 million premature deaths according to a new study in Cardiovascular Research. In North America, lives were shortened by 1.4 years on average due to air pollution. … Read more
By Hiroko Tabuchi, The New York Times Highlights: Oil and gas production sites emitting more methane than previously accounted for: Fossil-fuel emissions from human activity — namely the production and burning of fossil fuels — were underestimated by 25 to 40 percent, per new study. Methane emissions are particularly harmful in the short term, warming … Read more
By Christopher Flavelle, The New York Times Highlights: Due to pressure from shareholders and environmental activists, financial institutions and insurance companies are no longer investing in oil production taking place in Alberta, Canada. Though divestment promises have been made, oil extraction from the province increased last year Local Canadian banks and pension funds are still … Read more
By Sophie Bethune, American Psychological Association Highlights: Washington State considers banning internal combustion engine (“ICE”) vehicles by 2030. The concept has been introduced in various countries such as Norway, the UK, and Denmark in efforts to lessen transportation emissions The Washington bill, HB 2515, would ban the sale of new ICE cars by 2030, including … Read more
Below are some resources highlighting how the presidential candidates rank on climate action and other environmental issues. Greenpeace Greenpeace tells you the stance of the candidates on climate-related issues and also provides a platform where you can contact the candidates to tell them that you care about climate action. Website>> National Resource Defense Council On … Read more
by Kylie MacLellan, Reuters Highlights: Following a growing trend in Europe, Britain is the next country to announce the phase-out of internal combustion engine cars within the next 15 years. This includes all diesel, petrol, and hybrid vehicles. Though traditional cars make up 90% of new vehicle sales in Britain, the government is investing over … Read more
by Justin Gerdes, Greentech Media Highlights: The California Public Utilities Commission has dedicated $45 million to heat pump water heater incentives. Around $4 million will be exclusively for low-income residents. Since 90% of heat pump water heaters and furnaces in California are powered by natural gas or propane, the heat pump water heater incentives will … Read more
