THE BRIEF [Mar 31-Apr 6'25]
🐳 From Lonely Whales to Lawsuits: Amazon's Oil Rush Meets Helsinki's Green Push
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Weekly Climate 🎉
References: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5] and [6].
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‼️News you can’t miss
Here’s one important scary/bad (🙀), good (😻), interesting (😼) and fossil (💩) news item.
🙀 [#AmazonOil]: Amazon rainforest, one of Earth's crucial carbon sinks, is being targeted for oil exploration with nearly 20% of newly identified global oil reserves.
😻 [#EnergyTransition]: Helsinki successfully closes its last coal plant and transitions to renewable energy, actually reducing heating costs for consumers.
😼 [#MarineLife]: The "world's loneliest whale" singing at unique 52 Hertz frequency might be evidence of climate-induced hybrid species evolution.
💩 [#ChemicalIndustry]: Chemical industry groups attempt to dodge environmental responsibility by requesting Trump for pollution limit exemptions, potentially harming low-income communities.
This week’s highlights
This week's climate news highlights the stark contrast between progress and setbacks in climate action. While Helsinki demonstrates successful energy transition by closing its last coal plant, the Amazon faces new threats from oil exploration. Meanwhile, a landmark ruling against Chevron shows growing accountability for environmental damage, even as chemical industries seek to dodge pollution regulations. The visible impacts of climate change continue with dramatic Arctic coastline changes, serving as a stark reminder of our warming world.
The Amazon rainforest emerges as the new global oil frontier
A concerning development as the Amazon, one of Earth's most crucial carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots, becomes a major oil frontier. The region holds nearly 20% of recently identified global oil reserves, creating a dangerous conflict between economic interests and environmental protection. This threatens both the rainforest's vital role in climate regulation and Indigenous lands. Read more...
Helsinki shutters its last coal plant
A significant victory for clean energy transition as Helsinki closes its final coal-fired power plant. The city has successfully shifted to carbon-neutral alternatives including heat batteries and pumps, demonstrating that such transitions can actually reduce costs for consumers. This follows Finland's 2019 law banning coal use and shows how policy can drive positive change. Read more...
Chevron Must Pay $745 Million for Coastal Damages
A landmark ruling orders Chevron to pay $745 million for wetland restoration in Louisiana, setting a crucial precedent for holding fossil fuel companies accountable for environmental damage. The verdict includes compensation for land loss, contamination, and abandoned equipment, potentially influencing similar lawsuits against other companies. Read more...
Global warming is 'exposing' new coastlines
Arctic glacial retreat has revealed 2,500 km of new coastlines and 35 new islands between 2000-2020, highlighting the rapid pace of climate change. These newly exposed areas face increased risks of landslides and potential tsunamis, raising serious concerns for local ecosystems and human safety. Read more...
Chemical Industry Asks Trump for Exemption From Pollution Limits
Two major chemical industry groups are seeking exemption from Biden administration's pollution limits, claiming $50 billion compliance costs. This request threatens environmental protections and public health, particularly in low-income communities, and represents another attempt to weaken climate regulations. Read more...
That’s it for this week folks!
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