Articles tagged with "climate-change"
How Much Energy Does AI Use? The People Who Know Aren’t Saying
The article discusses the opaque nature of energy consumption data related to AI, particularly large language models like ChatGPT. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claimed that an average ChatGPT query uses about 0.34 watt-hours of energy, roughly equivalent to a high-efficiency lightbulb running for a couple of minutes. However, experts criticize this figure for lacking transparency and context, such as whether it includes energy used for training models, server cooling, or image generation. OpenAI has not provided detailed disclosures explaining how this number was calculated, leading to skepticism among researchers like Sasha Luccioni from Hugging Face, who emphasizes the need for more comprehensive environmental transparency in AI. The article highlights a broader issue: most AI models in use today do not disclose their environmental impact, with 84% of large language model traffic in May 2025 coming from models with zero environmental disclosure. This lack of transparency hampers efforts to accurately assess AI’s carbon footprint, especially as AI usage grows rapidly. Misleading
energyartificial-intelligenceAI-energy-consumptioncarbon-emissionsenvironmental-impactenergy-transparencyclimate-changeBig Oil Has A Plan - Waste As Much Energy As Possible - CleanTechnica
The article discusses recent actions by the U.S. government, specifically the elimination and de-prioritization of the Energy Star program by the EPA under the Trump administration. Energy Star, a bipartisan initiative started by Republicans, has been highly effective in saving consumers money—$14 billion in 2024 alone—and significantly reducing carbon emissions since 1992. The program’s termination is seen as a deliberate move to slow the transition to renewable energy and prolong fossil fuel dependence, benefiting incumbent energy producers like Big Oil. Environmentalist Bill McKibben highlights that such policies appear designed to waste energy, aligning with fossil fuel industry interests that historically favor energy inefficiency to maintain market dominance. The article also contrasts this approach with the preferences of businesses globally, where 97% reportedly favor switching to renewable energy due to its efficiency, cost stability, and reduced geopolitical risks. McKibben criticizes the U.S. government’s contradictory stance, citing a Department of Energy goal to increase fossil fuel exports and foreign
energyfossil-fuelsrenewable-energyEnergy-Star-programemissions-reductionenergy-policyclimate-changeNewly-found sea spiders survive on methane-fed microbial coats
Scientists have discovered three new species of sea spiders (genus Sericosura) in the deep Pacific Ocean that survive by grazing on methane-eating microbes living on their translucent exoskeletons. Unlike typical sea spiders that hunt prey by piercing and sucking fluids, these spiders lack hunting tools and instead farm bacteria that convert methane leaking from the seafloor into sugars and fats. This symbiotic relationship allows the spiders to obtain nutrition directly from their microbial coats, effectively turning them into living ecosystems. This unique feeding strategy is the first of its kind observed in sea spiders and highlights a novel adaptation to the extreme, sunless environment of methane seeps. These tiny, nearly transparent spiders—about 1 centimeter long—are found in localized populations off the U.S. West Coast and Alaska. Their reproductive behavior is also unusual: females release hundreds of eggs from their kneecaps, which males carry in sac-like bundles on their limbs, passing methane-consuming bacteria to their offspring to ensure an immediate food source.
energymethanedeep-seamicrobial-symbiosiscarbon-cyclechemosynthesisclimate-changeA No Kings Day Demand For Climate Action And Democracy Protections - CleanTechnica
The article emphasizes the importance of standing up for social safety programs and democratic protections on No Kings Day, highlighting critical programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and veterans' services. It stresses the need to defend immigrants' rights and the right to peaceful assembly while calling for urgent climate action. The article critiques former President Donald Trump’s policies, arguing they undermine the U.S.’s ability to combat climate change, damage international alliances like the Paris Agreement, and threaten democratic principles by concentrating power in a manner reminiscent of monarchy. The piece explains that the Founding Fathers designed the U.S. government as a republic with checks and balances to prevent tyranny, contrasting this with the autocratic tendencies seen in Trump’s leadership. It notes that the climate crisis is a unique challenge that spans both present and future generations, requiring consistent, long-term policies rather than erratic measures like the “TACO” (Trump Always Chickens Out) tariff approach. The article calls for strong,
energyclimate-changeenvironmental-policyrenewable-energysustainabilityclimate-actionfossil-fuelsAbandoning The Market - CleanTechnica
The article "Abandoning The Market" from CleanTechnica reflects on the author's personal journey from conservative political views to recognizing the undeniable reality of climate change, sparked by observing the 2003 Hardiness Zone map that showed significant warming in their local area. The map, which was suppressed by the George W. Bush administration due to its implications about climate change, revealed a temperature increase of over 10°F in the author's region, bringing new environmental challenges like Lyme disease. This denial of clear scientific evidence by a political party led the author to reconsider their political alignment, especially after witnessing the resistance to acknowledging climate change among like-minded conservatives. The author connects this personal experience to a broader geopolitical and economic context, highlighting a recent International Energy Agency paper that underscores China's dominant position in clean energy investment and markets. The U.S., by contrast, has lagged behind due to political denial and lack of engagement with the realities of climate change. The article critiques the entrenched political denial in the U.S.
