Search Climate Insights Directory

A 2022 survey of FDA scientists by the Union of Concerned Scientists indicates a generally positive view of scientific integrity and a higher comfort level in expressing concerns without retaliation compared to previous administrations. While 198 of 239 respondents found agency actions consistent with scientific findings and 177 of 253 felt COVID-19 science informed policy, 50 of 236 scientists reported that senior leaders with conflicts of interest inappropriately influenced decisions.

A 2022 survey of 225 US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) scientists indicates a positive shift in scientific integrity and leadership support compared to previous administrations, though concerns remain regarding workforce diversity and high workloads.

The 2022 survey of NOAA scientists indicates a positive perception of scientific integrity and evidence-based decision-making under the Biden administration, with higher rates of training on scientific integrity policies compared to the Obama and Trump administrations. However, the findings highlight significant concerns regarding a lack of diversity in senior leadership and the scientific workforce, as well as widespread burnout caused by insufficient scientific capacity.

A survey of USDA scientists indicates a generally strong culture of scientific integrity, with 207 out of 238 respondents agreeing the agency adhered to its scientific integrity policy. While 160 out of 258 scientists felt they could express concerns without fear of retaliation, 147 out of 245 reported scientific workforce reductions over the previous two years. Political interference persists, with 38 out of 256 scientists reporting they were asked to omit politically contentious words from their work, though this is a decrease from 67 out of 291 during the Trump administration. Respondents noted that the Biden administration has reinforced commitments to science-based processes for addressing climate change, allowing the use of the term 'climate change' without fear.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) survey of federal scientists in 2022 indicates a general improvement in scientific integrity, morale, and job satisfaction under the Biden administration, particularly at the EPA, FWS, and USDA. While many scientists feel better protected from political interference, significant challenges persist, including critical staff capacity shortages leading to burnout, ongoing issues with censorship, and a lack of diversity in senior leadership at several agencies. The report also highlights the vulnerability of federal scientists to external harassment and bullying, especially those working on COVID-19 and climate change.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) reports that over 14 million people live within five miles of 104 ethylene oxide (EtO)-emitting facilities, with a disproportionate impact on people of color and low-income communities. EtO is a known carcinogen used primarily for medical sterilization, and UCS advocates for stricter EPA emissions controls and the adoption of less toxic alternatives.

The UCS Science Network aims to build a science advocacy movement by collaborating with partners to provide tools, training, and networking opportunities for scientists. The network emphasizes anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, seeking to build equitable partnerships between scientists and frontline communities. Recent successes include the 2022 Science Advocacy Movement Building School, the Science and Civics Guide for the 2022 midterm elections, and various workshops on power mapping and community advocacy conducted with organizations such as the National Science Policy Network and the American Geophysical Union.

The report argues that the Supreme Court's invocation of the 'major questions doctrine' in West Virginia v. EPA undermines the ability of federal agencies to use scientific expertise to address complex challenges like climate change. It warns that this shift concentrates policymaking power in the judiciary and suggests that Congress should codify Chevron deference and pass the Scientific Integrity Act. For the executive branch, it recommends a strategy of 'flooding the zone' with smaller, more numerous regulations, streamlining OIRA review, and utilizing nonacquiescence to maintain regulatory efficacy.

The Union of Concerned Scientists calls for the immediate replacement of World Bank President David Malpass, citing his refusal to state that fossil fuel combustion causes climate change. The organization argues that the World Bank's mission to end poverty is inextricably linked to climate change and that the institution must stop financing fossil fuel projects to support low-income countries in transitioning to clean energy.

A coalition of organizations calls on President Biden to ensure the next Farm Bill addresses systemic racism, the climate crisis, and food insecurity. The letter demands increased protections for food and farm workers, a shift toward nutritious food access, the promotion of market competition to support small-scale farmers, and stricter food safety measures to combat pathogens from factory farms.

A September 2022 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists based on a Consumer Reports survey finds high interest in electric vehicles (EVs) across all racial and ethnic groups in the US, despite current adoption disparities. The report identifies that while charging logistics and cost are universal barriers, the specific nature of these concerns varies: Black and Latino respondents are more concerned with maintenance and repair costs and personal safety at charging stations, while white and Asian American respondents prioritize purchase price. The study emphasizes a strong correlation between firsthand EV experience and purchase intent, noting that systemic housing disparities (such as higher rates of renting or multi-unit dwellings among Black and Latino populations) limit access to affordable home charging. Policy recommendations include expanding used EV incentives, improving public and workplace charging infrastructure, and implementing culturally relevant community outreach.

