The Friends of Science Society challenges Prime Minister Carney's 'No Pathways, no pipeline' stance, citing a global energy shortfall and questioning climate emergency claims.

https://elkcreeknotes.beehiiv.com/ to receive transcripts by email. https://elkcreeknotes.beehiiv.com/p/sustainability-in-your-ear-transcript-earthx-ceo-peter-simek-on-cultivating-bipartisan-climate-strat. For 15 years, the Dallas-based climate conference the https://earthx.org/ has created space where fossil fuel executives and environmental activists, Republican appropriations chairs and Democratic climate hawks, find common ground. The organization targets three core stakeholders: the corporate world, policymakers, and investors seeking startups where environmental solutions are baked into the bottom line. Peter Simek, EarthX’s CEO, explains how reframing climate action around shared values—stewardship, economic opportunity, and love of the land—unlocks support that crisis messaging alone cannot reach. The doom story doesn’t sell, Simek explained. “We’re not motivated as a species by doomsday language. It puts people in fight-or-flight mode.” He points out how climate became an identity issue, tangled up in culture-war debates over hamburgers and gas-powered trucks, when the real conversation should center on clean air, clean water, and protecting the places we love. “The EPA and the Clean Air and Clean Water Act were passed during the Nixon administration,” he notes. “There are ways to message this that appeals across lines.” Simek bets heavily on bottom-up action as EarthX works to build bridges. States, cities, and private capital often move faster than federal mandates, he argues, and they’re harder to reverse with a single executive order. Texas leads the nation in renewable energy deployment because wind and solar make bottom-line sense. “Even as there’s a policy turn against it, there’s still the driving reality that solar and wind are viable energy sources,” he says. A new event in 2026, the EarthX Institute, will focus on two policy priorities: nuclear energy, where bipartisan consensus is growing, and urban biodiversity. Whether conversations at forums like EarthX translate into policy velocity that matches the pace of climate impacts remains to be seen. Simek says he stays focused on tracking downstream results, specifically the investments funded, the coalitions built, and the policies incubated from the local level up. “It’s about finding those ways in which there’s common sense, common ground, common values,” he says. “Elements to talking about nature and the environment that no one can really disagree with.” Learn more about EarthX and its upcoming April 2026 conference at https://earthx.org/. - Subscribe to Sustainability In Your Ear on https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/earth911-com-sustainability-in-your-ear/id1384301001?mt=2 - Follow Sustainability In Your Ear on https://www.spreaker.com/user/earth911, https://www.iheart.com/podcast/966-Earth911com-Sustain-29715785/, or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOEAu3yE_OGPAQR9o8o9XeA/

The article discusses the growing influence of progressive lawmakers in Michigan's state legislature, focusing on their efforts to advance climate action legislation, expand healthcare access, and reform campaign finance laws. Key proposals include a statewide renewable energy mandate by 2030, a public option for health insurance, and stricter disclosure requirements for political donations. While some Republicans oppose these measures as overly ambitious, progressive leaders argue they are necessary to address systemic issues like income inequality and environmental degradation. The piece highlights bipartisan support for specific initiatives, such as infrastructure investments, while emphasizing the challenges of passing sweeping reforms in a politically divided legislature. It also notes the role of grassroots organizations in mobilizing voter turnout and shaping policy priorities. Overall, the article provides insight into the evolving political landscape in Michigan and the potential impact of progressive agendas on state governance.

The article examines Andy Burnham's potential climate policies as he prepares to become the UK's next prime minister. It highlights the tension between economic recovery and climate action, with Burnham facing pressure to address heatwaves, energy prices, and food security. Burnham's record includes local green initiatives in Manchester, such as net-zero targets and public transport electrification, but his stance on North Sea drilling remains ambiguous. Experts warn that prioritizing fossil fuels could undermine climate goals, while renewable energy is increasingly cost-effective. The piece also discusses the political implications of Burnham's decisions, including the potential approval of the Jackdaw gasfield and the role of key figures like Ed Miliband. The article underscores the interconnectedness of economic and environmental policies, urging a holistic approach to address both crises effectively.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is set to undergo an independent expert review following a public relations crisis caused by its $96 million website revamp. Environment Minister Murray Watt ordered the review to ensure the agency delivers value to Australians amid a rapidly changing climate. The review, led by former Murray Darling Basin Authority chief Phillip Glyde, will assess the BOM's organisational strategy, public communications effectiveness, and responsiveness to stakeholder needs. BOM CEO Stuart Minchin acknowledged the website redesign, which exceeded its initial $34 million budget over nine years, faced significant criticism with 750,000 pieces of feedback in seven months. The agency has since contracted Accenture Australia for a new climate website. Key areas under scrutiny include strengthening reputation, resilience, and strategic partnerships while aligning services with legislative mandates. The review panel will report by March 31, 2027, shaping the BOM's next strategic plan for 2027. Minister Watt emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in weather and climate services, which are critical for daily decision-making across sectors. The review aims to ensure the BOM remains a trusted source of environmental intelligence as it adapts to future challenges.