energyclimate-changeglobal-warmingrenewable-energysolar-powerwind-powercarbon-footprint"The Loss of Anybody at NOAA is Directly Connected to Services Lost By Every Individual in the United States" - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the severe consequences of proposed budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), particularly targeting its Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). The suggested reduction of $485 million would slash OAR’s funding to just over $171 million, effectively eliminating it as a line office. This would dismantle critical research efforts on climate change and atmospheric phenomena, reversing decades of scientific progress and severely undermining the United States’ ability to predict and prepare for extreme weather events such as hurricanes. The article underscores that despite having reliable NOAA data, recent storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused significant destruction and loss, emphasizing the vital role NOAA plays in disaster preparedness. Key institutions such as the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (CIMAS) and the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) face closure under the proposed cuts. These centers are essential for hurricane hunter missions that provide critical data for forecasting hurricane paths and intensities, contributing to nearly $5 billion in savings per major hurricane. The article stresses that shutting down these institutions would not only reduce forecasting accuracy but also lead to substantial financial and human costs. Additionally, NOAA’s Regional Climate Centers, which support farmers with climate data for managing frost, drought, and other weather-related risks, would cease operations, further impacting agricultural decision-making and resilience. In summary, the article argues that defunding NOAA’s research capabilities is both economically and socially detrimental, threatening public safety, agricultural productivity, and the nation’s ability to respond to climate change. It calls the proposed budget cuts absurd and inhumane, noting that maintaining and enhancing NOAA’s services is crucial for protecting lives, property, and the environment across the United States.
energyclimate-changeNOAAhurricane-predictionatmospheric-researchenvironmental-sciencedisaster-preparedness3 Ridiculous Things About Donald Trump Forcing A Coal Power Plant To Stay Open - CleanTechnica
The article by Steve Hanley criticizes the Trump administration, specifically the Department of Energy led by a fossil fuel billionaire, for forcing a Michigan utility company to keep an outdated and polluting coal power plant operational despite having a newer natural gas plant built to replace it. This mandate is described as absurd and counterproductive, especially given the administration’s contradictory stance on climate change: denying global warming publicly while invoking emergency powers due to expected extreme heat to justify keeping the coal plant running. Hanley highlights this as a hypocritical and environmentally harmful approach that exacerbates global heating rather than addressing it responsibly. Additionally, the article points out the irony of a Republican-led government, which typically advocates for limited government intervention, imposing a heavy-handed federal order that disrupts market efficiency and forces Consumers Energy to maintain an uneconomical power source. This intervention leads to higher electricity costs for ratepayers across Michigan and 14 other states, with no prior consultation from state regulators or grid operators. The author condemns this as unnecessary government overreach that increases financial burdens on consumers while undermining clean energy progress, labeling the policy as “brilliant idiocy” for its counterproductive and costly consequences.
energycoal-power-plantfossil-fuelselectricity-gridenergy-policyclimate-changeutility-costsWhat Can We Do To Save The Insects? Build Solar Arrays - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the alarming decline of insect populations, driven initially by habitat loss and pesticide use, and now increasingly exacerbated by climate change. Even protected forest areas are experiencing insect losses as warming and drying conditions disrupt ecosystems. This decline has cascading effects, notably on insect-eating birds, which have seen dramatic population drops in the US since the 1970s. The article emphasizes that climate change is a central threat to insects, altering natural rhythms and ecosystem interactions. A key positive insight presented is that solar arrays, often criticized for environmental impact, can actually serve as beneficial habitats for insects and other wildlife. The wide sunny spaces between solar panels support diverse species, attracting birds and mammals, and providing better habitats than surrounding agricultural monocultures, which are heavily treated with pesticides. Solar farms also have minimal human disturbance, further protecting these ecosystems. Additionally, solar energy offers a scalable, clean alternative to fossil fuels, helping mitigate climate change—the root cause of insect declines. To further support insect recovery, the article advocates for habitat restoration, reducing pesticide use, and creating insect-friendly environments such as wildflower meadows and native plant gardens. Examples include efforts like Britain’s King Charles III’s restoration of cultivated lands to natural habitats. The piece calls for cultural and land-use shifts to sustain pollinators, emphasizing that protecting insects requires both large-scale solutions like solar agrivoltaics and everyday actions such as sustainable gardening and pesticide reduction.
