green transition
Newsletter
Credit: David Vives/Unsplash
The renewable energy shift could deepen inequalities for Indigenous communities
The green transition could worsen socioeconomic disparities for Indigenous peoples unless Western science and settler colonialism are addressed, a new study finds.
In short:
- Indigenous knowledge is often marginalized or appropriated by Western researchers.
- The Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware strengthened sovereignty by revitalizing connections to the land.
- Indigenous communities face ongoing challenges, such as the San Carlos Apache fighting copper mining in Arizona.
Key quote:
“Western Science is really what dominates the way we talk about climate adaptation. Indigenous knowledge is either subsumed [or] appropriated.”
— Lyndsey Naylor, University of Delaware
Why this matters:
Marginalizing Indigenous knowledge exacerbates climate change impacts and entrenches colonial violence. Integrating Indigenous practices is crucial for equitable climate solutions.
Related EHN coverage:
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Newsletter
Credit: David Vives/Unsplash
Trump's push for fossil fuels could clash with Europe's green transition
As the U.S. boosts fossil fuel deals under Trump and Biden, Europe's shift to renewables risks reducing demand for American gas.
In short:
- Donald Trump and Joe Biden are both promoting U.S. fossil fuel exports, but Europe's decreasing gas demand could undermine these plans.
- Europe's commitment to reducing emissions has led to a significant drop in gas usage, with a shift towards renewable energy.
- U.S. companies, expecting a decline in European demand, are pivoting towards Asia for future gas and LNG markets.
Key quote:
"We expect that demand for natural gas is going to continue declining at pace. Given we have these climate commitments, the expectation is that demand will be lower by 2030, even lower by 2040, with the effect that there is no long-term gas demand in Europe."
— Georg Zachmann, senior fellow at economics think tank Bruegel
Why this matters:
The clash between U.S. fossil fuel ambitions and Europe's renewable energy goals could lead to oversupply and economic repercussions. As Europe reduces gas dependency, American companies will need to adapt to changing global energy demands.
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Newsletter
Indigenous concerns about the environmental and social costs of the green transition
Indigenous leaders express growing concerns about the environmental and social impacts of green energy projects.
In short:
- Leaders from across the globe gathered in New York at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
- A report presented on the first day of the forum argue that the green economy perpetuates extractive practices, often ignoring Indigenous rights.
- The Indigenous leaders called for a ban on deep-sea mining as well as mining in sacred lands.
- Key international reports and conferences emphasize the disproportionate impact on Indigenous lands by projects aimed at combating climate change.
Key quote:
“The concept of a transition to a green economy maintains the same extractive logic that causes States and the private sector to overlook the collective rights of Indigenous Peoples in pursuit of national interests.”
— “Indigenous Peoples in a greening economy” UN report.
Why this matters:
Despite their sustainable label, green energy projects can still lead to ecological damage that particularly affects indigenous communities. This includes the disruption of wildlife, water sources and plant life that are essential not only to the biodiversity of these regions but also to the cultural practices and survival of indigenous peoples.
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Credit: Matthew Henry/Unsplash
Virginia's new energy regulators set to steer state's green transition
Virginia's transition to renewable energy gains momentum with the election of Kelsey Bagot and Samuel Towell as key utility regulators.
In short:
- These roles are crucial under the Virginia Clean Economy Act, aiming for a fully renewable energy grid by 2050.
- The duo's backgrounds in energy regulation and consumer advocacy suggest a balanced approach to upcoming energy challenges.
- The commission's decisions will significantly impact the state's transition to renewable energy and its adherence to environmental laws.
Key quote:
"This is probably the most important decision that 99.9 percent of Virginians have no idea was made."
— Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters
Why this matters:
The appointment of Bagot and Towell is a significant step in Virginia's commitment to a sustainable future. Their decisions will directly impact the state's ability to meet its renewable energy goals, influencing both environmental health and the national energy landscape.
Appalachia’s fracking counties are shedding jobs and residents.
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Photo by Mary Winchester on Unsplash
The Guardian view on farming’s green transition: the politics aren’t looking good
Editorial: This month’s Cop28 climate summit will focus on greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. Governments need to take note
Opinion
Photo by Thomas Richter on Unsplash
Vaishali Sinha: Businesses must partner with Global South for green energy transition
Western companies in advanced economies must be willing to partner with organizations in emerging countries.
Duke Energy and its critics battle over its 'clean energy transition'
Energy production is the second largest source of the heat-trapping gases that cause global warming, both in North Carolina and nationwide — after transportation.
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