The Union of Concerned Scientists finds that the United States can achieve a 98 percent reduction in transportation emissions by 2050 through rapid vehicle electrification, strengthened efficiency standards, and a transition to renewable electricity. The proposed 'Core scenario' involves ending sales of passenger cars and light trucks by 2035 and medium- and heavy-duty trucks by 2040, reducing liquid fuel use by 84 percent by midcentury. These pathways are deemed economically viable, with net energy costs estimated at less than 1 percent of GDP. The report emphasizes that this transition must be coupled with a power grid shift to 97 percent zero-carbon sources by 2050 and a focus on environmental justice for overburdened communities.

The report argues that the US can achieve a 98% reduction in transportation CO2 emissions by 2050 through a combination of rapid vehicle electrification, improved energy efficiency, and the use of low-carbon liquid fuels for hard-to-decarbonize sectors. It presents a 'Core' scenario where all new light-duty vehicles are zero-emission by 2035 and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 2040. The analysis emphasizes that while technological shifts are necessary, a truly equitable transition requires behavioral changes to reduce overall energy demand, such as increased use of public transit and active transportation. The report concludes that these pathways are economically viable, with net costs of less than 1% of GDP, and would yield significant public health and climate benefits.

Diesel trucks and buses in Virginia contribute a disproportionate amount of nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and global warming emissions relative to their share of registered vehicles. The Union of Concerned Scientists advocates for the adoption of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) rule to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and address disproportionate pollution impacts in specific communities.

The report evaluates the climate action plans and policies of Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire using the UCS Resilience Gap Framework. It identifies a regional trend where mitigation and adaptation efforts remain siloed and equity goals are often articulated in policy but poorly implemented. Maine and Vermont are highlighted as regional leaders in alignment with the framework, while New Hampshire is noted for having an outdated plan and a lack of state leadership. The assessment reveals a widespread failure across all six states to account for maladaptation in their planning.

The report argues that US democracy is in peril due to election subversion, restrictive laws, and a dysfunctional party system. It advocates for a bottom-up approach to reform, emphasizing the role of local community organizations in relational organizing to engage underrepresented voters. Key recommendations include securing election integrity through data transparency, reducing voter suppression via institutional reforms like universal vote-by-mail, and expanding representation by increasing the size of legislative assemblies and adopting more proportional electoral systems.

An executive summary by the Union of Concerned Scientists finding that the average new battery electric vehicle in the US produces over 50% less lifetime global warming pollution than comparable internal combustion engine vehicles. While EV manufacturing is more carbon-intensive due to battery production, the operational emissions savings quickly offset this 'debt,' with a mean breakeven point of 21,300 miles for cars. The report advocates for cleaner electricity grids, battery recycling, and increased EV accessibility to accelerate climate benefits.

The Union of Concerned Scientists finds that electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States produce significantly lower lifetime global warming emissions than gasoline vehicles, with the average EV reducing total lifetime emissions by 52% for sedans and 57% for pickup trucks. While EV manufacturing is more carbon-intensive due to battery production, the operational savings quickly offset this 'debt,' with breakeven points occurring between 17,500 and 21,300 miles. The report emphasizes that the emissions benefit of EVs increases as the electricity grid decarbonizes and recommends policies to accelerate renewable energy deployment, improve battery circularity, and increase vehicle efficiency.

The document describes a methodology for assessing the economic viability of gas-fired power plants in MISO and SPP during 2019. By comparing day-ahead market revenues against fuel and variable operating expenses, the authors calculated hourly cash flows for 436 facilities. The process involved converting EPA gross generation data to net generation, mapping plants to the nearest market pricing nodes, and utilizing S&P Global data for fuel costs and variable operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses.

The report finds that gas-fired power plants in MISO and SPP frequently operate at a loss, costing ratepayers an estimated $117 million in 2019. This uneconomic generation is most prevalent in steam turbines and gas turbines, often driven by practices like self-scheduling and self-commitment. The authors argue that these inefficiencies, combined with rising fuel costs and the growth of renewables, make gas-fired power an increasingly risky and expensive investment compared to clean energy portfolios.