renewable energy
Newsletter
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Democrats frame climate action as economic opportunity in 2024 platform
The 2024 Democratic platform argues that addressing climate change is not only vital for the environment but also crucial for economic growth, positioning it as a key component of their economic populism.
In short:
- The platform stresses the economic benefits of renewable energy, noting job creation and projected energy cost savings.
- It connects environmental policies to Vice President Harris’s commitment to combat corporate price gouging, particularly in the oil and gas sectors.
- Republicans, led by Trump, argue that these policies harm the economy, citing impacts on gas prices and industry regulations.
Key quote:
“. . . when we hear of potential collusion or price-gouging, we’ll hold oil and gas executives accountable.”
— Democratic Party platform
Why this matters:
Framing climate action as an economic win may broaden support for policies traditionally seen as partisan. With economic concerns front and center, this strategy could attract voters wary of environmental regulations.
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China's renewable energy surge could signal peak in emissions
China’s massive expansion of renewable energy in 2024, equivalent to the UK’s entire electricity output, might indicate that the country’s greenhouse gas emissions have peaked.
In short:
- China’s renewable energy growth in the first half of 2024 matches the UK’s total electricity output from 2023.
- Coal and gas electricity generation in China fell by 5% in July, suggesting a potential peak in emissions.
- Despite gains in clean energy, coal still accounted for 60% of China’s power in 2023, complicating long-term emissions reductions.
Key quote:
"China is leading against all of its competitors, when it comes to green technology."
— Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Policy Institute
Why this matters:
China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and its progress in renewable energy could be crucial in global efforts to combat climate change. However, continued coal reliance poses a significant challenge to reducing emissions.
Related EHN coverage:
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New York considers relaxing climate law amid challenges
Governor Kathy Hochul is contemplating easing New York's stringent climate law requirements as the state struggles to meet its renewable energy goals.
In short:
- The 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act aims for 70% renewable electricity by 2030, but New York may not reach this target until 2033, prompting discussions on relaxing the law.
- State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's audit criticizes the Public Service Commission for not estimating the transition costs and risks of blackouts if energy generation doesn't increase.
- Business and political groups are pressuring Hochul to adjust the law, arguing the current strategy endangers grid reliability and affordability.
Key quote:
"I am appalled at this pushback against the CLCPA by business interests pushing their short-sighted agenda."
— Robert Howarth, Cornell University climate scientist
Why this matters:
New York's ambitious climate goals set a precedent for other states, and setbacks could impact national and global climate initiatives. Energy infrastructure needs significant investment and overhaul, with a shift away from fossil fuels to renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydropower. This transition requires not only financial resources but also public support and collaboration across various sectors, including transportation, housing and agriculture.
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Fossil fuel industry spreads misinformation to hinder global shift to renewable energy
Fossil fuel companies are actively spreading misinformation to delay the global shift to renewable energy, according to the UN, which warns that such tactics are creating a false perception of backlash against climate policies.
In short:
- The UN states that fossil fuel companies are misleading the public to slow down the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
- A global survey shows that 72% of people support a quick transition to renewable energy, despite claims of resistance.
- The UN urges countries to develop transparent national plans for emissions reductions and involve diverse societal groups in their formation.
Key quote:
“There is this prevailing narrative—and a lot of it is being pushed by the fossil fuel industry and their enablers—that climate action is too difficult, it’s too expensive.”
— Selwin Hart, UN assistant secretary-general
Why this matters:
Fossil fuel companies’ misinformation campaigns undermine efforts to combat climate change. By delaying action, these tactics contribute to worsening climate impacts that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, increasing the urgency for accurate information and decisive policy action.
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Global wind power expansion lags behind climate targets, report says
A new report reveals that the U.S., India, Russia and Japan are falling short of their commitments to triple wind power by 2030, posing a significant challenge to meeting global climate goals.
In short:
- The report by Ember shows that global wind power is set to double by 2030, falling short of the tripling target set at the U.N. COP28 climate conference.
- The U.S. ranks worst in meeting its wind power targets, with a shortfall of 100 gigawatts, enough to power over 30 million homes.
- Brazil and Finland are among the few countries on track to exceed their wind energy goals, while countries like Russia and Japan have barely tapped into their wind potential.
Key quote:
"Governments are lacking ambition on wind, and especially onshore wind. Wind is not getting enough attention."
— Katye Altieri, electricity analyst at Ember
Why this matters:
The slow pace of wind power development undermines efforts to combat climate change and shift toward renewable energy. Countries failing to meet wind power targets risk missing out on crucial opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a sustainable energy future.
Related:
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Manchin and Barrasso's energy bill offers a complex trade-off
Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso's new energy bill proposes speeding up permits for renewable energy transmission but requires concessions for fossil fuel projects.
In short:
- President Biden's climate agenda emphasizes infrastructure subsidies to support clean energy projects, but these face delays due to lengthy permitting processes.
- Manchin and Barrasso's bill aims to simplify the approval of new power lines while easing fossil fuel project permits, sparking concerns among environmental groups.
- The bill's success depends on bipartisan support, weighing climate benefits against increased fossil fuel infrastructure.
Key quote:
“This bill does not need to sacrifice anyone. In fact, it should sacrifice no one and serve everyone.”
— Jasmine Jennings, senior legislative counsel at Earthjustice
Why this matters:
Balancing the need for clean energy infrastructure with fossil fuel interests is a significant challenge in the U.S. energy transition. The proposed bill highlights the difficulty of achieving bipartisan support while addressing environmental concerns.
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Wind and solar now provide 30% of EU electricity
Wind and solar power have surpassed fossil fuels to generate 30% of the EU's electricity in the first half of 2024, reducing emissions by one-third since 2022.
In short:
- EU power generation from coal, oil and gas fell 17% in early 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- 13 EU member states, including Germany and Belgium, now produce more electricity from wind and solar than from fossil fuels.
- Despite progress, the wind industry faces high inflation and political resistance, hindering faster growth.
Key quote:
"We are witnessing a historic shift in the power sector, and it is happening rapidly."
— Chris Rosslowe, analyst at Ember
Why this matters:
Transitioning to renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat climate change. By harnessing natural resources, we can significantly decrease the carbon footprint of electricity production. This shift not only addresses the immediate concern of lowering carbon emissions but also promotes long-term sustainability by preserving non-renewable resources.
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