Amid growing global temperatures, scientists fear devastating future impacts, but emphasize that the fight against climate change cannot be abandoned. Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian. In short: Climate experts predict temperatures will exceed the 1.5C goal, potentially reaching a catastrophic 3C increase. A recent survey indicates most climate scientists believe the 1.5C target is unachievable, with severe consequences expected globally. Despite these dire predictions, experts stress the importance of continued efforts to mitigate climate change impacts. Key quote: "Sometimes it ..read more

Colorado joins 12 other states in taking legislative action against PFAS due to their carcinogenic and persistent nature. Natasha Lovato reports for USA Today. In short: Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a law banning perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS), commonly known as 'forever chemicals', starting from January 2025. The ban targets products such as cosmetics, carpets, food packaging, and extends to certain textiles and outdoor apparel by 2028. The initiative joins national efforts, following the EPA's mandate for water systems to test for PFAS and enforce new safety s ..read more

Donald Trump's recent engagement with top oil executives at Mar-a-Lago showcases a bid for campaign funding in exchange for regulatory rollbacks. Josh Dawsey and Maxine Joselow report for The Washington Post. In short: Trump promised oil industry leaders substantial regulatory rollbacks in exchange for significant campaign contributions. This fundraising strategy highlights a direct linkage between financial support and policy promises aimed at benefiting the oil industry. The former president's agenda starkly contrasts with existing environmental policies, suggesting major policy reversals ..read more

Research shows that parasites can indicate overall ecosystem health and biodiversity. Jesse Nichols reports for Grist. In short: Chelsea Wood, a parasite ecologist, highlights the often misunderstood benefits of parasites in ecosystems, using their complex interactions to argue their importance. Wood compares parasite roles to historical predator roles in ecosystems, noting significant parallels in their necessity for environmental balance. Recent studies by Wood's team show a decline in complex parasites due to climate change, raising concerns about the broader ecological impacts. Key quo ..read more

The 15-minute city concept promotes healthier living through reduced car dependence and increased local engagement. Claire Elise Thompson reports for Grist. In short: Carlos Moreno advocates for cities where daily necessities are reachable within 15 minutes on foot or by bike, enhancing quality of life and reducing car reliance. Implementation of this concept in Paris has cut down traffic and pollution substantially, showcasing its effectiveness. The model faces criticism regarding potential increases in social inequities, underscoring the need for inclusive planning. Key quote: "It’s an i ..read more

As oceans warm at unprecedented rates, experts fear widespread ecological impacts. Katrin Bennhold, David Gelles and Raymond Zhong report for The New York Times. In short: Ocean temperatures are rising sharply, with a significant jump observed from March 2023, posing increased risks to marine life and ecosystems. Recent shipping emission regulations have inadvertently contributed to ocean warming by reducing sulfur dioxide that helped reflect sunlight. Scientists are alarmed by the rapid ocean warming, which has led to widespread coral bleaching affecting global fisheries. Key quote: "We'r ..read more

Faith-based advocates urge Citibank to respect Indigenous rights. Keerti Gopal reports for Inside Climate News. In short: Sister Susan Francois emphasized the Catholic Church's historical role in colonization while advocating for Indigenous rights at Citibank's shareholder meeting. Despite the failure of their resolution for the third year, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace plan to continue their advocacy against financing harmful fossil fuel projects. Citibank's recent report on Indigenous peoples' rights was criticized for not meeting international standards, highlighting ongoing concern ..read more

Researchers in Maine are investigating how perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances impact local wildlife. Penelope Overton reports for the Portland Press Herald. In short: Wildlife biologist Micah Miller is conducting studies on various bird species in Maine to analyze the presence of PFAS in their blood, using common eiders as recent subjects. Preliminary findings have shown alarmingly high levels of these chemicals in birds like loons and eagles, particularly near Lovejoy Pond, raising concerns about the broader food chain. The ongoing research seeks to understand how PFAS move thro ..read more

Companies sometimes conceal the detrimental health effects of their products, such as forever chemicals, to maintain profits, despite known risks Nicholas Chartres and Lisa Bero write for The Conversation. In short: Corporate tactics like suppressing research and manufacturing doubt prevent effective health regulations and public awareness, especially concerning forever chemicals and ultra-processed foods. This corporate behavior has contributed to diseases linked to tobacco, alcohol, and fossil fuels, implicated in a significant portion of global deaths. Despite known dangers, companies li ..read more

PITTSBURGH — On a windy, rainy afternoon in early April, bundled-up protesters gathered in front of U.S. Steel’s corporate headquarters downtown ahead of a shareholder vote on the sale of the company to Japanese-owned Nippon Steel. They held signs bearing messages like, “Will your grandkids forgive you?” and “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” The ongoing political debate over the pending sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel has reached the highest levels of government, but residents near the company’s Pittsburgh-area plants say those conversations are excludin ..read more