climate change
Newsletter
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Greenland’s ice sheet is fracturing faster as climate warms
Greenland’s massive ice sheet is developing deeper, wider cracks at an accelerating rate, raising concerns about rising sea levels and the stability of polar ice.
In short:
- Researchers analyzed 8,000 high-resolution satellite maps from 2016 to 2021, finding that ice crevasses are expanding at an unprecedented pace.
- Greenland’s melting ice has contributed about 14mm to global sea levels since 1992, driven by rising air and ocean temperatures.
- Scientists warn that current models struggle to predict the full impact of these changes, which could lead to significant sea level rise by 2100 and beyond.
Key quote:
“... we desperately need to be better able to project sea level rise, because we need to be able to plan, to mitigate and adapt to sea level rise over the next three centuries.”
— Dr. Tom Chudley, Durham University
Why this matters:
As glaciers retreat and chunks of ice break away, more freshwater is pouring into the ocean, accelerating sea level rise. Scientists have long warned that rising seas threaten coastal cities, but new research suggests previous estimates may have underestimated the speed and scale of the changes to come. For communities on the front lines — from Miami to Jakarta — poor predictions could mean the difference between preparing for gradual change and being caught off guard by catastrophic flooding. Higher seas don’t just erode shorelines. They push saltwater into drinking supplies, weaken infrastructure and increase the reach of storm surges during hurricanes and typhoons.
Related: Why Greenland’s warming landscape is fueling geopolitical tensions
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State Farm seeks steep rate hike after devastating Los Angeles fires
The largest insurer in California is asking state regulators to approve a 22% rate increase, citing mounting wildfire losses that have already cost over $1 billion in claims.
In short:
- State Farm says the recent Los Angeles fires are the most expensive in company history and could further weaken its finances, which have already led to a credit downgrade.
- The company has paid out over $1 billion in claims from the fires and expects to pay much more, warning that failure to raise rates could put 2.8 million policies at risk.
- California law requires regulatory approval for rate hikes over 7%, and previous insurer exits from the state have pushed many homeowners to rely on the state-backed Fair Plan.
Key quote:
“Insurance will cost more for customers in California going forward because the risk is greater in California.”
— State Farm statement
Why this matters:
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, driving up insurance costs and leaving homeowners with fewer coverage options. If insurers continue withdrawing from high-risk areas, more residents may struggle to find affordable insurance, threatening financial stability in fire-prone communities.
Related: California plans significant changes to insurance rules as wildfires increase risk
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Offshore wind projects stall as New Jersey halts new approvals
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, has stopped approving new offshore wind projects, dealing a major setback to the industry as President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of wind energy, returns to power.
In short:
- Murphy’s decision effectively ends much of his clean energy push, leaving New Jersey’s offshore wind future uncertain.
- Trump and other Republicans have long opposed offshore wind, favoring fossil fuels instead.
- Virginia’s offshore wind project, backed by a Republican-led state government, is moving forward despite setbacks elsewhere.
Key quote:
Murphy’s move "plays right into the hands of Donald Trump, who wants to stick New Jersey families with dirty air and expensive oil and gas energy to further enrich his billionaire friends."
— Ed Potosnak, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters
Why this matters:
Offshore wind was expected to help states transition to clean energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create jobs. With new projects stalling, former President Biden’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 is in jeopardy. Political opposition and permitting challenges could slow the industry’s growth nationwide.
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Credit: Jerubal Jay/Pixabay
Maryland lawmakers push for new energy projects to curb rising costs
Maryland Democrats introduced legislation to expand the state's energy capacity, aiming to ease soaring power bills while attempting to preserve climate goals.
In short:
- Lawmakers proposed three bills to accelerate approval for energy projects, including natural gas with plans for hydrogen conversion and carbon capture.
- The legislation seeks to make solar power more accessible, create a 25-year energy planning body and reduce financial risks for nuclear projects.
- Environmental groups oppose new fossil fuel plants, while state officials stress the need for affordable, reliable energy.
