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
In Summer Heat, ‘Artificial Shortages’ in Texas Grid May Have Cost $8 Billion
The New York Times, through J. David Goodman's reporting from Houston, discusses the significant impact of artificial shortages in the Texas electricity grid during the summer heat. While the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) introduced a new reserve mechanism to enhance grid reliability, critics argue it led to intentional spikes in electricity prices, costing around $8 billion over three months. The report unveils that these price hikes occurred even when power supply was abundant, creating "artificial shortages" as part of ERCOT's strategy. The article highlights winners and losers in this scenario, with some power companies and solar panel owners benefiting while ordinary Texans may face higher energy costs. The changes were initiated following the 2021 winter storm that caused widespread blackouts, emphasizing ERCOT's efforts to prevent similar failures. Critics, however, view it as a wealth transfer, potentially burdening consumers in the future.
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