Climate

Governors challenge PJM over data center grid impacts

Governors from 11 states served by PJM Interconnection have demanded more influence over the grid operator's decisions amid rising electricity costs driven by data centers. Led by Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro, they met in Philadelphia in late September and threatened potential withdrawal if changes are not made. The push highlights tensions between tech expansion and consumer affordability.

Dinosaurs thrived until asteroid impact, study finds

A new study challenges the idea that dinosaurs were declining before their extinction 66 million years ago. Researchers found evidence of thriving dinosaur communities in New Mexico right up to the asteroid strike. The findings highlight distinct regional ecosystems shaped by climate.

Misleading climate claims in Swedish party leaders' debate

Swedish party leaders made several misleading climate statements in an SVT Agenda debate, according to DN's Peter Alestig. He questions claims that Sweden has invested 70 billion kronor in renewables and that forests provide the most climate benefit when utilized.

Breakup of supercontinent Nuna enabled complex life evolution

The breakup of the ancient supercontinent Nuna around 1.5 billion years ago reshaped Earth's surface, reducing volcanic carbon emissions and expanding shallow seas that fostered oxygen-rich environments. Scientists from the University of Sydney and the University of Adelaide link this tectonic event to the rise of early eukaryotic life. Their study challenges the notion of a stagnant 'Boring Billion' period in Earth's history.

New England's last coal plant shuts down early

New England's final coal-fired power plant, Merrimack Station in New Hampshire, has closed three years ahead of schedule due to poor economics. The shutdown coincides with federal efforts to revive the coal industry under the Trump administration. The site's owner plans to repurpose it for clean energy projects.

Zucman tax and its potential use for climate questioned

In its weekly newsletter, Le Monde's 'Chaleur humaine' podcast addresses a listener's question about the Zucman tax. This proposal targets the wealthiest, but its allocation is debated between ecological transition and debt reduction. The piece examines if it can directly benefit the climate.

New study forecasts heat-related deaths a week in advance

October 08, 2025 Reported by AI

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a forecasting system that can predict heat-related deaths in Europe a week in advance. The system combines meteorological data with health statistics for more accurate warnings. Over 100,000 people died from extreme heat in Europe during the summers of 2022 and 2023.

Eu commission sues sweden over renewable energy breach

October 09, 2025 Reported by AI

The eu commission is taking sweden to court for failing to fully implement new rules on simpler permits for renewable energy. The directive, effective since 2023, was due to be transposed into swedish law by july 2024. Sweden now faces potential fines if ruled against.

Drought strains finances in Texas town of Clyde

The small Texas city of Clyde missed bond payments in 2023 and 2024 amid a severe drought that reduced water sales and damaged infrastructure. Officials raised taxes and utility rates to address the shortfall, highlighting broader risks to the $4 trillion municipal bond market. Experts warn that droughts could expose more debt to climate threats than floods or wildfires by 2040.