Houston City Council will vote on an amendment to remove the requirement for developers of single-family homes to build sidewalks or pay a fee-in-lieu.
Climate Change
Texas has overtaken California as the leading state for utility-scale solar power capacity, reaching 21.9 gigawatts in the second quarter of 2024, according to the American Clean
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) has launched the Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx) to assist global efforts in addressing air pollution.
A global study led by Helmholtz Munich reveals that health risks from air pollution have remained high, despite reduced levels of pollutants like PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 from 1995 to
African nations are losing up to 5% of their GDP due to the impacts of climate change, according to Simon Stiell, UNFCCC's Executive Secretary.
A new study published in Nature reveals that the world produces 57 million tons of plastic pollution annually, with over two-thirds originating from the Global South.
Four years after Hurricanes Laura and Delta hit Lake Charles, Louisiana, thousands of residents remain displaced, raising concerns about the U.S. Census' ability to track populati
A report from Oil Change International (OCI) reveals that the U.S. has spent over $12 billion in subsidies on unproven climate solutions like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and
Two years after the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law, a report by the Rocky Mountain Institute reveals that states are underutilizing the available federal fundin
Following Hurricane Beryl, Houston's response to the ensuing heat crisis was critically slow, particularly in vulnerable communities of color.
As climate change drives more extreme heat waves across the U.S., prisoners in states with traditionally milder climates are now facing life-threatening conditions similar to
As extreme heat becomes more frequent and intense, those living alone are at greater risk of heat-related death, particularly in U.S. cities.
Caribbean nations, heavily impacted by climate change-induced disasters, are turning to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold big polluters accountable.
A recent study published in Science analyzed 1,500 climate policies across 41 countries, revealing that while carbon pricing is effective in reducing emissions, combining multiple
This report emphasizes the urgent need for policymakers to address the growing risks that extreme heat poses to older adults.
Farmers worldwide are increasingly adopting biochar, a technique that converts waste biomass into a form of charcoal that can sequester carbon for thousands of years.
As global emissions continue to rise, direct air capture (DAC) technology is gaining momentum as a potential solution to slow climate change.
On August 10, Suzanne Murdock, a Cypress resident, joined over 100 volunteers in Texas' largest community-led heat-mapping campaign to identify extreme heat spots in Harris County
Amid a summer of intense heat waves, a new poll reveals that while many Americans can recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses, the majority are unaware of local cooling stati
Dr. Prathyush Sambaturu from Oxford’s Department of Biology highlights the urgent need to address the complex interplay between climate change, migration, and infectious diseases.
Amid growing concerns over extreme heat, some experts are advocating for naming heat waves to raise public awareness, similar to hurricanes.
On the island of Molokaʻi, a community-driven initiative is spearheading a transition to solar energy, reducing reliance on expensive, unreliable fossil fuels.
A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., has overturned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) approval of two major liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plants
The California Legislature has passed Senate Bill 674, the Refinery Pollution Reduction and Transparency Act, which is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.
Texas is facing an unprecedented number of natural disasters in 2024, with 16 events already causing over $1 billion in damages each, matching the total from 2023.
Texas' power grid, managed by ERCOT, is projected to reach near-record energy demand due to extreme heat, raising concerns about potential blackouts.
Renters are disproportionately affected by climate disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, often facing longer displacement and inadequate support compared to homeowners.
The carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, long supported by oil companies and conservative leaders in Canada, is now facing opposition from right-wing groups like Canada Pr
A report by Air Alliance Houston reveals that three facilities—ExxonMobil's Baytown complex, LyondellBasell Industries' Channelview complex, and Chevron Phillips Chemical's Cedar
New research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference indicates that wildfire smoke poses a greater risk to brain health compared to other air pollutants.
A United Nations report reveals that one in 11 people globally experienced hunger last year, with one in three struggling to afford a healthy diet.
A new study highlights that the push for renewable energy could exacerbate socioeconomic disparities for Indigenous communities unless Western science and settler colonialism issu
After a levee failure flooded Pajaro, California, a predominantly immigrant community, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) has been instrumental in a
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is allocating nearly $220 million, with an additional $66 million for future funding, to support 32 habitat restoration
Farmers in South Texas are struggling with extreme heat and drought, forcing many to reduce their farmed acres and shift to drought-tolerant crops.
Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm, has exacerbated food insecurity in southeastern Texas and beyond.
Cities are increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat due to the urban heat-island effect, which exacerbates temperatures with heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt.
The National Young Farmers Coalition’s Michelle Hughes discusses the shortcomings of the 2024 Farm Bill in a conversation with Ray Levy Uyeda.
Brent McNiel's home in Richmond, Texas, remained powered during Hurricane Beryl thanks to his solar and battery system from Sunrun Solar.
CenterPoint Energy spent significantly less on tree maintenance compared to other utilities serving Greater Houston.
FEMA is revising its disaster rules to incorporate climate change impacts when rebuilding after floods.
Carlos Claussell Velez discusses the significant impact of trees in mitigating the effects of urban heat islands, particularly during heat waves.
Timet’s new titanium production facility in Ravenswood, West Virginia, will be the first industrial plant in the U.S. powered by a solar microgrid.
Aging water infrastructure in Texas's major cities is leading to significant water loss, with approximately 88 billion gallons wasted in the past year.
Albuquerque's efforts to ensure a stable water supply have been undermined by a critical issue: the El Vado Dam, a key infrastructure piece for the city's water management
The 40 Acre Conservation League, led by Jade Stevens, has purchased 650 acres of land bordering the Tahoe National Forest in Northern California.
Texas has expanded the availability of its coastal waters for carbon dioxide injection wells, designating over a million acres for proposals from companies to sequester
A major billing system failure at ComEd has forced the shutdown of its community solar program, leaving thousands of customers in limbo.
