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    John Kerry Warns ‘We’re in Trouble’ on Climate Change

    John Kerry Warns ‘We’re in Trouble’ on Climate Change

    John Kerry, the first United States special presidential envoy for climate, said that the world is “not on a good track” in its goal of avoiding the worst effects of climate change, Reuters reported. Kerry said actions to move away from fossil fuels must be strengthened this decade. On Monday, Kerry addressed “Building Momentum to UN COP27,” an event hosted by officials from Egypt — who will host the next UN climate summit — and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

    U.S. Emissions Rose Again in 2021 After Pandemic Slump

    U.S. Emissions Rose Again in 2021 After Pandemic Slump

    Greenhouse gas emissions rose again in the U.S. as people returned to normal life in 2021, dashing hopes that the coronavirus pandemic might have paved the way for a more climate-friendly economy. U.S. emissions rose 6.2 percent last year compared with 2020 levels, according to initial estimates from the Rhodium Group released Monday.

    Brazil Extends Coal Use for Another 18 Years

    Brazil Extends Coal Use for Another 18 Years

    Right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro approved a law late Wednesday that would extend the nation’s coal use by more than a decade. Previously, the government was supposed to end subsidies for coal plants by 2027 and rescind the authorization for three new plants in particular by 2025. But the new “just transition” law allows for coal use through at least 2040.

    Major Solar Farm Coming to Coal Country

    Major Solar Farm Coming to Coal Country

    A solar farm atop a former coal mine in Martin County, Kentucky may be a sign of things to come. A $231 million solar project covering hundreds of acres is slated to take over the former Martiki coal mine in Appalachia, a place that has been greatly defined by its natural beauty and the contrasting dirty business of coal mining. Its neighbor to the west, Johnson County, is famous for the singers and coal miner’s daughters Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle.

    Coal Workers Urge Manchin to Support Build Back Better

    Coal Workers Urge Manchin to Support Build Back Better

    The United Mine Workers of America rallied in support of the Build Back Better Act, calling on Sen. Joe Manchin, who was named an honorary member of the union last year, to reassess his decision to block the legislation. “We urge Senator Manchin to revisit his opposition to this legislation and work with his colleagues […]

    Coal Baron Joe Manchin Rejects Build Back Better, Potentially Killing It

    Coal Baron Joe Manchin Rejects Build Back Better, Potentially Killing It

    Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), who famously shot a literal hole through the 2009 Cap and Trade bill, said Sunday he “could not” vote for the Build Back Better Act, likely dooming the bill in its current form. His opposition, largely predicated on the bill’s price tag, came despite the bill being significantly scaled down to […]

    Renewables Likely Cost Less Than Previously Thought, Study Finds

    Renewables Likely Cost Less Than Previously Thought, Study Finds

    As renewable energy technologies scale up, their cost can be hard to estimate. A new report from the University of Oxford’s Institute of New Economic Thinking notes that the cost of renewable energies may be less than previously thought. According to the study, predicted costs for renewables have likely been overestimated, as evidenced by the […]

    The PR Industry Has Been a ‘Major’ But ‘Overlooked’ Influence in Climate Politics for Decades, Says Study

    The PR Industry Has Been a ‘Major’ But ‘Overlooked’ Influence in Climate Politics for Decades, Says Study

    By Nick Cunningham From coining “clean coal” to “carbon footprint,” public relations firms have been instrumental in shaping the public discourse around climate and energy policy, and as a new study underlines, their powerful efforts have flown under the radar for too long. PR firms have played a key role in obstructing action on climate […]