Waymo has received California regulatory approval to expand its robotaxi service across 18 counties, from Sonoma to San Diego. The expansion allows Waymo to charge for fully driverless rides throughout the Bay Area and Los Angeles, while also entering new markets in Sacramento and San Diego.
South Africa's Constitutional Court has ruled against Shell and its partners' offshore oil exploration project, citing failures in community consultation and inadequate environmental risk assessment. The decision blocks the company's exploration rights in South African waters. This ruling represents a significant legal victory for environmental and community advocates opposing fossil fuel expansion.
The government is seeking public input on potential reforms to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which sets electric car and van sales targets for manufacturers. The proposed changes include options to weaken the 2030 EV sales targets, marking a controversial shift in the UK's electric vehicle strategy.
A new study finds that existing marine protected areas are ineffective at safeguarding sharks and rays despite global conservation commitments. While 196 countries agreed to protect 30% of ocean areas by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal framework, only about 10% of the ocean currently has protected status, leaving many nations significantly behind their goals.
Data centers have become a significant election issue as public frustration with their environmental and infrastructure impacts grows. The topic is expected to reshape political discourse in the 2026 election cycle, indicating that data center policy will be a key campaign focus.
The UK Government has initiated a two-month consultation examining whether zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales targets should be relaxed. This move suggests potential flexibility in the government's approach to meeting its climate commitments for vehicle emissions reduction.
Andy Burnham and the Prime Minister respond to devastating wildfires by acknowledging that climate change is clearly occurring. They call for a renewed debate on accelerating green energy transition and improving the country's preparedness for extreme weather events.
A matriarch orca in an endangered pod off the Iberian Peninsula has been found with suspected gunshot wounds from a pellet gun. Spanish officials are investigating the incident, which conservationists describe as an act of extreme cruelty against the vulnerable population known for ramming boats in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Recent 2026 studies demonstrate the Amazon rainforest exhibits surprising resilience and capacity for rapid regrowth. However, researchers warn that continued deforestation and climate warming could push the ecosystem past a critical tipping point within the next 15 years, potentially causing irreversible system-wide collapse.
The European Commission has launched an electrification action plan to transition homes away from imported gas heating and cooling toward electricity, aiming to double electricity's energy share from 23% to 46% by 2040. The article outlines reasons why fully electric homes can be both affordable and efficient alternatives that reduce energy waste and carbon emissions.
China has released a new five-year plan specifically focused on coal policy, raising questions about its implications for global climate action efforts. The article examines what this plan means for China's energy transition and international climate commitments.
News Corp's Australian newspaper reported that the Great Barrier Reef shows signs of recovery based on government data, framing this as evidence against climate change warnings. Scientists counter that high coral cover indicates resilience from disturbances, not that the mortality-causing events didn't occur. The article critiques News Corp for using selective data interpretation to dismiss climate science.
Australia's home battery subsidy program has exceeded expectations, with over 500,000 batteries installed in just over a year. The rapid deployment has helped integrate large volumes of wasted solar energy into the grid and reduced wholesale power prices by approximately 50%. This success demonstrates how residential energy storage can support renewable energy adoption at scale.
New Jersey implemented restrictive e-bike regulations earlier this year, and early evidence suggests the law is producing the negative consequences that advocates and industry experts had warned about. The article reports that within weeks of the law taking effect, predicted problems have already materialized.
Sand mining plans threaten fishing communities in Indonesia's Riau Islands, where local fishers depend on rich fishing grounds for their livelihoods. Local fisher Edy and others oppose the mining project, which could damage marine ecosystems and deplete fish stocks that support families and education. The conflict highlights tensions between resource extraction and sustainable fishing practices in one of Indonesia's most productive fishing regions.
The UK government has implemented a temporary nationwide ban on disposable barbecue sales as Britain faces severe wildfire conditions. The Prime Minister has urged the public to avoid risky behavior that could start fires, and the military has been deployed to assist with wildfire management efforts. At least 19 people have been hospitalized during incidents in the West Midlands.
US power consumption is projected to reach record levels in 2026-2027 driven by AI and electrification. The briefing also highlights positive developments including Amazon deforestation reaching its lowest level since 2013, Google signing a 15-year solar power purchase agreement, and Malaysia launching a new 10-year energy efficiency plan.