energysolar-energyrenewable-energyinsect-habitatclimate-changeagrivoltaicsbiodiversityCanada can build for the present and future, but not the past - Clean Energy Canada
Rachel Doran, executive director of Clean Energy Canada, responded to the Canadian government's introduction of the "One Canadian Economy" bill, which aims to remove internal trade barriers and promote national interest projects to strengthen the economy, diversify trade, and boost productivity and resilience. Doran emphasized that in light of geopolitical challenges, Canada must prioritize building a clean economy to seize opportunities in the global energy transition. She highlighted the importance of focusing on clean growth when identifying priority projects and removing interprovincial trade barriers, noting that investment in clean technologies is surpassing that in fossil fuels globally. Doran praised the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act for addressing barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility but stressed that workers essential to clean economy projects—such as engineers, EV mechanics, and wind turbine technicians—should be prioritized. She also called for harmonizing building codes to improve energy efficiency and electricity interconnections. The inclusion of clean growth and climate objectives in the Building Canada Act was welcomed, with success depending on factors like Indigenous leadership and climate goals. Overall, Doran urged the government to focus on building a clean economy that enhances affordability and competitiveness, asserting that Canada must build for the present and future rather than trying to rebuild the past. Key points of Bill C-5 include criteria for national interest projects: strengthening Canada’s autonomy and security, providing economic benefits, ensuring project success likelihood, advancing Indigenous interests, and contributing to clean growth and climate objectives. Notably, all of Canada’s ten largest non-U.S. trade partners have net-zero commitments and carbon pricing, with many implementing carbon border adjustments and domestic EV mandates, underscoring the imperative for Canada to align its economic strategy with global clean energy trends.
energyclean-energyenergy-transitionclean-technologiesenergy-efficiencyclimate-changesustainable-growthWomen Live In Ways That Emit Less Carbon Than Men - So What? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the gender differences in carbon footprints, highlighting that women generally have lower carbon emissions than men due to differences in consumption patterns, particularly in diet and transportation. It emphasizes that mitigating climate change requires changes in personal consumption, especially in high-emission sectors such as food choices and commuting methods. For example, in France, diet and transport account for about half of an individual's carbon footprint, with men’s higher emissions largely driven by greater consumption of red meat and more frequent use of cars. The study cited suggests that if all men adopted women’s consumption habits without reducing women’s, significant reductions in carbon emissions could be achieved, particularly in food (1.9 MtCO2e) and transport (11.5 MtCO2e). The article contrasts the US and France, noting that the average American’s carbon footprint (about 16 tons/year) is substantially higher than that of the average French person (9.2 tons/year), partly due to cultural norms that promote consumption as a status symbol, especially among men. This includes preferences for muscle cars and frequent upgrades of technology, which contribute to excessive emissions. Indoor energy use, such as air conditioning and fuel-burning appliances, also plays a significant role in the US carbon footprint. The article also points out that household structure influences emissions, with couples and families showing different patterns in food and transport footprints. Overall, the findings imply that climate policies should consider gender and social roles, as women’s consumption patterns may be more aligned with net-zero goals, while men may face greater behavioral and cultural barriers to reducing emissions.
energycarbon-footprintclimate-changegreenhouse-gas-emissionsconsumption-patternstransportation-emissionsenergy-consumptionOur Problem Politically: We No Longer Focus On The Greater Good - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica argues that a fundamental political problem in the US today is the lack of focus on the greater good, with society and government failing to provide appropriate oversight to address collective challenges like climate change. The author highlights the irony of insurance companies refusing to cover homes at climate risk while insuring fossil fuel projects, underscoring a broader societal failure to prioritize long-term communal welfare over short-term individual or corporate gain. The erosion of trust and effectiveness in government further hampers efforts to regulate and transition away from fossil fuels, as government itself has become a divisive and often distrusted institution. The piece reflects on how political discourse has shifted from collective action and shared sacrifice—seen in historical movements like WWII, Civil Rights, and women’s suffrage—to a more selfish, fear-driven narrative focused on personal gain, scapegoating, and division. The author laments that today’s politics rarely start from the question, “How do we help society as a whole?” Instead, the prevailing mindset is “What’s in it for me?” This shift toward individualism and greed has weakened societal cohesion and the ability to address pressing issues like climate collapse effectively. The article calls for a renewed emphasis on common ground and the greater good as the foundation for political and social progress.
