April 12, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
Houston is one of the only cities where most greenhouse gas emissions come from traffic
Summary
Traffic accounts for slightly more than half of Houston's recorded greenhouse gas emissions. This is the highest proportion among the biggest cities in the United States that provided emissions data to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The information was gathered via a survey conducted in collaboration with CDP and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, and it includes self-reported quantities of methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide, as well as other major greenhouse gases and carcinogens. The data is divided into 51 categories that were contributed by over 1,100 cities, states, and municipalities from across the globe. According to CDP city-level statistics, stationary emitters such as residences and companies, as well as power plants, often account for the lion's share of emissions in cities. This is not the case in Houston, despite its enormous oil and gas sector and expanding housing complexes. Although transportation is clearly a major source of greenhouse gases throughout the country, its prominence in Houston may be due to how effectively it is observed and how poorly other sources are monitored. For example, emissions from the Port of Houston, one of the major ports in the United States, moving 55 million tons of cargo annually and accounting for 20.6 percent of Texas' total gross domestic product, are not included in the city's reporting. Houston, out of all major Texas cities, is reporting data on the fewest known greenhouse gases and carcinogens, excluding more potent greenhouse gases such as sulfur hexafluoride and chemicals known as PFCs, which do not degrade in the environment and may pose serious health risks to both animals and humans, according to the CDC. Cities can only directly manage around 4% of their emissions, which is why enhancing data like this to guide public policy is critical.
April 12, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The United States Department of Justice issued an amicus brief supporting claims from a Wisconsin tribe that Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline is trespassing on tribal lands.
April 12, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
April 11, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Grist’s examines President Biden’s ambitious environmental justice initiative, Justice40, aimed at directing 40 percent of certain federal climate and environmental
April 11, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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.
April 11, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
The importance of more than just financial support for Indigenous communities in transitioning to green energy.
April 8, 2024
Climate Change
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
April 7, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
April 6, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Walter Moorer and other residents of Chin Street in Africatown, Alabama, have long protested against the environmental hazards posed by the Hosea Weaver asphalt plant, which emits
April 5, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice released a comprehensive report unveiling the profound social inequities exacerbating environmental issues in New York City
April 5, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
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
April 5, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
The Biden-Harris Administration, as part of its ambitious climate agenda, announced a $20 billion investment in clean energy and climate solutions, aimed at reducing energy costs
April 4, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
The imminent groundbreaking of the largest urban solar farm in the United States, located in Houston's Sunnyside neighborhood.
April 3, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives investigated the link between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker
City of Houston is obligated to return at least $45 million in federal funding to the state after failing to fulfill its commitment to construct affordable housing.