Electrek's Wheel-E podcast covers the latest developments in electric bikes and alternative electric vehicles, including new models from Urban Arrow and Aniioki, Rivian's upcoming ALSO bike, and various regulatory efforts across cities. Topics range from Colorado's e-bike subsidy program to NYC and Paris implementing restrictions on fast e-bikes and electric scooters.
The UK is introducing a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) that will significantly impact business sustainability strategies. A 45-minute masterclass on September 15, 2026 will help businesses understand the new regulations and prepare for compliance.
Five major reservoirs in England and Wales have reached exceptionally low levels due to extreme heat and lack of rainfall, threatening the public water supply. The drought is expected to persist into autumn, with officials warning of serious consequences if dry conditions continue. Most of Europe is experiencing climate crisis-driven heatwaves with minimal rainfall across the region.
Coal mine openings are slowing globally as demand plateaus in East Asia, with China and Australia leading the decline in new capacity additions in 2025. Despite the slowdown in new mine openings, planned coal production continues to grow, suggesting existing capacity will remain in operation.
Severe monsoon flooding in northeastern India in 2026 that displaced over 500,000 people and killed 99 was primarily caused by human factors including rapid urbanization, deforestation, and wetland destruction rather than climate change alone. Research highlights structural failures and land use mismanagement as the primary drivers of the disaster. The findings suggest that infrastructure and development decisions were more significant contributors than climatic factors.
Europe's hydrogen market is experiencing setbacks with projects stalled in the feasibility phase, according to the Energy Industries Council. The slowdown is attributed to lower-than-expected demand for hydrogen as a clean energy solution. This delay threatens Europe's hydrogen development timeline and climate transition goals.
Andy Burnham's government is proposing to reduce the UK's electric vehicle sales targets from 80% to as low as 50% by 2030, a move that could add millions of tonnes of CO2 to annual emissions. The consultation on diluting the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate comes during a period of record UK heatwaves, highlighting the tension between climate goals and other policy priorities.
A project director from the Buchan Offshore Wind project has been appointed to co-chair a key Scottish offshore wind body for a two-year term. This leadership position indicates continued development and governance of Scotland's offshore wind sector. The appointment suggests ongoing commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity in Scottish waters.
Coal mining conditions have deteriorated significantly, with black lung disease cases rising sharply and reduced mine safety enforcement. The article argues that coal jobs have become increasingly hazardous, presenting worse working conditions than any period in the past 50 years. These trends reflect broader challenges facing the coal industry and coal-dependent workers.
This research article examines residual emissions that remain in urban areas even after net-zero targets are implemented. The study provides empirical evidence about the challenges cities face in achieving complete carbon neutrality and identifies which emission sources are most difficult to eliminate.
Trump has implemented new 15% tariffs and price floors on imported polysilicon and solar derivatives including wafers, cells, and modules. Bloomberg's Mark Chediak analyzes whether these tariffs could address domestic solar supply chain issues. The podcast explores the potential impacts of protectionist trade policies on the U.S. solar industry.
The article argues that redirecting corporate profits from UK summer live events toward nature restoration could be as impactful as changing consumer behavior. Chris Johnson, co-founder of Shambala Festival, advocates for systemic change in how profits are distributed rather than focusing solely on individual consumption choices.
UK politicians are increasingly framing climate action through indirect lenses such as housing, health, jobs, and economic growth rather than explicit climate messaging. This reframing risks deprioritizing climate change on the political agenda despite achieving net-zero goals. The article argues that discussing climate 'around' the topic rather than directly addressing it is an insufficient approach to climate politics.
Ontario is experiencing rising electricity demand, which hit 145.6 TWh in 2025 with a 4.4% year-over-year increase. The province faces uncertainty about future needs, with projections ranging from 207 to 297 TWh by 2050, creating significant variability in required infrastructure buildout rather than a simple capacity shortage.
Data center companies are launching a major advertising campaign in North Carolina to promote the economic benefits of their industry, but the effort appears to be generating skepticism among local residents. The PR initiative is facing backlash as communities question the actual impacts of data center development in their regions.
Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund have launched the Phoenix Species Project, committing $200 million combined ($100 million each) to recovery efforts for 100 critically endangered and extinct-in-the-wild species globally. This conservation initiative aims to provide crucial funding for species preservation and restoration projects worldwide.