energyfossil-fuelsclimate-changegovernment-policysustainabilityenvironmental-oversightclean-energyClimate Change Is Causing The Florida Real Estate Market To Tumble - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the growing impact of climate change on Florida's real estate market, highlighting how increasingly severe hurricanes and stricter building regulations are driving up costs and destabilizing property values. Following the 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium, Florida implemented rigorous "Milestone Inspections" for aging coastal condos, requiring costly structural upgrades. These expenses, combined with the rising frequency and intensity of hurricanes fueled by warmer ocean temperatures, have significantly increased insurance premiums and property maintenance costs for homeowners and associations. Hurricanes Helene and Milton further exacerbated the situation in Lee County, displacing residents and causing extensive damage. Insurance companies have pulled back from the Florida market, forcing many homeowners to rely on the state-backed insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which has led to steep premium hikes. The combined financial pressures from insurance rate increases and mandatory building repairs have created a "climate cost burden," pricing many condo owners out of the market. Although new insurers have entered Florida, higher deductibles and ongoing climate-related risks, such as saltwater intrusion damaging building foundations, continue to complicate the real estate and insurance landscape in the state.
energyclimate-changehurricanesreal-estate-impactbuilding-safety-regulationsinsurancedisaster-recoveryBuilding economic growth and improving affordability should be realized in a way that stands the test of time - Clean Energy Canada
The article from Clean Energy Canada emphasizes that Canada's new government, as reflected in the recent Throne Speech, is embracing a vision centered on transformative change rather than maintaining the status quo. Key to this vision is rethinking trade relationships, investing in emerging industries, and integrating affordability and sustainability into economic growth strategies from the outset. The government aims to implement an industrial strategy that simultaneously enhances global competitiveness and addresses climate change, viewing these goals as complementary rather than separate. The piece highlights that transitioning to clean energy and using low-carbon construction materials can reduce household energy costs over time and lower emissions, making homes more affordable to live in monthly. Canada’s extensive trade agreements with 60% of the global economy position it well to diversify away from reliance on U.S. markets, especially as many of its major trade partners have net-zero commitments and carbon pricing policies. The article underscores the significant opportunities in Canada’s critical minerals, clean technologies, and low-carbon industrial products sectors. It calls on the federal government to invest domestically by adopting “Buy Clean” policies that support Canadian industries and make clean technologies more accessible and affordable for Canadians, reinforcing that now is the time for innovative, forward-thinking policies rather than maintaining existing approaches.
energyclean-energylow-carbon-materialssustainabilityclimate-changeindustrial-strategynet-zeroSuperbug mines rare earths and captures carbon from thin air
rare-earthscarbon-capturebiotechnologysustainable-miningclimate-changemicrobial-engineeringenvironmental-sustainabilityHow Cuts To The Inflation Reduction Act Will Hurt Everyday Americans - CleanTechnica
clean-energysolar-energyelectric-vehiclesInflation-Reduction-Actenergy-costsgreen-jobsclimate-changeHidden Super-Emitters: The Climate Imperative Of Addressing Abandoned Fossil Fuel Infrastructure - CleanTechnica
energyclimate-changemethane-emissionsfossil-fuelsenvironmental-impactemissions-reductionregulatory-frameworksLet’s Talk About Small Modular Reactors - CleanTechnica
nuclear-energysmall-modular-reactorsclean-technologyrenewable-energyenergy-productionclimate-changeelectricity-generationElectric HyBrid Passenger Plane In Development: The ES-30 - CleanTechnica
energyhybrid-electricaviationdecarbonizationelectric-aircraftbattery-technologyclimate-changeWizz Air’s Sewage-to-Fuel Deal Helps Blow Up Five Energy Myths - CleanTechnica
energydecarbonizationaviationbiofuelsliquid-fuelselectrificationclimate-changeYou’re In A New Paradigm! Behave Like It! - CleanTechnica
