COP29 approved controversial rules for international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enabling countries to trade emissions reductions. Critics argue the gui
Clean energy is taking over the Texas grid. State officials are trying to stop it.
Wind, solar, and nuclear energy contributed over 40% of the Texas' power in 2022. Texas wind turbines and solar panels have strong "complementarity," meaning deficiencies in one source are generally compensated by gains in another, smoothing electricity supply and lowering the demand for additional generators facilitating grid integration of intermittent energy sources. Since 2006, Texas coal has lost almost half its share. Cheap natural gas from hydraulic fracturing was outcompeting coal, and coal power stations had to modify their equipment to meet tighter mercury restrictions, rising electricity production costs. Wind and solar, with low construction prices, fast build periods, and no fuel costs, dominate Texas's freewheeling energy sector. However, some politicians are now seeking to shift the balance back toward fossil fuels. Texas lawmakers banned fossil fuel boycotters from doing business with the state's retirement and investment funds last year. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants additional funding for natural gas-fired electricity. Wind and solar power are expanding, but they are intermittent, so regulators want adequate dispatchable electricity like natural gas to ramp up on overcast days. A new credit structure would encourage more dispatchable plants to come online and save some failing generators, but power generation costs would rise.
COP29 concluded in Baku with a contentious climate finance agreement that left many nations dissatisfied. The deal commits wealthy countries to lead efforts to triple climate aid
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled its "National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution," the third installment in its series to build a circular economy b
Extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change are causing extended power outages, leaving medically vulnerable individuals at severe risk. In Houston, Hurricane Beryl cause
At COP29 in Baku, countries are advancing efforts to fund "loss and damage" payments, compensating low-income nations disproportionately affected by climate change. Cyclone Freddy
This article explores grassroots efforts to revitalize polluted lands across the U.S. by using innovative and community-driven remediation strategies. The Green Era Campus in Chic
The U.S. Department of Energy finalized an agreement to allocate $1.2 billion for the development of a clean hydrogen hub in Houston, part of the Biden administration's initiative
The Center for Heat Resilient Communities (CHRC), as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, has opened applications for up to 10 communities to receive $10,000 and
A new analysis by Climate Central reveals that human-caused climate change intensified all 11 Atlantic hurricanes of 2024, increasing wind speeds by 9 to 28 mph. This boost elevat
Nobel Laureate James Heckman highlights the high return on early childhood investments, estimating up to $17 for every $1 spent. Yet, 350 million children globally lack access to
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) completed a $1 billion initiative to retrofit affordable housing, making properties more energy-efficient and climate-re
Activists from 40 countries gathered in Oaxaca, Mexico, for the Global Meeting for Climate and Life, or "anti-COP," as an alternative to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Frustrated with
At COP29, the Biden administration announced plans to triple U.S. nuclear power capacity by 2050, aiming to add 200 gigawatts through large reactors and smaller modular facilities
Rice University's EcoStudio and R-STEM program received a $500,000 grant from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to expand its environmental justice edu
Betsy McCaughey outlines a five-point health policy agenda for President-elect Donald Trump. Key items include promoting healthy eating to combat chronic diseases, addressing inef