78,000 wildfires in US This Year
As of yesterday, the US has had 78,000 wildfires this year. That is a record year to date. The reasons are simple. Heat and drought, both caused by climate change.
-
-
US EV Collapse Continues
EVs were only 6% of all new car sales in the third quarter. That is down from over 10% in the same quarter a year ago. The primary reason is that the $7,500 federal tax credit is gone. And nothing else has gotten better. EVs still have ranges that are usually below 300 miles. Also,…
-
Air Conditioning Costs $600 Billion
Global air-conditioning and fan costs have risen to about $600 billion a year. They use as much as 10% of all electricity produced. Because of global warming, that number will go higher. And AI data center expansion has started to use even more. That means global electricity demand will rise faster than supply. It means,…
-
Green Energy Hits A Money wall
Some renewable energy projects are in the early stages of development. In most cases, that means they have to take on debt. With 5% interest rates, their borrowing costs can be much higher. That’s a hurdle many investors won’t accept.
-
People Work At Night, Solving The Extreme Heat Problem
There is no clear solution for protecting outdoor workers from extreme heat. There are new laws and ordinances. However, productivity is often undermined. One solution is to have people work at night. The challenge is to get workers to agree.
-
As Gas Hits $10, Europe EV Sales Jump 50%
The average price for a gallon of regular gas in the US is $4.43. The average across Europe is about $10. EV sales in the region surged 52% year over year in August. The question for the US EV industry is whether gas prices here will keep rising. If so, will America’s EV sales increase?…
-
Using Drones To Fight West’s Water Crisis
At least nine states are using cloud seeding to produce rain. It is a costly solution. To some extent, that’s because planes are expensive. Much less expensive drones have started to solve that problem. It may be a path to helping the West, where the drought crisis has lasted for years.
-
AI Data Centers To Cost $10.3 Trillion–Bad For Environment
Between 2025 and 2032, the cost of building AI data centers will reach $10.3 trillion. That is more than Germany’s GDP. Their energy needs will be staggering. The chance that renewables can keep up is extremely low. That means the need for natural gas and coal will rise, and probably rise at a record pace.
-
Going Through the Panama Canal Can Cost $5 Million
The cost for a large cargo ship to go through the Panama Canal has risen to $5 million, partly because of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The other reason is climate change. Drought in the area around the canal has partially dried up the rivers that feed it. That means fewer ships, particualrly…
-
Trump Sued Over Wind Projects
California and New York are suing the Trump Administration, claiming it used taxpayer dollars to stop several offshore wind projects. On another note, Trump has done a great deal to help oil and coal financially.
-
Data Centers Create own Heatwaves
The world’s largest data centers generate so much heat that water cooling alone isn’t enough to keep them operational. They vent the excess heat from their roofs. This is causing temperature spikes nearby. That, in turn, can mean more air conditioning, which causes more electricity use.
-
Huge El Niño Could Kill 451,000 People
The Climate Impact Lab says a Huge El Niño could kill 451,000 people. Most of these will be in Africa and South Asia. This could happen within the next six months. The heat has been described as “mind-blowing” and “Godzilla-level.”
-
Wood Electricity Poll Snap–Wildfire Risk
Some of America’s wooden electricity poles are over half a century old. As they age, they weaken and become more brittle. One snapped in half in Texas and caused one of the largest wildfires in the state’s history. One challenge is that there are hundreds of thousands of these. The cost to replace them is…
-
Trump May Revive EV Business
Donald Trump ended the $7,500 federal tax credit, which badly hurt US EV sales. Now, in negotiations with China, he may sharply cut a 100% tariff on their EVs. China’s EVs are less expensive, and car experts say that they are often better products with attractive features. These lower EV prices should bring buyers back…
-
Climate Forecasts Save Thousands–Live From Climate Week
Long-term weather forecasts could provide financial aid to places before disasters happen. AI makes this a reality. However, will money from nations and non-profits be willing to fund this system?
-
Trump Criticized–Live From Climate Week
Much of the discussion in the forums here is that Trump’s end to humanitarian projects has left a hole that cannot be filled
-
Clean Energy Growth To Cost $8.6 Trillion
A new study shows that meeting global green energy goals will cost $ 8.6 trillion by 2030. Nations have pulled back commitments. The private sector has advanced slowly
-
Trump Cripples Wind Energy
Trump has effectively stopped most offshore wind projects. That movement is moving to onshore projects. With rising need for electricity, the US is in an energy bind
-
Gas Prices Now Up 41% In A year
GasBuddy showed another large jump in gas prices in the last week. They are now up 41% in a year. And, based on the lack of renewables and low oil reserves, the number will keep rising.
-
Trump May Build Data Centers On Federal Land
AI data centers have run into state and local opposition. Almost 500 have been delayed. Building them may become ever more difficult as the movement to stop construction grows. Trump may have a solution. Build them on federal land.
-
Green Energy Gets $25 Billion In Venture funds
The number is up 5% from the first half of last year. AI data centers cannot get enough electricity from fossil fuels. This may finally cause a surge in investmnt.
