The European Union and 11 nations, excluding the U.S., pledged to establish stringent greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2035, with Canada and Mexico leading the coalition.
A coalition of countries, including those within the European Union, the U.K., Canada and Mexico, committed to ambitious 2035 climate targets to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The U.S. withdrew from the initiative following Donald Trump’s election, signaling a shift in its climate policy stance.
Participating nations aim to cover all greenhouse gases and sectors, with some developing countries advocating for global transformational changes.
Key quote:
“[The new targets] will be the final barricade for every nation in its fight-to-the-death against climate impacts getting more brutal each year.”
— Simon Stiell, U.N. climate chief.
Why this matters:
Global cooperation is critical to combating escalating climate impacts. The U.S.'s absence from the coalition raises concerns about its role in international climate leadership. The initiative emphasizes the urgency of collective action to meet Paris Agreement commitments and mitigate severe environmental and social consequences.
By 2050, eight times more children will face extreme heatwaves, three times more will experience floods and millions will face other environmental crises compared to today unless urgent action is taken to address climate change, according to Unicef.
Unicef's report also predicts nearly twice as many children will face wildfires compared to the 2000s.
south Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, and north, west and central Africa are set to see the largest child populations and the most severe climate impacts.
Extreme weather and pollution already threaten children's health, education and mental well-being, compounding risks to future generations.
Key quote:
“The decisions world leaders make today – or fail to make – define the world children will inherit … Decades of progress, particularly for girls, are under threat.”
— Catherine Russell, Unicef executive director.
Why this matters:
Children are disproportionately vulnerable to the climate crisis, facing higher risks of disease, malnutrition and mental health issues, and nearly half of them (aorund 1 billion) live in countries at a high risk of environmental disasters. Without swift action to curb emissions and protect vulnerable populations, the next generation will inherit a worsening climate and growing inequities.
A Virginia judge ruled Gov. Glenn Youngkin lacked authority to remove the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a key program to cut emissions and fund climate resilience.
A Virginia circuit court ruled Gov. Glenn Youngkin unlawfully withdrew the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) without legislative approval.
RGGI funds have supported energy efficiency programs and climate resilience projects, raising $827.7 million in Virginia from 2020 to 2023.
Youngkin plans to appeal, calling RGGI a "hidden tax," while environmental groups argue the program has significantly cut emissions and aided low-income communities.
Key quote:
“This ruling puts Virginia back on track to address and adapt to climate change at a critical moment.”
— Nate Benforado, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center.
Why this matters:
The ruling reinforces legislative control over climate policies, ensuring programs like RGGI can provide critical funding for emission reductions and climate adaptation. Virginia’s participation impacts regional efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities.
The Guardian, in partnership with the Climate Disaster Project and the International Red Cross, has compiled testimonies from survivors of extreme weather events to create a “people’s history of climate change.”
The Climate Disaster Project employs trauma-informed journalism to ensure survivors’ dignity is respected while amplifying their voices.
The project brings to the forefront the immediate and devastating impacts of the climate crisis, urging action to prevent further harm to vulnerable communities.
Key quote:
“The climate crisis is already here, taking lives, destroying homes, wiping out livelihoods. That human suffering must be recognized now to get as much help to climate victims as possible.”
— Damian Carrington, environment editor at The Guardian
Why this matters:
No longer tomorrow's problem, the climate crisis is a full-blown, present-day emergency that’s reshaping lives, wrecking ecosystems and exposing the widening gap between those who can adapt and those left to fend for themselves.
The Biden administration is rushing to finalize $25 billion in clean energy loans through the Department of Energy before President-elect Donald Trump, who opposes many green initiatives, assumes office in January.
Biden’s Department of Energy Loan Programs Office is pushing to finalize major loans for projects like EV battery factories and charging infrastructure, hydrogen plants and lithium mining before Trump takes office.
There are 16 loans and loan guarantees that have yet to be completed.
The loans support Biden's goals of reducing emissions and dependence on China, but Trump’s administration could halt or rescind deals.
With most projects located in Republican districts, proponents hope bipartisan benefits might save them from cuts.
Key quote:
“There’s nothing like seeing your own coffin to get you moving faster.”
— Andy Marsh, CEO of the hydrogen company Plug Power.
Why this matters:
The future of clean energy development and U.S. climate goals could hinge on whether these loans are secured. A Trump administration shift could stall or redirect funding, affecting both environmental progress and regional economies.
The Biden administration is pushing for a consensus among seven Western states to protect the Colorado River’s water supply before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, but negotiations face significant obstacles.
The Colorado River supplies drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectric power to tens of millions, but states remain divided over how to handle dwindling resources.
Biden officials proposed five alternatives for managing river water after 2026 to ensure sustainable levels and avoid a potential Supreme Court case.
Upper- and lower-basin states disagree on water cuts, and negotiators doubt consensus can be reached by January, as the negotiations will determine water quotas for decades to come.
Key quote:
“We continue to encourage all basin partners to find a consensus agreement that meets the needs of all the river’s users.”
— Ali Zaidi, the White House national climate adviser.
Why this matters:
The Colorado River is vital for water, food and energy across the West. With climate change and population growth intensifying the crisis, delays in securing an agreement could exacerbate water shortages, sparking legal battles and endangering millions’ livelihoods.
The Biden administration plans to propose a rule in January to ensure offshore oil operators can afford environmental cleanup costs, potentially reshaping the offshore fossil fuel industry before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The proposed "fitness to operate" rule would bar companies with poor compliance or inadequate finances from acquiring offshore oil leases, aiming to address the growing backlog of abandoned wells and infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico.
More than 75% of idle offshore infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico is overdue for decommissioning, with over 2,700 wells and 500 platforms awaiting cleanup.
Costs could surpass $5.6 billion as decommissioning demands increase by decade’s end.
Industry leaders remain divided, with concerns that stricter rules might force smaller companies out while benefiting larger operators who often absorb liabilities for abandoned sites.
Key quote:
“If you don’t meet your safety obligations, your environmental obligations and your decommissioning obligations, then you lose your ability to operate.”
— Andrew Hartsig, senior director of the Arctic program at the Ocean Conservancy.
Why this matters:
Offshore oil wells pose environmental risks when abandoned, including leaks and spills, while cleanup costs often fall to taxpayers. With intensifying storms and a global shift from fossil fuels, ensuring financially secure operators is crucial for safeguarding marine ecosystems and public funds.
A massive push for hydrogen energy is one of the first test cases of new federal environmental justice initiatives. Communities and advocates so far give the feds a failing grade.
