Douglas McIntyre, editor-in-chief of Climate Crisis 24/7, discusses how Amazon’s plan to make deliveries by drones could help reduce its carbon footprint. Unlike traditional trucks, which emit significant pollution, drones operate on electricity and produce negligible emissions. Amazon’s advanced drone program in Germany sets a promising example, highlighting the potential for the flying cargo-carriers to…
Douglas McIntyre, editor-in-chief of Climate Crisis 24/7, reports on a study from Inside Climate News showing that the Sun Belt’s growing population faces severe climate risks, including heat stress, water shortages and wildfires. Despite these hazards, areas like Florida, Phoenix and Texas continue to attract residents, raising questions about when, or if, worsening conditions might…
Douglas McIntyre, editor-in-chief of Climate Crisis 24/7, discusses a new Inside Climate News study predicting that by 2070, regions around Phoenix, southern Texas, Louisiana, Florida and the Carolinas could become barely habitable. Rising heat, more frequent natural disasters and wildfires are expected to make life in these areas increasingly difficult. Despite these looming threats, however,…
Douglas McIntyre, editor-in-chief of Climate Crisis 24/7, reports that global coal demand is expected to reach 8.7 billion tons by the end of 2024, driven largely by China and India. Despite China’s shift towards renewable energy, its massive energy needs prevent a complete transition away from coal, and India’s increasing reliance on coal, due to…
Douglas McIntyre, editor-in-chief of Climate Crisis 24/7, discusses a report from Cox Automotive revealing that Tesla ranks as the 10th best-selling car brand in the U.S. in 2024. This low position reflects the slow adoption of electric vehicles and the continued dominance of gas-powered cars. Traditional automakers like Toyota, Ford and GM have been slow…
Douglas McIntyre, editor-in-chief of Climate Crisis 24/7, discusses the sharp rise in cocoa prices, which have doubled from $6,000 to $12,000 per ton in just one year. The price hike is attributed to two factors: a two-year drought in West Africa that has devastated cocoa crops and speculation on cocoa futures. This surge in prices…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway discuss the potential consequences of worsening storm seasons, focusing on the possibility of migration from high-risk states like Florida, Louisiana and the Carolinas. They note how insurance companies are already withdrawing from these regions, leaving residents to rely on riskier alternatives. Meanwhile, Callaway observes that despite increased storm activity, people…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway explore the potential rollback of regulations governing fuel efficiency standards under the incoming Trump administration, emphasizing the implications for the car industry. They note California’s efforts to lock in its 2035 ban on gasoline-powered cars, which President Biden is expected to support before leaving office. However, President-elect Trump has pledged…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway discuss the financial challenges U.S. automakers face in the electric vehicle market. Ford, despite significant losses, is continuing its EV investments with the aid of government loans, while GM has largely exited its EV ambitions after incurring $8 billion in losses. Both agree that automakers are scaling back ambitions to…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway analyze the interplay between U.S. oil production and OPEC+ strategies. While OPEC+ continues its traditional game of balancing volume and price, U.S. private enterprises pump freely, keeping America as the largest oil producer. They note OPEC’s waning influence compared to the dominance it held in the 1970s and deal with…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway critique the inefficiencies of the United Nations COP climate summits. Despite annual meetings aimed at addressing global climate issues, they often result in disappointment for environmental advocates. Callaway suggests the process could benefit from regional collaboration rather than global consensus attempts. McIntyre highlights the problematic influence of oil company executives…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway discuss the potential impact of tariffs on oil trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. While tariffs are considered disruptive, both speakers suggest that such drastic moves are unlikely, though they could raise oil costs in the U.S. They also speculate on Trump’s possible early political moves, predicting he may…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway discuss the future of electric vehicles in the United States and China heading into 2025. They predict challenges for U.S. EVs, including potential rollbacks on subsidies and stricter emission standards, but note that Elon Musk and Tesla might still benefit from infrastructure investments. Meanwhile, they believe China’s EV industry will…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway discuss the resilience of China’s electric vehicle market, predicting continued growth of 20–30% year-over-year due both to government support and robust European demand. However, Callaway raises a significant caveat: Warren Buffett’s decision to sell his long-held stake in BYD could signal potential risks or unknown insights about the Chinese EV…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway discuss potential moves by the incoming Trump administration to target the EV market by withdrawing tax incentives without significantly impacting Tesla and Elon Musk. They suggest that Tesla’s high profit margins could help it weather the removal of subsidies, unlike competitors such as Ford, GM, Rivian and Lucid. While Lucid…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway discuss the challenges facing the wind energy sector, particularly in the U.S., and highlight the financial strain caused by rising interest rates, supply chain issues and the high cost of wind turbines and offshore setups. While wind energy may recover in Europe, they predict a particularly difficult period for U.S….
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway discuss the promising future for nuclear energy, especially under the incoming Trump administration. They highlight increased investment in the sector, including high-profile partnerships like Microsoft’s deal with Constellation Energy and the potential reopening of Three Mile Island. They also emphasize the role of over 50 startups exploring nuclear fusion, which…
Douglas McIntyre and David Callaway explore the growing challenges of electricity supply as AI data centers significantly increase energy demand. They note a brewing “war over electricity,” with tech companies pursuing private deals outside traditional grids, creating regulatory and local governance issues. Meanwhile, solar and battery storage projects face delays due to permitting bottlenecks. They…
Douglas McIntyre, editor-in-chief of Climate Crisis 24/7, warns about the increasing intensity of hurricanes and typhoons globally, highlighting the historic severity of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season and the record-breaking typhoon in the Pacific. McIntyre suggests these trends could signal even more dangerous hurricane seasons in the future, emphasizing the global interconnectedness of climate phenomena.
Douglas McIntyre, editor-in-chief of Climate Crisis 24/7, discusses Tesla’s potential to become a two trillion-dollar company, highlighting the rapid growth of electric vehicles, particularly in China, where Tesla has a strong footprint. While EV adoption has slowed in the U.S. and Europe, policies and rising gas prices are expected to accelerate the shift from gas-powered…
Douglas McIntyre, editor-in-chief of Climate Crisis 24/7, explores the rising cost of home insurance in hurricane-prone cities like New Orleans and Tampa. He links these increasing rates to worsening storms fueled by record-high ocean temperatures and highlights the challenges of living in regions vulnerable to extreme weather.
