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Climate Policy

All articles tagged with #climate policy

Satirical Gold Statue of Trump Debuts in European Parliament
culture2 days ago

Satirical Gold Statue of Trump Debuts in European Parliament

Danish artist Jens Galschiøt has installed a 2.6-meter gold-leaf statue of a naked Donald Trump in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Titled 'The Orange Plague,' the sculpture depicts the US president sitting on the back of a smaller, frail figure, symbolizing the burden of American power on global climate efforts and international order. Sponsored by Danish MEP Per Clausen, the exhibit aims to spark debate on US foreign policy and environmental destruction. The installation includes the distribution of over 1,000 3D-printed miniatures to visitors and staff. The artwork, which previously toured Copenhagen and Brazil, is set to move to the COP31 climate conference in Turkey next month. No official reaction from the US administration has been reported.

Gold-Leaf Nude Trump Statue 'The Orange Plague' Debuts at European Parliament
politics3 days ago

Gold-Leaf Nude Trump Statue 'The Orange Plague' Debuts at European Parliament

Danish artist Jens Galschiøt unveiled 'The Orange Plague,' an eight-foot gold-leaf statue of a nude Donald Trump, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on October 6. The sculpture depicts the president sitting on the back of a frail man, symbolizing the burden of U.S. power on global climate efforts and rule-based order. Galschiøt described the work as a satirical critique of Trump’s actions undermining green transitions and scientific data, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 'The Emperor’s New Clothes.' The exhibition, hosted by Danish MEP Per Clausen, includes free miniature 3D-printed copies for attendees to use as protest symbols. The installation follows previous stops in Denmark and Germany and will next appear at the COP31 climate conference in Turkey.

politics12 days ago

Conservative Groups Flood Universities with Records Requests to Target Climate Scientists

Conservative organizations have filed over 100 open records requests at 19 public universities to obtain private documents from climate researchers. This strategy aims to undermine the scientific evidence used in lawsuits against fossil fuel companies, a tactic that has intensified significantly since the 2024 presidential election.

Kansas Senate Race Intensifies as Marshall Targets Hamilton's 2020 Climate Sermon
politics12 days ago

Kansas Senate Race Intensifies as Marshall Targets Hamilton's 2020 Climate Sermon

In a tightening Kansas Senate race, incumbent Republican Roger Marshall is leveraging a 2020 sermon by Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton to attack his climate stance. Hamilton, a megachurch pastor, previously urged his congregation to reduce beef consumption to lower carbon footprints. Marshall argues this contradicts Kansas values, while Hamilton’s team counters that Marshall has previously supported cattle emission regulations. The dispute highlights the race's shift from a likely Republican win to a competitive 'Lean R' contest amid national economic anxieties.

politics12 days ago

California AG Bonta Prepares Supreme Court Battle to Defend Climate Regulations

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is preparing a major legal confrontation with the Trump administration over the revocation of the EPA’s endangerment finding, which underpins federal climate rules. Bonta argues that the current Supreme Court composition, now dominated by justices who previously dissented against climate regulations, poses a significant risk, but he remains confident in the legal merits of his case. The dispute centers on the administration’s efforts to dismantle greenhouse gas regulations and undermine California’s authority to set stricter vehicle emission standards. While Bonta asserts that climate policies are essential for long-term economic stability, public opinion remains divided, with a majority of likely voters opposing California’s 2035 ban on new gas-powered car sales.

UN Succession Race Intensifies as Climate and Reform Pressures Mount
world17 days ago

UN Succession Race Intensifies as Climate and Reform Pressures Mount

The search for António Guterres' successor has entered a critical phase, with seven candidates vying for the role of the UN's first female secretary-general. While European leaders push for gender parity, US pressure for structural reform and funding cuts looms large. Climate experts warn that several frontrunners may deprioritize environmental action, creating a potential gap in global leadership.

EPA rolls back Biden-era power-plant emissions rules, citing lower electricity costs
climate-politics-and-policy26 days ago

EPA rolls back Biden-era power-plant emissions rules, citing lower electricity costs

The Environmental Protection Agency repealed Biden-era limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, with Administrator Lee Zeldin arguing the rollback will lower electricity costs for consumers, while environmentalists warn it could raise pollution and public health risks by loosening climate protections.

Court knocks down NY climate 'superfund' law, casting doubt on NJ bill
environment1 month ago

Court knocks down NY climate 'superfund' law, casting doubt on NJ bill

A federal judge struck down New York’s climate 'superfund' law that would have charged fossil fuel companies up to $75 billion over 25 years for climate resilience projects, ruling it preempted by federal law (Clean Air Act/Foreign Affairs Doctrine). The decision raises questions about a similar New Jersey bill that had gained momentum, with opponents warning it could face the same legal hurdles, while supporters argue New Jersey’s different circuit stance may allow it to survive. The ruling comes as Ida’s anniversary underscores the push for funding to protect against future storms.

France's Air-Conditioning Dilemma: Heat Relief vs. Climate Pressure
world3 months ago

France's Air-Conditioning Dilemma: Heat Relief vs. Climate Pressure

As Europe endures record heat waves, air conditioning becomes a political flashpoint in France and beyond: supporters say AC saves lives during extreme heat, especially for the vulnerable, while opponents warn it raises energy use and can worsen urban heat and emissions. The WHO advocates a holistic approach—cooling centers, insulation, trees, and flexible work schedules—to address a systemic heat crisis. Public figures are split: some leaders push broader AC adoption, while others, including Paris's mayor, urge restraint and emphasis on building efficiency. Across Europe, AC use is rising, prompting calls for balanced strategies that combine cooling with preventive measures rather than relying on machines alone.

France curbs public drinking as Europe endures scorching heat
world3 months ago

France curbs public drinking as Europe endures scorching heat

A blistering heat wave grips Europe, prompting France to restrict alcohol consumption in public spaces and convene a government heat-crisis meeting to plan adaptation, including possible cooling measures. The flare‑up comes as other nations issue extreme heat warnings (UK up to 38C, Germany up to 39C) and weather across the continent spurs concerns from farm to city centers, with authorities urging preparedness and possible air conditioning use where needed.

California climate funding showdown tests Newsom agenda
politics4 months ago

California climate funding showdown tests Newsom agenda

California Senate Democrats are using the state budget to block Gov. Newsom’s carbon-market overhaul that would award free pollution permits to refineries and big polluters, arguing it undermines last year’s three-way climate deal. They want funds redirected to housing, transit, clean air and water programs and threaten to stall Newsom’s priorities like EV incentives and high‑speed rail unless the deal is funded. The Legislative Analyst’s Office warns the changes could cut climate-revenue from about $4 billion to $2 billion, jeopardizing emissions targets, as negotiations continue with a June 30 deadline and room for summer bargaining.

politics4 months ago

Steyer’s California exit dims climate spotlight in governor race

Tom Steyer’s third-place finish in the California Democratic primary ends his bid to center climate policy in the governor’s race, leaving Xavier Becerra to face Republican Steve Hilton. Environmentalists lament the loss of a climate hawk as Steyer—who spent about $213 million—endorses Becerra, signaling a potentially less aggressive climate debate in the general election while Becerra touts environmental credentials and affordability.