Back

Director's Picks

State Department Halts Global Monitoring of Air Pollution

Summary

The U.S. State Department has ended its global air quality monitoring program, which used sensors at over 80 embassies and consulates to track pollution levels in countries with limited or unreliable data. The agency cited budget constraints as the reason for the suspension, though critics link the move to broader Trump administration efforts to curtail environmental monitoring. The program, which began in Beijing in 2008, had expanded to major cities worldwide, contributing to pollution awareness and policy changes, such as China’s 2014 anti-pollution efforts. The decision has drawn criticism from environmental advocates, who highlight air pollution’s severe public health impacts. The suspension follows other federal budget cuts and workforce reductions led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), raising concerns about the future of climate-related data collection and transparency.

discover more

March 18, 2025

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to recoup $20 billion in Biden-era climate...

March 18, 2025

Ana Toni, Brazil's chief executive of the upcoming Cop30 summit, emphasizes that nations must integrate climate action...

March 14, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The Trump administration is reviewing and canceling environmental justice grants, putting projects aimed at clean water, disaster shelters, and renewable energy at risk.

March 14, 2025

The Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration (AVP) has launched a $142.5 million initiative to improve energy efficiency and resilience in 336 public housing communities.

March 14, 2025
Energy
Energy

With Gaza’s power infrastructure largely destroyed, solar energy has become a critical lifeline for residents.

March 14, 2025

Climate activists protested outside the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, demanding transparency and accountability from industry leaders.

March 14, 2025

After the devastating 2024 Texas Panhandle wildfires, which burned over a million acres, state officials are considering a $500 million investment...

March 13, 2025
Human Health
Human Health

U.S. metro areas are experiencing renewed population growth, primarily driven by immigration, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

March 13, 2025
Energy
Energy

Despite the Trump administration’s opposition to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its focus on fossil fuels, renewable energy investments remain strong due to high...

March 13, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

Lithium Americas has secured a $250 million investment to advance its lithium mine at Thacker Pass, Nevada, despite strong opposition from Indigenous tribes who consider the site

March 12, 2025
Climate
Climate

A federal judge sharply criticized the EPA’s cancellation of $20 billion in climate grants, questioning the agency’s lack of evidence for wrongdoing.

March 11, 2025
Energy
Energy

Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that the Trump administration will focus on expanding domestic fossil fuel production, emphasizing natural gas as irreplaceable for many...

March 7, 2025
Education
Education

As President Donald Trump prepares to order the dismantling of the Department of Education, the financial arm of the agency – which makes loans directly to borrowers...

March 7, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recalled dozens of environmental justice staffers who were previously placed on administrative leave under the Trump...

March 7, 2025
Environmental
Environmental

The Trump administration has dismantled the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) authority over the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)...