A new report from the International Panel on Information Environment (Ipie) reveals that climate misinformation, spread by fossil fuel companies, right-wing politicians, and nation-states, is hindering climate action. This misinformation, amplified by online bots and trolls, ranges from outright denial to discrediting solutions like renewable energy. The report calls for stronger measures to combat this, including regulation of social media, legal action against misinformation purveyors, and improved climate education. Without addressing this information crisis, the report warns, the climate crisis risks escalating into a catastrophe.
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Denmark, a leader in renewable energy, is exploring a potential shift in its energy policy. After a 40-year ban, the government will assess the viability of advanced, small modular nuclear reactors. This reconsideration is driven by rising interest in new reactor designs across Europe and a need for reliable, low-carbon baseload power. The move follows similar discussions in other nations grappling with energy security and decarbonization goals. This potential policy change comes amidst challenges for renewable energy projects, including rising costs and supply chain issues.
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By 2027, nearly all new homes in England will be required to include solar panels, adding approximately £3,000-£4,000 to construction costs but saving homeowners over £1,000 annually on energy bills. This policy, announced following criticism of net-zero policies from Tony Blair, reinforces the government’s commitment to its net-zero agenda. Further plans include government-funded loans and grants for solar panel installations in existing homes. This initiative is supported by environmental groups who see it as a cost-effective measure to boost energy independence and reduce household expenses.
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California is now the fourth largest economy in the world. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the state’s diverse and dynamic economy, fueled by innovation, technology, and a robust agricultural sector. It’s a compelling narrative, particularly considering the consistent narrative from some quarters that the state is in decline.
California’s economic strength isn’t just a matter of sheer size; it’s a reflection of forward-thinking policies. The state’s ambitious renewable energy goals, initially met with resistance, have not only been achieved years ahead of schedule but have demonstrably benefited the state. The fact that California’s grid ran entirely on renewable energy for 98 days last year, without impacting costs or causing blackouts, serves as a powerful example.… Continue reading
Spain recently achieved a remarkable milestone: the first weekday where 100% of its national grid electricity came from renewable sources. This achievement is a significant step towards a greener future, highlighting the potential of renewable energy to power entire nations. While some may dismiss this as a fleeting moment, the sheer fact that it happened at all on a typical weekday, rather than a holiday with lower energy demand, signals a significant leap forward in Spain’s renewable energy infrastructure and management. The fact that the renewable energy production even slightly exceeded demand underscores the potential for surplus clean energy.
This success stands in stark contrast to some other nations’ approaches to renewable energy.… Continue reading
The US Commerce Department has proposed tariffs ranging up to 3,521% on solar panels imported from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, following an investigation into alleged Chinese subsidies and dumping. These countervailing and anti-dumping duties vary widely by company and country, with Cambodia facing the highest rates due to lack of cooperation. Companies like Jinko Solar (Malaysia) received lower duties, while Trina Solar (Thailand) faces a 375% tariff. The International Trade Commission will issue a final decision on these tariffs in June.
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The US imposed tariffs as high as 3,521% on solar imports from four Southeast Asian nations. This decision benefits domestic solar manufacturers but simultaneously exacerbates challenges to the nation’s renewable energy expansion goals. The new duties significantly impact the supply of solar panels, potentially slowing the growth of the US solar energy sector. These high tariffs represent a trade protectionist measure with significant consequences for renewable energy development.
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In 2024, renewables and nuclear surpassed 40% of global power generation for the first time since the 1940s, driven largely by a record increase in renewable energy additions, particularly solar power. Solar energy doubled in three years, becoming the fastest-growing and largest source of new electricity, while fossil fuel generation saw a small increase primarily due to heatwaves increasing cooling demands. Despite this, clean energy growth is projected to outpace demand growth in the coming years, signaling a potential decline in fossil fuel reliance. This transition is significantly influenced by China and India’s substantial investments in renewable energy sources.
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A recent discovery at California’s Salton Sea revealed an estimated 18 million tons of lithium, valued at approximately $540 billion. This substantial lithium deposit, dubbed “white gold,” represents a significant breakthrough for the battery industry. The Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, now holds the potential to revolutionize domestic lithium production. This find could significantly impact the global supply chain and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy technologies.
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Renewable energy sources provided 46.9% of the EU’s net electricity generation in 2024, with significant variation across member states. Denmark led with 88.4% renewable electricity, primarily from wind, while Luxembourg had the lowest share at 5.1%. Wind and hydro dominated renewable generation, comprising over two-thirds of the total, followed by solar power. The remaining renewable electricity came from combustible fuels and geothermal sources.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood