Fence-line communities hope plastics treaty might ease pollution burden
People who live with the pollution from plastics and petrochemical facilities hope the stalled talks on a global plastics treaty will limit plastic production.
Data center energy demand could triple by 2028, government report warns
A Department of Energy report estimates that data centers could use up to 12 percent of all electricity produced in the U.S. within the next few years.
Biden sets new emissions targets in a final flurry of climate action
In the closing weeks of his presidency, Joe Biden set ambitious CO2 emissions targets and approved billions for EVs before Donald Trump takes over.
Sustainability
With world "off track" on cutting plastic waste, states to play larger role
Two new reports show how much work remains for companies to meet their ambitious pledges to cut the plastic waste that clogs oceans and threatens human health.
AI's air pollution problem: Data center energy use adds to deadly emissions
A study finds that growing demand for electricity to power AI data centers contributes harmful air pollution. Without cleaner power, the health toll will grow.
Newsweek Horizons podcast examines the future of plastics
The new podcast episode features highlights from the December 4 panel discussion event "The Future of Plastics."
Sustainability
Concerned about plastic waste? Join a discussion on the future of plastics
A Newsweek panel discussion on Wednesday will highlight solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.
UN talks on plastics fall short, end with no global treaty to control waste
Negotiations in South Korea for a global treaty on plastic waste stalemated over limits on plastic production and the elimination of harmful chemicals.
Talks on a plastics treaty have begun. Here's how to stop plastic waste
With negotiations underway for a global plastics treaty, business leaders and scientists explain how we can stop the plastic waste polluting our oceans.
Electrified Future: Why EVs are a lifesaving technology
Donald Trump's pledge to end tax credits for EV sales could slow progress on tailpipe emissions that contribute to thousands of illnesses and deaths.
Industry responds to EPA's plastic pollution strategy before treaty talks
Some industry responses pointed to fault lines on what are likely to be the most contentious issues at the United Nations treaty talks beginning next week.
Panelists take on climate finance and politics at Newsweek's COP29 event
At Newsweek's "Pillars of the Green Transition" event at COP29, panelists talked climate finance and the coming shift in U.S. policy in a second Trump term.
As plastic treaty talks near, study shows how to cut waste clogging oceans
Researchers say just four policies could cut plastic pollution 90 percent by 2050. With no action, plastic waste could nearly double.
Clean tech and energy industries seek path forward after Trump victory
Donald Trump has pledged to undo clean-energy incentives from the Biden administration. But many states benefitting from clean development are Republican.
Electrified Future: Form Energy remakes Rust Belt misery into batteries
With another $405 million in financing, Form Energy is expanding to make its iron-air batteries on the site of a former steel mill in Weirton, West Virginia.
These solar-powered homes kept lights on through Hurricane Milton
A direct hit from Hurricane Milton was the ultimate test for homes at Hunters Point, a Florida development designed for sustainability and climate resilience.
AI can see clearly now: How Google's AI improves environmental monitoring
Google researchers use AI to take clouds out of satellite images, offering land managers a clearer view of threats to the environment.
International Energy Agency projects a massive boom in wind and solar power
The IEA says renewable energy will provide half of the world's electricity by 2030. But more action is needed to meet global climate targets.
Concerns about AI's energy demand rising among tech leaders and investors
In a survey, more than half of tech leaders cited data energy demand as a top concern, and some ESG investors are questioning the tech sector's energy use.
U.S. Energy Secretary highlights nuclear option for climate action
In a Newsweek interview, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said reviving old nuclear reactors and developing new ones is vital for a clean energy transition.
Tim Lenton wants to push the world to positive climate tipping points
Professor Tim Lenton has warned about dangerous climate tipping points. His latest work looks at how mandates can tip society toward clean energy adoption.
Is AI a climate hero or climate villain?
AI could revolutionize clean energy, but its power demands are driving up emissions. Can we reap the climate benefits without derailing the energy transition?
Biden seeks to burnish environmental legacy at Climate Week NYC
President Joe Biden said his climate action makes this the "perfect time to go big" on clean energy.
With election near, the political climate looms over Climate Week NYC
"The climate world is looking at the U.S. election and thinking, 'We can't really afford another rollback,'" Climate Group CEO Helen Clarkson told Newsweek.
Join us via livestream Wednesday for "AI: Climate Hero or Climate Villain?'
Our panel of leading experts will explore how we can reap the climate benefits of AI without having its power demands derail the clean energy transition.
Microsoft's AI power needs could reopen Three Mile Island nuclear plant
Microsoft and Constellation announced an agreement to reopen a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island to provide carbon-free electricity for data centers.
Inflation Reduction Act at 2: The most important law most haven't heard of
President Joe Biden's action on climate change, the Inflation Reduction Act, is growing clean-energy jobs. But most voters say they don't know much about it.
White House climate adviser sees "fragile inflection point" on energy in US
As the Inflation Reduction Act turns 2 years old, White House Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi said data shows people feel its impact on job growth and energy savings.
Energy secretary addresses concerns over AI's growing electricity demand
As the AI boom drives up energy consumption and pollution associated with data centers, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said the power will be available.
Elon Musk's new AI data center raises energy and water concerns in Memphis
Musk claims to have built the world's most powerful AI training site in Memphis, Tennessee. But some residents worry about its massive energy and water use.
