![climate change iraq desertification](https://www.dailyclimate.org/media-library/climate-change-iraq-desertification.jpg?id=36367268&width=1200&height=600&quality=85&coordinates=0%2C416%2C0%2C417)
Photo by Kier in Sight Archives on Unsplash
05 September 2023
Climate change in Iraq: A warning for the rest of the world
Once a verdant and fertile land, even as recently as the 1980s, Iraq becomes more arid each year as desertification spreads.
Donald Trump announced his intention to pull back unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, a key climate law, should he win the 2024 election, sparking concern over its impact on climate projects, especially in Republican districts.
In short:
Key quote:
“I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises. No pay, no title, no recognition is needed.”
— Elon Musk
Why this matters:
The Inflation Reduction Act is funneling billions into renewable energy projects, electric vehicles, and cleaner industry across the U.S.—including a lot of Republican-led states that could really use the cash. If Trump succeeds in cutting these funds, it could derail green energy jobs and infrastructure growth in areas that have started to see the benefits. Read more: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding.
Australia may postpone its 2035 climate target announcement until after its election, citing uncertainty around the U.S. election outcome.
In short:
Key quote:
“A Harris presidency would likely see the U.S. continue to exert pressure on all countries, including Australia, to set a strong 2035 target as soon as possible.”
— Erwin Jackson, director of policy, Investor Group on Climate Change
Why this matters:
Delaying climate goals can slow global progress toward reducing emissions. The US election outcome may impact how aggressively other countries act to combat climate change.
More: Fuel emissions debate fuels Australia's climate conversation
Oil companies could use tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act to extract more crude from existing wells through enhanced oil recovery, which injects CO2 underground to dislodge oil.
In short:
Key quote:
“There’s a lot of money from the [Inflation Reduction Act], and a lot of concerns that taxpayer money is going out the door to industry that hasn’t proven EOR to be an efficient climate solution.”
— Autumn Hanna, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense
Why this matters:
EOR could help oil companies extend well production while claiming climate-friendly tax credits. Without better oversight, it’s unclear whether this will actually reduce carbon emissions.
Related: Biden faces challenges in curbing US oil production
Europe's farming and green groups reached a consensus on reducing meat consumption, calling for urgent reforms to improve sustainability in agriculture.
In short:
Key quote:
“This is a victory for our farmers, our environment and our future – if politicians will have the courage and integrity to act on it.”
— Ariel Brunner, director of Birdlife Europe
Why this matters:
Meat-heavy diets contribute to climate change and environmental harm. The agreed reforms aim to make food systems more sustainable, but they require political will to implement.
Related:
Maui residents whose homes survived last year's wildfires are grappling with toxic contamination and insufficient insurance coverage to restore their homes, leaving many unable to return.
In short:
Key quote:
“We are not trying to make money or profit off of disaster. We just want our houses cleaned. We want to know we are safe in our homes, and we don’t know that.”
— Maria Linz, Lahaina resident
Why this matters:
As wildfires increase due to climate change, more homeowners face costly battles with insurers over smoke contamination. Without standards or regulation, families are left at risk, both financially and health-wise.
Read more: The Maui fires may cause long-term health problems
A collaboration between Vancouver Island University and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency seeks to improve biotoxin testing in seafood to protect Indigenous food sovereignty.
In short:
Key quote:
"Could we eventually get a test that’s reliable and easy to use like a pregnancy test or COVID RAT [rapid antigen test] into Indigenous communities which could tell people if the seafood is safe to eat? That’s our aim."
— Timothy Green, Vancouver Island University's Canada Research Chair in shellfish health and genomics
Why this matters:
Remote Indigenous communities depend on seafood for cultural and nutritional needs but are vulnerable to biotoxins. Improved testing methods could help safeguard these communities from the health risks of PSP and preserve their traditional diets.
Related: Dieldrin dilemma: How dated science and fish-eating advisories may be putting brains at risk
Texas is considering its first major revision of oil and gas waste management rules in 40 years, but environmentalists and industry leaders disagree over the new regulations.
In short:
Key quote:
“This is a massive overhaul of extremely important groundwater protection rules.”
— Virginia Palacios, executive director of Commission Shift
Why this matters:
Texas generates billions of gallons of oilfield waste annually, some of which poses a risk to groundwater. Updated regulations could strengthen protections or lead to more conflicts between environmentalists and the energy industry.
Related:
For communities plagued by energy extraction and petrochemical buildout, struggles of environmental justice often fall on deaf ears.
The rules as we understand them are changing before our eyes.
“I’m optimistic we can get this right.”
"It's important to make queer and LGBTQ+ people central to research and policies and not add them in as an afterthought."
Peter Dykstra – newsman, provocateur, friend and former publisher of The Daily Climate – passed away Wednesday.
“We know this is a business, and you want to make a profit, but consider the communities next door.”