An unprecedented drought has lowered reservoirs in hydropower-dependent Zambia, leading to economically crippling blackouts and spurring a push for solar. With multiple utility-scale arrays now in the works, the country is betting on solar to increase its power capacity by a third.
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ANALYSIS
Trump 2.0: This Time the Stakes for Climate Are Even Higher
Donald Trump has promised to halt federal climate action and repeal the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act, which provides unprecedented spending for clean energy. The market momentum for renewables and efforts by states and cities may be the only hope for U.S. climate progress.
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Oceans
As Ocean Waters Warm, a Race to Breed Heat-Resistant Coral
Around the world, researchers are working on a range of projects that aim to enhance corals’ resistance to marine heat waves. In a promising sign, a U.K. team recently became the first to quantify an uptick in heat tolerance among adult corals selectively bred for the trait.
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Energy
Will Hydrogen Hubs Be a Clean Energy Boom or Boondoggle?
As part of a $7 billion investment in hydrogen, the U.S. Department of Energy is committed to building a network of hydrogen facilities and pipelines centered in southeast Pennsylvania. Critics are questioning the project’s expense and its net savings in carbon emissions.
BIOECONOMY
Brazil Hopes to Make the Amazon a Model for a Green Economy
As he prepares to host the G20 summit, Brazil’s president is championing initiatives to promote a “bioeconomy” in the Amazon that protects biodiversity and helps Indigenous residents. The goal: To get governments to commit to a new economic vision that is truly sustainable.
E360 Digest
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Oil States Play Spoiler in Failed Plastics Treaty Negotiations
Countries have failed to reach an agreement to stem plastic pollution after a small number of oil-rich nations resisted efforts to limit production. More about Oil States Play Spoiler in Failed Plastics Treaty Negotiations →
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In Pakistan, a Stunning Solar Boom
Sky-high power prices are fueling a massive solar buildout in Pakistan. More about In Pakistan, a Stunning Solar Boom →
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UN Deal on Climate Aid Falls Short of What's Needed, Experts Say
Rich nations pledged $300 billion a year in aid, but developing countries that need help building out renewable energy and adapting to climate impacts say they again felt bullied to accept an inadequate agreement. More about UN Deal on Climate Aid Falls Short of What's Needed, Experts Say →
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INTERVIEW
As Disinformation Swirls, Meteorologists Are Facing Threats
Predicting large and dangerous storms has always been challenging. It’s gotten tougher, says meteorologist James Marshall Shepherd, as a growing fringe has started to harass, verbally abuse, and threaten scientists and forecasters who link ferocious weather with climate change.
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INTERVIEW
How to Grow a Forest: It Takes More Than Just Planting Trees
In an e360 interview, microbial ecologist Jake M. Robinson, of Australia’s Flinders University, takes a critical look at tree planting campaigns and discusses scientists’ varied approaches to both “planting” and “growing” forests to restore their ecological health.
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Solutions
Greening Concrete: A Major Emitter Inches Toward Carbon Neutrality
Concrete is the most ubiquitous man-made building material on the planet, but making it generates massive amounts of CO2 emissions. Companies are experimenting with ways to green the process, from slashing the use of limestone to capturing the carbon generated when it’s burned.
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Climate
What’s Causing the Recent Spike in Global Temperatures?
Since early 2023, the world has seen a steep rise in temperatures that scientists are struggling to explain. Our contributor Elizabeth Kolbert talked with Gavin Schmidt, NASA’s top climate scientist, about possible causes of the warming and why experts cannot account for the heat.
2024 Yale Environment 360 Film Contest
The winners of our 11th annual contest honoring the best short environmental films.
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E360 Film Contest Winner
A Solitary Herder Cares for His Goats and the Bay Area Hills
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E360 Film Contest
For 60,000 Years, Australia’s First Nations Have Put Fire to Good Use
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E360 Film Contest
In Montana’s Northern Plains, Swift Foxes Are Back from the Brink