fossil fuel influence
London's low-emission zone got kids out of cars and onto their feet
A year after London's clean air zone was enforced, 40% of children began walking or biking to school instead of being driven, according to new research.
In short:
- A study found that 40% of kids in London's ultra-low emissions zone switched from car rides to walking or biking within a year of the policy's start.
- In contrast, only 20% of children in the control group city, Luton, made the same switch, with an equal number starting to drive.
- Researchers say this shift could combat childhood obesity and improve both mental and physical health.
Key quote:
"Physical activity in general is vital for preventing obesity... and has benefits for children’s physical development and mental health.”
— Christina Xiao, epidemiologist at Cambridge University
Why this matters:
Research shows that penalizing driving—rather than just building bike lanes or walking paths—is often more effective at getting people out of their cars. And whether it's through incentives or penalties, the takeaway is clear: what’s good for the planet is often what’s best for the kids too. Read more: Another road is possible.
Oregon’s biggest gas company isn’t as green as it claims
NW Natural promised Oregonians it would embrace renewable natural gas, but years later, the company continues to rely on fossil fuels while selling an image of sustainability.
In short:
- NW Natural launched a campaign to promote renewable natural gas, yet continues to sell as much fossil fuel as before.
- Internal documents reveal the company used public relations strategies to downplay the growing pressure to phase out gas and electrify homes.
- Despite promises, renewable natural gas makes up less than 1% of the company’s supply today.
Key quote:
“The story they’re telling us is simply not possible. What they’re trying to do is to prevent being put out of business.”
— Phil Barnhart, former Oregon state representative
Why this matters:
As the climate crisis deepens, misleading sustainability claims delay real action on reducing fossil fuel dependence, prolonging exposure to harmful emissions. This kind of greenwashing isn't just misleading—it's dangerous. Read more: Hog waste-to-gas: Renewable energy or more hot air?
How a 2010 oil spill still shapes cleanup strategies today
Fourteen years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster, scientists remain skeptical that today’s oil spill response methods would be significantly more effective at managing a similarly catastrophic event.
In short:
- The Deepwater Horizon spill released 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf, and only 2-6% was recovered.
- Advances in oil spill science and technology have improved recovery methods, but they remain largely ineffective for large spills.
- The rise of new oil production methods, including deep-sea drilling, increases the likelihood of future spills.
Key quote:
"I knew immediately that this would be ecologically and economically disastrous."
— Jeffrey Short, now-retired scientist from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Why this matters:
As long as we use fossil fuels, spills are likely to happen. Oil spills are the third largest source of oil in the sea. Experts warn that, despite some advances in spill response, another Deepwater Horizon-level spill would be similarly catastrophic.
Trump plans to dismantle climate funding from key law if elected
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:
- Donald Trump vowed to cancel unused funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, targeting climate and energy programs.
- He floated a government efficiency commission, possibly led by Elon Musk, aimed at reducing government waste.
- The Biden administration has already allocated billions in climate funding, but much remains unspent, creating potential legal battles over clawing back those funds.
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.
The world is drowning in plastic, with 57 million tons of pollution annually
The world generates an astonishing 57 million tons of plastic pollution every year, spreading from the depths of the oceans to inside human bodies, with two-thirds coming from the Global South, according to a recent study.
In short:
- Researchers found that the Global South produces more than two-thirds of the world’s plastic waste, much of it due to lack of infrastructure and government waste management.
- The study received criticism, however, for not examining the toll of plastic production, which generates planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants harmful to human health.
- Microplastics, from improperly discarded waste, are increasingly found in human bodies, with uncertain health consequences.
- Final negotiations on a global plastics treaty are scheduled for November, aiming to address this growing problem.
Key quote:
“They [microplastics] are in the most remote places ... the peaks of Everest, in the Mariana Trench in the ocean, in what we breathe and what we eat and what we drink.”
— Costas Velis, University of Leeds environmental engineering professor
Why this matters:
All eyes are on the global plastics treaty negotiations in November, as world leaders try to rein in this crisis before it spirals further. If they succeed, we could finally see a coordinated effort to curb this plastic tidal wave.
Read more: Scientists say health should be the core of global plastic treaty.
Texas boosts oil-friendly courts to safeguard industry interests
On September 1, Texas will open new business courts, heavily influenced by Big Oil, with judges handpicked by Governor Greg Abbott, many of whom have deep ties to the fossil fuel industry.
In short:
- Texas’ new business courts will handle corporate cases, with judges selected by Governor Abbott, many of whom have histories defending fossil fuel companies.
- The courts, designed with little oversight, have been criticized for favoring industry interests, particularly in environmental cases.
- Environmental cases previously heard by more liberal courts will now be overseen by these conservative, industry-friendly judges.
Key quote:
“Greg Abbott created a boutique court for corporations where he, not the voters, gets to pick the judges.”
— Adrian Shelley, director of Public Citizen Texas.
Why this matters:
This move is a direct strike at environmental and public health advocacy. In a state where fossil fuel dominance is already crushing the push for green energy and stricter regulations, this court is poised to silence dissenting voices even further. Read more: ExxonMobil, LyondellBassel and Chevron among Houston’s top polluters.
Behind closed doors: Civil society groups excluded from key global treaty talks on plastic pollution
This week’s global treaty talks on plastic pollution in Bangkok have sparked outrage as environmentalists and affected communities are locked out of the negotiations, raising concerns about transparency and the future strength of the treaty.
In short:
- Environmentalists, tribal leaders, and community members from areas impacted by plastic pollution are excluded from crucial talks in Bangkok.
- The United Nations cites procedural rules for the exclusion, but critics worry this could lead to a weaker treaty.
- Some nations, like Uruguay and the Philippines, are including nonprofits in their delegations to ensure diverse representation.
Key quote:
“I didn’t think it would go to this extreme, with really limited participation. It’s taking away our ability to fully participate and come up with meaningful solutions.”
— Frankie Orona, executive director of the Society of Native Nations in Texas
Why this matters:
As key voices sound the alarm on being sidelined, the question looms: How effective can a treaty be if those most affected by plastic pollution aren’t even at the table? Read more: Plastics treaty draft underway, but will the most impacted countries be included?
