A U.N. carbon market is expected to open as soon as next year, with carbon-rich Indonesia planning to generate billions of dollars in credits from its vast rainforests. But critics say the trading system is susceptible to fraud and errors that will undermine emissions goals.
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Energy
As Drought Shrivels Hydro, This African Nation Pivots to Solar
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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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.
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.
E360 Digest
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In Mexico, Most Victims of Deadly Heat Are Young
While extreme heat poses a greater threat to the physical health of the elderly than to the young, in Mexico the large majority of heat-related deaths are actually among people under 35, a new study finds. More about In Mexico, Most Victims of Deadly Heat Are Young →
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Fed Seaweed, Grazing Cattle Produced 40 Percent Less Methane
Grazing cattle given a seaweed supplement produced close to 40 percent less methane than those fed grass alone, a new study found. More about Fed Seaweed, Grazing Cattle Produced 40 Percent Less Methane →
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In Hunt for EV Metal, Miners Close in on Uncontacted People in Indonesia
In their pursuit of nickel, a key metal in EV batteries, miners are destroying the forest home of the Hongana Manyawa people on the Indonesian island of Halmahera, allegedly threatening uncontacted groups. More about In Hunt for EV Metal, Miners Close in on Uncontacted People in Indonesia →
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
