The world's not laughing, Donald, it's crying
- 1 June 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
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EPA
President Trump's statement is a very clear repudiation of the Paris climate agreement and international efforts to fund climate mitigation and adaptation in poorer countries.
In many ways it is far worse than many observers had expected.
The president clearly believes that the accord is a job killer, an economy strangler and a desperately unfair stitch-up by other countries wanting to take economic advantage of the US.
"We don't want other leaders and other countries laughing at us anymore," thundered President Trump, "and they won't be."
He spoke of being open to re-negotiating the deal or trying to build a new agreement - but the idea of re-working the accord is an unlikely scenario.
Read full article The world's not laughing, Donald, it's crying
Fragile future for US nuclear power
- 30 May 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
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Getty Images
No one died, there were no direct health impacts, but the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear accident burned so deeply into the US psyche that it has helped limit the future use of the power source across America.
A major factor in turning the accident into a "disaster" was timing. Just 12 days before the 1979 accident that saw a partial core meltdown at one of the two reactors at the Pennsylvania plant, The China Syndrome was released in cinemas across the US.
Don't tell the President: US team lauded at climate talks
- 19 May 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
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EPA
Assailed by "enemies" on all sides, the most "unfairly" treated politician in the history of ever has at least had the consolation of knowing that his emissaries to the latest UN climate talks just finished in Bonn have followed his dictum to the letter. Or have they?
The new White House, in case you missed it, takes a very different view on climate change to a majority of countries in the world.
Read full article Don't tell the President: US team lauded at climate talks
SOS Ivanka! Can 'first daughter' save Paris climate deal?
- 11 May 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
Among the diplomats meeting here in Bonn, there's a recognition that the person who's really key to the future progress of climate talks is not in Germany but in the White House some 6,500km (4,000 miles) away.
It's not you Mr Trump, it's your official first daughter!
Read full article SOS Ivanka! Can 'first daughter' save Paris climate deal?
Trump makes major change to US climate change narrative
- 28 March 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
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Getty Images
"This is, I think, one of the most historic attacks on climate and environmental action that the US has ever seen," said Liz Perera from the Sierra Club.
Her words are certain to cheer Trump supporters everywhere.
Read full article Trump makes major change to US climate change narrative
Groundhog day for a keystone cop-out?
- 24 March 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
According to Donald Trump, the Keystone XL will be an "incredible pipeline", but could it be that the official signing of the permit in the Oval Office will be the high point for this long-winded process?
Let's look at some of the issues that might see TransCanada, the company behind the project, eventually walk away.
Trump's 'drain the swamp' budget to hit swamp dwellers
- 17 March 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
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World Neighbors
"We're not spending money on climate change any more," said Mick Mulvaney, the White House budget director.
"We consider that to be a waste of your money to go out and do that."
Read full article Trump's 'drain the swamp' budget to hit swamp dwellers
Oil change? Fossil fuel advocate to run State department
- 13 December 2016
- From the section Science & Environment
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Getty Images
Good news for environmental campaigners: President-elect Trump has finally nominated someone to his cabinet who actually believes in climate change science.
The bad news for those same campaigners is that this true believer happens to be CEO of Exxon Mobil, and also sees fossil fuels as critical to humanity's survival.
Read full article Oil change? Fossil fuel advocate to run State department
Trump nominee to rekindle climate battle?
- 8 December 2016
- From the section Science & Environment
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Getty Images
The nomination of Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt to be the next head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has two important ramifications.
The first is a clear signal from the incoming Trump administration that environmental regulations, especially as they apply to the production of energy, are set for fundamental reform.
Trump: The best thing ever for climate change?
- 19 November 2016
- From the section Science & Environment
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Getty Images
Since the US election result, there has been consternation among climate campaigners and many environment ministers, especially those attending the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) in Marrakech.
The fear, and fury of the green response to Donald Trump is understandable.
Read full article Trump: The best thing ever for climate change?