The recent Carbon Economics Salon held in Shenzhen attracted close to 100 experts. It focused on climate policy, trade relations, and carbon market challenges.

The Labor Party's 50th National Conference in Adelaide is shaping up to be a pivotal event for Australia's political landscape, with key debates on green energy transitions, artificial intelligence regulation, and economic policy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is using the three-day triennial convention as a launchpad for his 2028 election campaign, setting the stage for internal discussions on policy reforms. Central to the agenda is the potential phasing out of tax credits for miners, part of a broader push toward green energy initiatives. Ministers are cautiously downplaying the likelihood of a gas export tax, despite its popularity among some factions, highlighting tensions within the party over how aggressively to pursue populist causes. The conference also marks a significant moment for Albanese's leadership, as he navigates the complexities of balancing ideological priorities with the need to appeal to a broader electorate. Notable discussions include the removal of a call for Hamas to disarm from the policy platform, which has complicated efforts by Jewish and Palestinian MPs to present a united front. Meanwhile, Albanese is sharpening his rhetoric on AI, as unions push for stronger worker protections in the rapidly evolving tech sector. The event unfolds against the backdrop of a surging populist movement, underscoring the high stakes for Labor as it seeks to redefine its platform and secure future electoral success.

Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the world's climate negotiators will gather in Belém, Brazil this November for COP 30, a summit many are calling a critical juncture for global climate action. After COP 29 in Baku ended with what developing nations called a woefully inadequate $300 billion annual commitment—far short of the $1.3 trillion economists say is needed—can multilateral climate negotiations still deliver the justice and transformation the climate crisis demands? And with 71% of climate finance currently provided as loans rather than grants, how is the debt crisis crushing developing countries' ability to invest in climate action? Rebecca Thissen, Global Advocacy Leader for Climate Action Network International, joins Sustainability In Your Ear to unpack what's really at stake in Belém. With a background in International Public Law and years in the trenches of climate justice advocacy, Thissen works at the intersection of finance, economics, and climate action to ensure money flows where it's needed most. She discusses the just transition work program, Brazil's controversial Tropical Forests Forever Facility, the International Court of Justice's groundbreaking ruling on climate obligations, and why only 10% of countries showed up with their nationally determined contributions. Climate Action Network represents nearly 2,000 organizations across 130 countries, making it the world's largest coalition working on climate change. You can follow their daily updates during COP 30 through their newsletter ECO at climatenetwork.org. https://elkcreeknotes.beehiiv.com/p/sustainability-in-your-ear-transcript-the-climate-action-network-s-pre-cop30-briefing-with-rebecca-t?utm_source=earth911.com. https://elkcreeknotes.beehiiv.com/ to receive transcripts by email.

A new report from the Friends of Science Society criticizes Canada’s carbon tax as a hindrance to economic growth, highlighting potential financial burdens on taxpayers.

For the first time, COP30 introduces the Citizens' Track, allowing public input in climate policy. This initiative aims to engage citizens globally, giving them a voice in international climate discussions.

Join the SOMPO Institute seminar on October 3, 2025, delving into international sustainability regulation trends and corporate responses. Don’t miss it!

Ecopetrol shares its draft on social and environmental issues for 2024, emphasizing climate policies and practices as part of its commitment to sustainability.

Clean & Prosperous Washington has been recognized as the Community's Pick of the Year at the 2024 BREW International Blog Awards, honoring their climate advocacy and community engagement.

The 15th Launch of Research Reports on Energy Economy took place in Beijing, unveiling critical trends and forecasts for 2025's energy landscape.