ClimateWire News
NextEra aims to cash in on surging power demand from data centers
The power giant’s move to buy Dominion Energy reflects its plans to become the utility of choice at the epicenter of the AI boom.
Heat deaths to skyrocket in countries lacking adequate electricity, study finds
Poor countries in Africa and South Asia don't have the resources to expand access to air conditioning as extreme heat increases.
EU countries clash over free carbon permits in ETS overhaul
Part of the EU executive’s recent proposal puts controls on free carbon allowances, only releasing 80 percent to companies after they provide a decarbonization plan.
Brazil’s government working with Peru to protect Indigenous lands
The announcement comes after a group of Ashaninka Indigenous leaders began meetings with federal officials seeking urgent protection for their territory.
Brazil uses forensic science to tackle illegal mining in the Amazon
The objective is to determine if a newly acquired sample of gold comes from a protected area, meaning it has been illegally mined.
Giraffes given a new home in Uganda to escape oil drilling in park
The project is intended to preserve the species’ population and enhance biodiversity.
Emails show how Virginia regulators downplayed data center health concerns
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality stepped into a fight over powering AI facilities with natural gas turbines. It could shape the industry’s future.
Trump’s wildfire claims collide with Canada’s fire reality
Republicans are blasting Canadian forest management after smoke recently reached Washington.
Texas green-lights water plan lacking data center forecasts
The Texas Water Development Board's decision means the state's water plan likely won't detail data centers' usage when it is finalized in 2027.
How extreme heat across the world is shifting corporate bottom lines
While intense heat disrupts operations for a variety of industries, it also creates business opportunities for others.
Controversial plastic recycling technology divides New York Democrats
Efforts to combat plastic waste have gotten derailed by the divide over chemical recycling.
Fla. researchers bring endangered elkhorn coral ashore to protect them
Heat causes coral to bleach, which can be fatal if it lasts long enough.
Environment ministry chaos tears France’s centrists apart
France has been through eight ecology ministers in nine years, and Macron’s environmental policies are splitting his supporters ahead of next year’s presidential election.
Trade bloc’s top court takes up unprecedented Peru illegal mining case
Illegal gold mining has become one of the Amazon’s greatest environmental threats, driving deforestation and mercury pollution of rivers across the region.
FEMA may lack permanent leader through peak hurricane season
A Senate committee approved nominee Cameron Hamilton on Wednesday. But the full Senate might not act until after August recess.
Data centers drive gas demand — and help a turbine-maker
GE Vernova saw its orders for gas turbines double in the second quarter.
Trump ally floats Republican pitch for sun-blocking technologies
Embracing solar engineering research that could help reduce global warming might also provide a temporary lifeline for fossil fuels, a former Trump adviser said.
Judge faults EPA for ignoring court order on climate grants
Last month, the same judge ruled against the agency for canceling a $3B climate grant program.
A new source of data about data centers reveals their climate impact
With a single number, a new publicly available tracker scores — and highlights — the little-known climate pollution from data centers.
H2O-from-air tech to supply water-stressed suburbs
Water infrastructure company Kubota is buying atmospheric water harvesters made by AirJoule LLC to be initially deployed in California and Texas.
