2024 elections

Voters face stark climate choices in Wisconsin Senate race

Wisconsin voters will decide between Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin, a climate advocate, and Republican Eric Hovde, who criticizes clean energy incentives as "corporate welfare."

Kristoffer Tigue reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Baldwin, seeking a third term, is known for her strong pro-environment voting record and support of clean energy initiatives.
  • Hovde, a businessman, has expressed skepticism about federal clean energy tax credits, despite benefiting financially from investments in green energy companies.
  • Climate change may not dominate the race, but it could sway crucial independent voters concerned about its economic impact on their communities.

Key quote:

“I believe in green energy, but to think we are going to move an economy this size… in the matter of a decade, you are smoking crack cocaine.”

— Eric Hovde, Wisconsin Senate candidate

Why this matters:

The outcome could influence national climate policy, with potential implications for clean energy investments and climate resilience efforts across the country.

Be sure to read: Midwest experiences winter warmth disrupting life and economy

Black and white illustration of Donald Trump created using words.

Trump renews political threats over California wildfire disaster aid

President-elect Donald Trump blamed California's leadership for devastating Los Angeles wildfires and revived his warning to withhold disaster funds from Democratic leaders.

Scott Waldman reports for E&E News.

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Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

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Credit: Saiho/Pixabay

Wildfires rage in Los Angeles. Why are they so bad?

Devastating wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana winds and dry conditions have forced evacuations and destroyed homes across Los Angeles, with officials warning of more dangerous fire conditions to come.

Sachi Kitajima Mulkey and Matt Simon report for Grist.

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Houseless man with bushy hair and beard looking into the camera.

Wildfires worsen air quality crisis for LA’s unhoused population

Toxic smoke from wildfires in Los Angeles has forced mass evacuations, but unhoused residents remain exposed to dangerous air pollution with few resources to protect themselves.

Sam Levin and Maanvi Singh report for The Guardian.

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EU braces for climate challenges as Trump eyes Paris Agreement withdrawal

Global climate diplomacy could face setbacks if Donald Trump, set to retake the presidency, exits the Paris Agreement once again.

Kate Abnett and Christian Levaux report for Reuters.

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Credit: Couleur/Pixabay

Global freshwater species face extinction risks as habitats deteriorate

Nearly a quarter of freshwater animal species are at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, pollution and climate pressures, according to new research.

Christina Larson reports for The Associated Press.

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Oil drilling push in Alaska faces setback as no bids emerge

A government auction to lease drilling rights in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge ended without bids, reflecting weak industry interest despite renewed Republican support for oil extraction there.

Lisa Friedman reports for The New York Times.

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Greenland town on hill covered with snow

Why Greenland’s warming landscape is fueling geopolitical tensions

The warming climate has intensified global interest in Greenland, a resource-rich island whose melting ice sheet affects global sea levels and weather patterns.

Seth Borenstein reports for Associated Press

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