Fossil Fuels
Record-High Temperatures across Europe Ease Energy Crisis Imposed by Russia’s War
Extreme heat has provided some relief from Europe’s punishing energy crunch. Trouble looms, though, as it continues to seek alternative energy sources
Stories by Sara Schonhardt
Conservation
Global Summit Tries to Slow Biodiversity Crisis as Species Wink Out around the World
Negotiators have gathered in Montreal for a United Nations summit aimed at hammering out a Paris-style agreement to halt and reverse global biodiversity loss by 2030
Climate Change
In a First, U.N. Climate Summit Will Discuss Climate Reparations
For the first time, the formal agenda of the U.N. climate talks will include discussion on how rich nations should pay poorer nations for the unavoidable impacts of climate change
Climate Change
Five Tensions That Could Derail the COP27 Climate Summit
Set against a backdrop of severe weather disasters, the COP27 climate summit is colliding with soaring energy costs, food insecurity and a looming recession
Climate Change
The World Isn’t Adapting to Climate Change Quickly Enough, U.N. Says
Climate adaptation—and funding to support it—will be a major focus of the COP 27 climate meeting set to start on Sunday in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Climate Change
5 Things to Know about Climate Reparations
There are growing calls for a mechanism to pay developing countries for losses and damages they’ve suffered from climate change—a problem they did little to create
Climate Change
Climate Polluters Should Pay a Tax for Damages, U.N. Chief Says
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has decried fossil-fuel companies receiving subsidies and investment “while household budgets shrink and our planet burns”
Climate Change
U.N. Calls for Climate Alert Systems Worldwide in 5 Years
Early-warning systems for heat waves, floods and other hazards can save lives and property across the planet
Climate Change
U.S. Retreats from Pledge to End Gas Investments
The energy crisis caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine is testing Western leaders’ promises to phase out natural gas financing abroad
Climate Change
Fight over Damages Threatens to Derail Climate Negotiations
Small nations that have done little to cause global warming stand to suffer immeasurably and are increasingly vocal about receiving compensation
Climate Change
How the U.S. Is Preparing for Europe’s Carbon Tariffs
More products are being added to a proposed carbon border fee, affecting billions of dollars of American goods
Climate Change
Sweltering India Turns to Superheating Coal for Cooling
The need to use coal to boost power supplies illustrates the challenge of quickly increasing renewable energy to avoid bigger climate impacts
Renewable Energy
Europe’s Historic Clean Energy Plan Faces a Mining Problem
Securing the needed minerals and metals could be a stumbling block to reaching its ambitious goals
Inequality
Women Bear the Brunt of Drought Shocks
Gender discrimination multiplies the challenges women face from climate change, a new U.N. report says
Water
Coastal Cities Are Drinking Themselves Underwater
Cities are sinking as they guzzle groundwater—and oil and gas—from below
Conservation
Millions of Trees Were Removed in 2021, Hurting Climate Goals
The dramatic loss of tree cover in the tropics and northern boreal forests is releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide
Climate Change
Responses to Rising Hunger Could Threaten Climate Goals
European policy makers are considering easing environmental protection measures to allow for increased crop production
Climate Change
Digital Earth ‘Twins’ Could Help Address Climate Change
An initiative called Destination Earth will draw on environmental, socioeconomic and satellite data to gauge the impact of different climate policies
Climate Change
Biden Seeks Major Spending Boost for Global Climate Efforts
More than $11 billion would go toward international initiatives such as the Green Climate Fund
Fossil Fuels
The U.S. Will Increase Natural Gas Exports to Europe to Replace Russian Fuel
Biden administration officials are also promising to accelerate the build-out of hydrogen and carbon capture