energyrenewable-energybatteriesclimate-changeelectricitypower-generationgrid-managementWoman Sues Oil Companies For Causing Her Mother's Death - CleanTechnica
energyclimate-changefossil-fuelsoil-companieslawsuitenvironmental-impactheat-domeIPHE Rejects Science On Hydrogen’s Indirect Warming, Raising Credibility Concerns - CleanTechnica
energyhydrogenclimate-changegreenhouse-gasclean-energyIPHEsustainabilitySouth America Sets Historic Benchmark: Zero New Coal Plants Planned - CleanTechnica
energyrenewable-energycoalSouth-Americaclimate-changesolar-powerhydropowerMIT’s super carbon sucking tech is 6 times faster, 20% cheaper than rivals
energycarbon-captureclimate-changeMITnanofiltrationCO2-removalsustainable-technologyLegion44 CDR Movie Continues To Gather Global Momentum - CleanTechnica
energycarbon-removalclimate-changeclean-technologysustainabilityenvironmental-awarenessinnovationMicrobes capture CO2, developed this trait by adopting harsh conditions
energyclimate-changecarbon-capturemicrobessustainabilityenvironmental-scienceextremophilesTrên 300 cây xanh được trồng thêm tại Nhà máy Nhiệt điện Vĩnh Tân 2
energyrenewable-energyenvironmental-sustainabilityclimate-changepower-generationtree-plantingVinh-Tan-2Kinh nghiệm quốc tế chuyển từ FIT sang đấu thầu và cơ chế khác cho năng lượng tái tạo Gợi ý với Việt Nam
energyrenewable-energyFITauction-mechanismenergy-policyclimate-changeenergy-transitionThe Hype Returns: Joe Romm & Michael Barnard Revisit Hydrogen, 20 Years Later
energyhydrogenclimate-changesustainabilityclean-technologyemissions-reductionrenewable-energyCông ty Điện lực Cà Mau trong hành trình 50 năm sau ngày giải phóng
energyelectricityinfrastructurerenewable-energyclimate-changepower-distributionrural-electrificationUBND tỉnh Đồng Nai phê duyệt cho EVN thuê đất mở rộng dự án Thủy điện Trị An
energyhydropowerrenewable-energyelectricity-generationclimate-changeenergy-efficiencyinfrastructure-developmentEnergy Star Program Gets The Kiss Of Death
energy-efficiencyEnergy-Starclimate-changeenergy-savingshome-appliancesenergy-certificationrenewable-energyTrump Should Be Held Accountable For Defunding Renewable Energy Projects
renewable-energyclimate-changesolar-powerwind-energyenergy-policyclean-energygreenhouse-gas-emissionsEU Battery Due Diligence Rules: Are Carmakers Ready?
energybatteriessustainabilityelectric-vehiclessupply-chainEU-regulationsclimate-changeTầm nhìn chính sách năng lượng Việt Nam Tham khảo gợi ý của chuyên gia quốc tế
energyrenewable-energyenergy-policysustainable-developmentVietnam-energynuclear-energyclimate-changeAviation Professionals Call For A New Flight Plan On Emissions
energyemissionsaviationclimate-changesustainable-aviation-fuelscarbon-footprintfossil-fuelsCnaught wants to make carbon credits easy for businesses small and large
energycarbon-creditssustainabilityclimate-changemarket-solutionssmall-businessescarbon-marketTony Blair’s New Climate Reset Report Promotes Delay, Not Action
energyclimate-changefossil-fuelsclimate-policytechnology-solutionssustainabilityenvironmental-impactNew Data On Fossil Fuel Industry Emissions Could Play Pivotal Role In Climate Litigation
energyclimate-changefossil-fuelsemissionscarbon-footprintsustainabilityclimate-litigationInterview With Carbon Removal India CEO Asitava Sen On Scaling CDR In India
energycarbon-removalclimate-changesustainable-agricultureagribusinessIndiaCDRSuper-Efficient Air Conditioning Technology Slashes Energy Costs
energyair-conditioningelectricity-consumptionCO2-emissionsclean-technologyclimate-changeenergy-efficiencyGreasing the Wheels of the Energy Transition to Address Climate Change & Fossil Fuels Phaseout
energyclimate-changerenewable-energyenergy-transitionfossil-fuelselectrificationenergy-modelsPorts, Fuels, & Emissions: How Trump’s Tariffs Are Reshaping Maritime Trade
energyemissionsmaritime-tradefuel-consumptionclimate-changeshipping-routesalternative-powerAirline Emissions Soar to Pre-COVID Levels as Europe Fails to Price Their Pollution
airline-emissionsaviationEU-carbon-marketpollution-pricingclimate-changeEuropeenvironmental-policyCopernicus: Warmest March In Europe & Lowest Arctic Winter Sea Ice
climate-changeArctic-sea-iceEurope-weathertemperature-anomaliesenvironmental-scienceglobal-warmingCopernicusEuropean State of the Climate: Striking East-West Contrast & Widespread Flooding in Europe’s Warmest Year
climate-changeEuropefloodingweather-patternsenvironmental-impactEast-West-contrastglobal-warmingPoliticians in peril if B.C. loses ground on clean energy policies
clean-energyclimate-changeBritish-Columbiapolitical-impactvoter-behaviorclimate-actionrenewable-energy