Severe heat has tragically claimed the lives of 1,301 pilgrims during this year's Hajj in Mecca.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have announced an $850 million initiative to curb methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.
In the second part of a series, The Urbanist argues that climate advocates should align with urbanist principles to effectively combat climate change.
Extreme heat waves, exacerbated by climate change, are significantly impacting worker productivity in the U.S.
Montgomery County has initiated the construction of a 7 MW microgrid project at a local bus depot.
A First Nations community in Australia has launched a community-owned microgrid to achieve energy independence and sustainability.
A recent industry study reveals that the implementation of carbon capture technology could extend global oil production by 84 years.
President Biden's recent decision to pause new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export projects marks a significant move toward addressing climate justice.
This article examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving customer retention for community solar projects.
The recent severe storm in Houston has highlighted significant vulnerabilities in Texas' infrastructure and emergency response systems.
This article explains the phenomenon of a 'heat dome,' a weather pattern that can lead to dangerously high temperatures.
California regulators have recognized significant issues within the state's community solar programs.
The article discusses the significant increase in hurricane activity during the summer of 2024, attributed to climate change.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new online tool designed to identify communities most affected by extreme heat.
An opinion piece in The Hill criticizes current carbon capture initiatives as being counterproductive to environmental justice.
Grist reports that rising temperatures due to climate change are negatively impacting fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
The Biden administration plans to implement stricter regulations on the voluntary carbon markets, aiming to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of carbon offset programs.
A new report emphasizes that recognizing and respecting Indigenous land rights and autonomy are crucial for achieving better climate outcomes.
Seven months after the Department of Energy's (DOE) announcement of regional hydrogen hubs, progress remains slow, with significant community concerns still unaddressed.
The inaugural Clean Cooking conference sparked significant debate over the use of gas stoves. Advocates for clean cooking solutions argue that gas stoves contribute to indoor air
The Biden administration is funding the creation of heat resilience centers in six communities to combat extreme heat impacts.
Small island nations have achieved a significant victory in their efforts to hold major polluters accountable for climate damage.
Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is still feasible but will require an additional $34 trillion in investment, according to Bloomberg NEF's New Energy Outlook report.
U.S. territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico face increased climate change risks due to significant data gaps.
A recent audit criticizes the Department of Energy (DOE) for inadequate risk assessments related to carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.
The "nature gap," which limits access to green spaces for low-income and minority communities, has significant implications for public health and environmental justice.
The enzyme RuBisCO, crucial for photosynthesis, is becoming less efficient due to rising global temperatures.
Taft, California, an oil-dependent town, is attempting to pivot to carbon capture to mitigate the economic fallout from the decline in oil production.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) can now lease their water to non-Indigenous users, potentially aiding drought-stricken regions.
Researchers from Kyoto University and Geolabe have developed an AI-based method for automatically detecting global methane emissions using multispectral satellite imagery.
In Texas, persistent toxic air in Latino communities highlights significant shortcomings in the state's air monitoring system.
A recent climate report from Texas A&M University highlights the escalating threats of extreme weather conditions in Texas, with a surge in 100-degree days, intensified droughts,
A recent analysis by the Urban Institute reveals that rural communities of color are disproportionately represented in FEMA’s Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZs)
Farmers across Africa are employing traditional agricultural techniques alongside modern innovations to combat the challenges posed by climate change.
A new EPA rule aims to close a decade-long gap in federal regulation that allowed old coal ash dumps to escape monitoring and cleanup requirements.
Laura Hautala explores how climate change is reshaping the urban landscape, prompting cities like Tacoma, Washington, to seek drought-tolerant trees from regions like Northern Cal
The latest State of the Air report by the American Lung Association reveals that over one-third of Americans, approximately 130 million people, regularly inhale unhealthy air
The Biden administration's announcement of $7 billion worth of project support through the Solar for All program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act
Maureen Penjueli, an Indigenous advocate from Fiji, voices skepticism about the concept of "clean energy" amidst concerns about deep-sea mining's impact on her people and the envi
A lawsuit filed by a coalition of advocates and inmates against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) over extreme temperatures in state prisons
President Joe Biden has announced the opening of applications for the American Climate Corps, aiming to enlist 20,000 individuals in its inaugural year.
Newsweek reports that the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center forecasts a months-long drought in western Texas, exacerbating concerns about water scarcity.
Efforts by the Texas Land Office and Houston City Council to locate 900 households owed relocation assistance due to the buyout of four low-income housing complexes following Hurr
A new study published in Nature revealing that climate change-induced extreme weather events could lead to a substantial reduction of approximately 19% in global income by 2050.
FEMA's enforcement of the 50 percent rule, which mandates the rebuilding of flood-damaged homes above flood level, has sparked controversy in Lee County, Florida.
As preparations for COP29 ramp up, the debate over the financial commitments of wealthy nations to support developing countries in decarbonization and disaster recovery intensifie
The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a key organization setting standards for corporate emissions reduction, is in turmoil following its decision to allow carbon offsets t
The Biden administration's allocation of $830 million in grants to fund 80 projects aimed at strengthening the nation's infrastructure against the impacts of climate change.
a recent study suggesting that installing solar panels on nonresidential buildings like schools and stores could substantially reduce the energy equity gap in marginalized neighbo
Geothermal energy, long considered a niche player in the U.S. energy landscape, is now poised for significant growth thanks to a confluence of factors including technological adva
A biomass and carbon capture project slated for California’s Central Valley came to an abrupt halt after San Joaquin Renewables withdrew federal and local permits under scrutiny f
The imminent groundbreaking of the largest urban solar farm in the United States, located in Houston's Sunnyside neighborhood.