Climate crisis

Guest essay

COP27: Progress on some solutions, but where’s action on the big issue?

In waning hours of U.N. climate conference, there’s optimism about new initiatives, but much frustration over lack of “loss-and-damage” funds for developing nations.

By Laurie Stone . 18 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27: 'Brazil is back!' Lula aims to protect the Amazon

Nature took center stage at the U.N. climate conference as Brazil's president-elect reengaged in climate talks, Paris accord leaders called for a "Nature Agreement," and nature-based solutions got a bump.

By Laurie Stone . 16 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27: 8 billion people means 8 billion reasons to tackle climate crisis

At the U.N. climate conference, projects are helping Africa get minigrids, helping the Caribbean switch to clean energy and helping Indonesia ditch coal.

By Laurie Stone . 15 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27: Global fossil-fuel emissions are rising — and so are the stakes

Week two of the U.N. climate conference kicks off with a focus on curbing methane, greening shipping with hydrogen, and wondering where all the women are.

By Laurie Stone . 14 November 2022
Politics

How Democratic state wins in the midterms could rev up climate progress

States are already doing the most to shrink electricity-sector emissions. These new Democratic wins and “trifectas” could push even bolder policies forward.

By Jeff St. John . 11 November 2022
Climate crisis

Chart: These rich countries are falling far short on their climate pledges

New analysis pegs U.S., Canada and U.K. among the worst laggards on climate finance pledges. Will COP27 help even things out?

By Maria Virginia Olano . 11 November 2022
Podcast

The Ike Dike could protect Houston from the next big hurricane

The $31B coastal barrier could be the largest civil-engineering project in U.S. history. But will it be enough?

Play

By Stephen Lacey . 34 min . 9 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27: We’re on a highway to climate hell. Let’s build an offramp

Our second dispatch from the U.N. conference looks at holding wealthy nations accountable for their outsize role in climate change. Plus: What comes after 1.5°C?

By Adam Aston . 8 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27 climate talks kick off: Here's what people are talking about

Our first dispatch from the U.N. climate conference in Egypt spotlights energy and equity issues in Africa, plus political progress and uncertainty in the U.S.

By Adam Aston . 7 November 2022
Climatetech finance

What challenges will confront DOE loan program for energy retrofits?

It takes more than money to retool dirty energy infrastructure to be clean. Can utilities, regulators and communities agree on how to spend it?

By Jeff St. John . 7 November 2022