Climate policy news covering environmental regulations, emissions targets, international climate agreements, and government climate action.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to fossil fuel subsidies, urging that savings be redirected to protect nature and people. Ahead of the biodiversity summit, he warned that current progress is insufficient, with only 26% of terrestrial ecosystems protected against a 30% target, while financing remains far below the $200 billion goal.
The commentary argues that the Trump administration's dismantling of climate mitigation infrastructure and funding has left the US vulnerable to extreme weather. It suggests that experts identify specific underestimated threats amidst these federal cuts, exacerbated by record-breaking heat and disasters.
The article argues that the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS) is causing deep divisions among member states, with Nordic countries defending carbon pricing against Visegrad nations and others who link high energy costs to climate policies. It highlights the tension between maintaining competitiveness and achieving emission reduction goals.
Oregon will fail to reduce transportation emissions by 80% by 2050, projecting only a 10% cut under current conditions. State officials blame federal funding reductions and reversed electric vehicle support for the setback, compounded by a lack of dedicated state transit funding.
CleanTechnica reports on Transport & Environment's argument that delaying the EU ETS2 carbon market will not protect households from energy crises. The piece contends that postponement leaves families dependent on volatile fuels, urging governments to invest in affordable alternatives like electric vehicles before implementing carbon pricing.
New USDA rules effective October 16 exclude solar power projects from the Rural Energy for America Program, following President Trump's executive order against renewable subsidies. The Iowa Farmers Union previously sued, arguing the restrictions harm rural communities by limiting solar development options.
Jonah Goldberg expresses personal distaste for Greta Thunberg in his newsletter, framing her activism as part of an 'Omicause.' The piece suggests a critique of modern environmental activism through a conservative lens, though the full argument is truncated.
The commentary explains Colorado’s Amendment 82, which would constitutionally protect access to natural gas for heating and cooking. It details the conservative argument that this prevents future climate restrictions and the opposition view that it undermines greenhouse gas reduction efforts and air quality goals.
France and Germany have failed to reach an agreement on EU "Made in Europe" rules and CO2 emissions flexibility, including the 2035 combustion engine ban. The stalled deal faces opposition from Germany's Social Democratic Party regarding dropped environmental targets, despite expectations that a quid-pro-quo agreement would be signed imminently.
Carbon Brief reports on the upcoming COP17 meeting in Armenia, outlining the first global review of progress toward the UN’s 2030 nature targets. The article details the scope of this international assessment regarding biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide.