Wind energy workers are calling for stronger safety standards and better training to address risks such as falls, electrical hazards and fatigue amid rapid industry growth.
Wind energy employs over 131,000 workers, with many drawn to the work's excitement and travel opportunities despite inherent risks.
Unionized workers benefit from training and protections, but only 12% of wind industry employees belong to unions.
The Green Workers Alliance pushes for OSHA safety standards and provides resources like surveys and mutual aid for wind workers.
Key quote:
“There’s nothing safe about that job. You don’t manage safety. You manage the risk.”
— Alfred Pebria, wind energy worker
Why this matters:
As the renewable energy sector expands, workers face heightened risks without adequate safety measures. Addressing training gaps, enforcing safety regulations and promoting unionization could protect workers while sustaining the industry's growth.
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), vital for global climate regulation, could shut down due to warming and Greenland ice melt.
Arctica clam shells, which record centuries of oceanic conditions, provide new insights into past changes in AMOC and potential future tipping points.
Researchers warn the AMOC is showing signs of instability that could have significant global impacts, including extreme weather and sea level rise.
Key quote:
“You can tell it is losing stability. The environment is really struggling to maintain equilibrium.”
— Beatriz Arellano-Nava, climate researcher at the University of Exeter
Why this matters:
The AMOC’s collapse could lead to severe weather disruptions, coastal flooding and agricultural instability, affecting billions of people. Studying clams’ ancient records offers a rare glimpse into the ocean’s history, helping scientists predict and potentially mitigate future climate crises.
The Philippines, one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, hosted the launch of the Loss and Damage Fund to assist countries suffering severe climate impacts.
In November 2024, the country endured six major storms in a single month, displacing thousands and destroying infrastructure.
Advocates in the Philippines are pushing for the CLIMA Bill, which would hold carbon polluters accountable through a domestic climate reparations fund.
Key quote:
“Funds disbursed from the L&D Fund should not further burden countries that are already vulnerable to the climate crisis.”
— John Leo Algo, national coordinator of Aksyon Klima
Why this matters:
Climate change disproportionately affects nations like the Philippines, which contribute little to global emissions. Establishing equitable funding mechanisms for disaster recovery and adaptation is vital to addressing the growing global divide between polluters and those facing the worst climate consequences.
Promises of a shift to renewable energy have failed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, with global coal, oil and gas still dominating the energy mix.
Coal production hit record highs in 2023, with fossil fuels still providing 82% of global energy despite renewable growth.
Experts argue that energy "transitions" often add new sources rather than replace old ones, accelerating overall consumption.
French historian Jean-Baptiste Fressoz and others suggest that true solutions require drastically reducing energy and material use, not relying on technological fixes.
Key quote:
“The energy transition is a slogan but not a scientific concept.”
— Jean-Baptiste Fressoz, historian
Why this matters:
Relying on renewable energy without addressing consumption may intensify climate impacts. Without reducing energy use, global systems risk collapse under the strain of resource scarcity and environmental crises.
The European Union's decision to delay implementing a law banning products linked to deforestation has drawn criticism from a former environment commissioner who warns it undermines climate efforts.
Virginijus Sinkevičius criticized the EU for postponing its deforestation law by a year, calling it a reward for noncompliance.
The law targets commodities like cocoa and soy linked to deforestation but now faces pressure from industry and certain nations.
Sinkevičius warned against rolling back green policies amid political opposition and economic challenges in the EU.
Key quote:
“A last-minute change does not give credibility to the EU’s decision-making.”
— Virginijus Sinkevičius, former EU environment commissioner
Why this matters:
Global deforestation exacerbates climate change and biodiversity loss, with millions of hectares lost annually. Delaying robust enforcement risks further environmental harm and weakens regulatory credibility. Prioritizing consistent climate policies can protect ecosystems and foster fair competition.
Periods of calm, cloudy weather, known as Dunkelflaute, strain Europe's renewable energy systems, causing price spikes and testing political cooperation.
Dunkelflaute, or "dark doldrums," refers to weather with low wind and sun, disrupting solar and wind energy generation across Europe.
Energy prices surge during these periods as nations rely on more expensive fossil fuel power plants to meet demand.
Tensions rise between countries as interconnected energy grids lead to price increases in power-exporting nations like Norway and Sweden.
Key quote:
“When there is no wind, we get high electricity prices with this failed electricity system.”
— Ebba Busch, Sweden’s economy minister
Why this matters:
Dunkelflaute highlights the vulnerability of renewable energy systems to weather-dependent fluctuations. As Europe transitions to cleaner energy, balancing supply during low-output periods will be crucial to maintaining affordability and political harmony.
Ecuador faces up to 14-hour daily blackouts due to drought draining rivers and reservoirs, crippling the hydroelectric-dependent power grid.
The outages have disrupted businesses, schools and basic services, with losses estimated at $12 million per hour of power cuts.
Experts warn that climate change will make hydropower less reliable, urging diversification into alternative energy sources like wind and solar.
Key quote:
The principal problem was the country’s "excessive focus on hydroelectric energy," which "left the system extremely vulnerable to climate change phenomena.”
— Lenin Moreno, former president of Ecuador
Why this matters:
Ecuador’s crisis underscores the risks of over-reliance on hydropower as climate change intensifies droughts. Vulnerable nations must prepare for water shortages with diversified energy sources to protect their economies and communities.
Legal and industry experts say there are uncertainties about the future of hydrogen hubs, a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s clean energy push.