Key quote:
[Reaching net zero emissions] "cannot come at an impossible cost to Marylanders or threaten our ability to keep our lights on. We must be more sustainable and we must be more affordable.”
— Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson
Why this matters:
Maryland faces rising energy costs, driven by power imports, coal plant closures and infrastructure expenses. The proposed legislation aims to balance affordability, sustainability and energy reliability. Including natural gas in future plans has sparked debate between economic and environmental priorities.
Read more: Maryland pushes for faster clean energy grid expansion
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Vermont's clean heat policy faces political roadblocks
A policy aimed at cutting Vermont's reliance on fossil fuel heating has stalled after election losses weakened Democratic support, leaving its future uncertain.
In short:
- Vermont’s Clean Heat Standard would require fossil fuel companies to fund heating efficiency projects, such as heat pump installations and insulation upgrades, with a focus on low-income households.
- Republican Gov. Phil Scott opposes the policy, citing high upfront costs and potential heating price increases. Democrats no longer have the votes to override his veto.
- The state’s Public Utilities Commission found the policy would be costly but beneficial, yet recommended alternative funding approaches like expanding a fuel tax.
Key quote:
“It’s unfortunate the governor’s concerns were dismissed, and instead, a significant amount of taxpayer money and time was spent to fully develop a complicated program that isn’t workable for Vermont.”
— Vermont governor's press office
Why this matters:
Vermont’s ambitious climate law, designed to sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions, has run into a critical challenge: the state’s lack of a clear strategy for addressing emissions from the heating sector. As a state where cold winters and aging infrastructure make heating a significant source of carbon pollution, Vermont is grappling with how to balance its climate goals with economic and political realities.
Related: Vermont faces legal battle over its polluters-pay climate law
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Credit: Phillip Kofler/Pixabay
Opinion: Football’s growing carbon footprint threatens its future
The global football industry emits as much carbon as Austria each year, with sponsorships from polluting companies and expanded tournaments driving up emissions even further.
In short:
- A new report finds football’s annual carbon emissions equal those of Austria, with the FIFA Men’s World Cup alone generating 6.5 million metric tons of CO2 over a four-year cycle.
- Sponsorships from fossil fuel companies and airlines make up 75% of football’s total emissions by promoting high-carbon lifestyles.
- Players are calling for reforms, including reducing international tournaments, cutting sponsorship deals with polluters and improving travel options for fans.
Key quote:
“Football needs to wake up to the threat posed to it by climate change.”
— Tessel Middag, professional footballer for Rangers FC
Why this matters:
Football’s growing emissions contribute to climate change while extreme weather threatens the sport itself. Sponsorships from major polluters fuel demand for high-carbon activities. Without action, rising temperatures, air pollution and extreme weather could reshape the game for players and fans alike.
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Credit: J Haeske/Flickr
Montana lawmakers debate changes to environmental review law
Republicans in Montana’s legislature are pushing to limit environmental reviews, while Democrats want stronger oversight following a court ruling that affirmed the state’s duty to consider climate impacts.
In short:
- The Montana Supreme Court upheld a ruling that the state's Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) must allow analysis of greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing Montanans' right to a clean environment.
- Republicans are introducing bills to restrict MEPA's role, arguing it should be purely procedural, while Democrats want to align the law with the court's decision.
- Proposed bills would redefine MEPA’s scope, limit when courts can block permits and specify how greenhouse gas emissions should be considered in reviews.
Key quote:
“The Montana Constitution guarantees that certain environmental harms shall be prevented, and prevention depends on forethought.”
— Montana Supreme Court ruling
Why this matters:
Changes to MEPA could weaken environmental protections or reshape how Montana evaluates projects affecting land, water and air. The debate mirrors a broader national conflict over industry interests versus climate accountability. MEPA, which has been in place since 1971, requires state agencies to assess the environmental impact of major projects such as mining operations, pipelines and infrastructure expansions. Critics of the proposed changes worry that scaling back the scope of reviews could lead to unchecked environmental harm, while supporters argue that current regulations are burdensome and discourage investment.
Learn more: Opinion: Youth v. Montana — Young adults speak up
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