Politics

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
Guest essay

COP27: Is a green wave of climate finance finally gaining momentum?

Our third dispatch from the U.N. climate conference looks at controversies over “loss and damage,” carbon offsets, the future of fertilizer and more.

By Adam Aston . 10 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
Podcast

How voting rights and redistricting shape climate policy

Fighting distrust and polarization in the elections process is key to a healthy democracy and enabling fairer public policy.

Play

By Julia Pyper . 45 min . 3 November 2022
Podcast

What’s shaping the 2022 midterms?

How our hosts are thinking about the split priorities for voters and deep partisanship going into this year’s elections.

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By Julia Pyper . 44 min . 13 October 2022
Guides and how-tos

What are public utility commissions? A beginner's guide

Utility regulators hold the keys to the transition from fossil fuels. Here's how to engage with the clean-energy gatekeepers you've never heard of.

By Julian Spector . 12 October 2022
Transmission

Manchin's permitting-reform bill splits Dems, pro-renewables groups

The transmission-buildout process is broken — but is the chance to fix it worth the perks and giveaways to the fossil industry?

By Jeff St. John . 23 September 2022