Search Climate Insights Directory

A statement by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) arguing that the US government is dismantling critical disaster protections and weather forecasting capabilities while the petrochemical industry continues to expand in hurricane-prone regions, leaving vulnerable communities exposed to escalating climate risks and financial instability.

This report by RMI examines the power procurement options and associated risks for green hydrogen projects, specifically focusing on the challenges of achieving hourly matching for the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act's 45V tax credit. It analyzes four procurement archetypes—Behind-the-Meter, Virtual PPAs, Physical PPAs, and Hybrid systems—and details how weather variability, logistic complexity, and grid volatility impact project bankability and economic viability.

A report by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) warns that 118 planned or underway petrochemical projects in the US could add 153.8 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions annually, potentially increasing the sector's share of total US greenhouse gas emissions from 5.2% to over 7%. The analysis highlights that ten megaprojects account for half of these potential emissions and that 95% of proposed ammonia production is derived from methane gas, contradicting claims that it is a 'clean' fuel.

This testimony by Carroll Muffett, President & CEO of the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), delivered to the House Subcommittee on the Environment on July 7, 2020, outlines the systemic risks that the plastic lifecycle poses to human health and the global climate. Muffett argues that plastic production, which is overwhelmingly derived from fossil fuels, creates toxic exposures at every stage—from extraction and refining to consumer use and waste management—and acts as a significant driver of greenhouse gas emissions.

This briefing by Derek Brockbank of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) argues that shoreline recession in the Gulf Coast is caused by human activity benefiting the navigation industry and advocates for Regional Sediment Management (RSM) and nature-based resilience to sustain the coast.

This briefing transcript discusses the implementation of nature-based infrastructure—such as wetlands, oyster reefs, and dunes—to enhance coastal resilience against sea level rise and extreme weather in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. Experts highlight the cost-effectiveness and co-benefits of these solutions compared to traditional 'gray' infrastructure and call for federal policy reforms to prioritize the beneficial use of dredged sediment and pre-disaster mitigation funding.

As of 2016, Europe dominated the global offshore wind market, with the UK, Germany, and Denmark leading in installed capacity. The United States, while possessing vast potential (over 4,000 GW), was in the early stages of deployment with its first commercial project at Block Island. The document highlights the technical advantages of offshore wind—such as stronger winds and proximity to coastal population centers—and notes the significant job creation potential in the EU sector.

A statement by Friends of the Earth President Brent Blackwelder outlining specific policy demands and questions for President Bush regarding the recovery from Hurricane Katrina and energy policy.