Though the 2018 U.S. Midterm elections didn’t produce a clear victory for the climate, it was far from a defeat. While three of four far-reaching state ballot initiatives didn’t pass, the Democrats will take over leadership of the House of Representatives and several energy progressive candidates also won key governor’s races, L. Michael Buchsbaum takes a closer look.
Author: L. Michael Buchsbaum
Renewables in Germany close in on 40% of total generation
Germany is edging ever closer to its national target of 65% renewable energy by 2030: even as new government regulations slow down the speed of the Energiewende, market forces and Mother Nature have ensured that throughout 2018, renewable energy will cover at least 38% of Germany’s total electricity consumption. L. Michael Buchsbaum takes a look.
Americans vote on climate change today
In response to the Trump administration’s massive rollback of environmental regulations, citizens across the US have put forth ballot initiatives to restrict carbon emissions, stop fracking, and encourage renewable energy development. L. Michael Buchsbaum goes in-depth.
Colorado citizens rise up against fracking
In the US state of Colorado, a ballot initiative has proposed to keep fracking at least 2,500 feet (around 760 meters) away from neighborhoods. But industry interests are fighting tooth and nail preserve the status quo, says L. Michael Buchsbaum.
Let them quake: the fight against fracking in the UK
Despite years of fierce opposition, fracking has returned to the UK. And if the government has its way, safety standards meant to protect communities from earthquakes will be relaxed to help out the shale industry. L. Michael Buchsbaum takes a look at what’s happening in Lancashire.
Global Wind Energy Summit 2018 showcases the increasing power of wind
The vast Hamburg Exposition Center was packed with over 1,400 exhibitors, thousands of international visitors and conference attendees as the four-day Wind Energy Summit brought together some of the most influential minds and companies in the energy sector at the end of last month. L. Michael Buchsbaum describes wind’s huge potential.
Germany’s government responds to Hamburg’s “wind energy appeal”
At Hamburg’s Wind Energy Summit last month, the trade group WindEurope unveiled their latest market outlook that shows the industry is still on course for a solid growth of 17GW per year through 2022. However beyond that, growth is hampered by a lack of individual government policy clarity.
In a win for the environment, Hambach Forest stands (for now)
Late on Thursday evening, the 4th of October, tens of thousands of dedicated environmentalists were preparing for a battle. Shovels, axes, saws? Ready. Spray bottles to get tear gas out of your eyes? Filled. Masks to remain anonymous? Packed. L. Michael Buchsbaum reports from the Hambacher Forest.
Forget him not: Why the struggle to save the Hambacher Forest continues
After a week of skirmishes between scores of tree-occupying activists within the ancient Hambacher Forest and almost 4,000 police officers evicting them at the behest of the energy company RWE AG, the struggle has taken a tragic turn. L. Michael Buchsbaum reflects on the legacy of journalist Steffen Meyn.
Norway moves ahead with carbon capture and storage
Norway is well known as a leader in producing energy from renewable sources, however its export strategies are based on natural gas. Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) is Norway’s latest idea to “green up” the European gas market despite the threat of long-term consequences. L Michael Buchsbaum takes a look.