The EPA has stopped publishing its cancer risk estimates from air pollution, data that communities have historically used to hold polluters accountable. This year's absence of the data represents a significant gap in environmental transparency and public health monitoring tools.
Ukraine has implemented time-based eligibility windows for household solar PV systems to qualify for green tariffs, with different periods designated for summer and winter months. The new regulations also restrict battery-discharged electricity from receiving green tariff benefits outside of these specified windows. This policy adjustment affects how rooftop solar installations can monetize their electricity generation.
Florida has enacted legislation that restricts residents' ability to sue over health issues related to living on radioactive soil from former phosphate mines. The article highlights concerning health impacts experienced by residents, including visible physical symptoms potentially linked to radiation exposure. The policy change appears to limit legal recourse for affected communities dealing with environmental contamination.
A Scottish minister is calling for a reconsideration of a ban on Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Ming Yang, citing a £1.5 billion investment opportunity at Ardersier that could generate 1,500 jobs in Scotland. The minister argues the investment would benefit the local economy and renewable energy sector despite security concerns that led to the original ban.
A Biden-era federal heat safety rule is facing potential elimination by Congress despite record-breaking heat conditions. A congressional committee has moved to block the OSHA heat rule entirely, which was already struggling for implementation. The action highlights political obstacles to workplace climate adaptation measures during an unprecedented heat wave.
Home battery installations have continued to grow despite the expiration of federal tax incentives for residential energy storage, bucking a trend seen in EV and solar markets where sales declined after incentive deadlines. This suggests strong underlying demand for home battery systems beyond government subsidies.
France is extending its C3IV green industry tax credit for 3 years to support cleantech investments across battery, wind, solar, and heat pump value chains. This extension is part of France's reindustrialization strategy and is projected to support approximately 40 projects by 2030.
S-curve modeling suggests Australia could transition away from coal to renewables by 2032, faster than previously anticipated. However, the article questions whether this timeline is sufficient to meet climate targets, highlighting a gap between accelerating renewable adoption and the actual pace needed for climate goals.
UK workers across various industries are struggling to cope with extreme heat exceeding 35°C, particularly those without air-conditioned workplaces such as chefs, paramedics, and construction workers. The article features accounts from workers employing makeshift cooling methods and highlights union calls for necessary workplace changes to address heat-related challenges.
Australia has achieved 500,000 home and business battery installations in just 14 months following the launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program on July 1, 2025. The government rebate program has successfully accelerated adoption of residential energy storage systems across the country. This rapid uptake represents significant progress in Australia's transition to renewable energy and distributed storage capacity.
India is expected to install a record 50 GW of solar capacity in 2026, driven by manufacturers rushing to meet ALMM-II (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) deadline requirements. While this represents significant renewable energy expansion, supply constraints in solar cells are expected to increase system prices through 2027 until domestic manufacturing capacity increases.
A podcast featuring CEFC boss Ian Learmonth discusses how green banking mechanisms may facilitate major wind energy projects in the coming year. The episode focuses on Tomago's commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy and examines the financial dynamics of utility company profits in the energy transition.
More than 100 people died and thousands were left homeless when severe flooding devastated Assam, India, with over 2,600 villages inundated in 2024. The disaster was exacerbated by uncontrolled deforestation and mining in the region, which worsened the climate-driven flooding event.
Environmental organizations including NRDC, Sierra Club, and SACE have formally objected to OpenAI's electric service contract with Georgia Power before the Georgia Public Service Commission. The groups are calling for greater transparency and accountability regarding the agreement.
Green hydrogen projects in the UK and Europe are failing to progress from the planning stage, according to the Energy Industries Council. This stagnation in project development threatens to make 2030 production capacity targets unachievable. The slowdown in demand is identified as a key barrier to meeting climate and energy transition goals.
A Victorian parliamentary inquiry has highlighted energy policy failures affecting apartment dwellers, with particular focus on how solar solutions like balcony solar and building-integrated photovoltaics (PV) can address energy costs in high-rise residential buildings. The article examines emerging solar options specifically designed for apartment occupants and owners who have traditionally been excluded from rooftop solar adoption.
A geothermal lease parcel in New Mexico sold for a record-setting $701 per acre in June, reflecting increased bidder competition for federal energy leases. The Bureau of Land Management is capitalizing on this momentum with another lease sale scheduled for Utah on August 18. This trend suggests growing market interest in geothermal energy development on federal lands.
