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The unequal effects of climate change

Jul 16, 2021
Climate change affects every aspect of our lives, but some people are more vulnerable to severe damage and high costs.
An almost dry section of Lake Oroville in Northern California. The state is suffering a prolonged drought, creating problems for agriculture and stoking wildfires.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A California farm battles drought: “We're out here trying to survive"

Jul 16, 2021
A historic drought threatening crops in the West could send food prices higher.
Terranova Ranch in California's Central Valley was forced to re-drill two of its wells after they ran dry.
Courtesy of Terranova Ranch

For small businesses, extreme heat can mean unexpected costs

Jul 9, 2021
Among them are higher electricity bills, air conditioning upgrades and running cooling misters for customers outdoors.
With unexpected weather can come unexpected costs, like AC upgrades, higher electrical bills, even irrigation systems to protect property in case of wildfires.
Dirk Waem/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. electrical grids are not prepared for climate change

Jul 1, 2021
Experts say utilities have been forced to play catch-up when extreme weather hits.
The sun sets behind power lines in Los Angeles.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Extreme heat, urgent need for AC challenges infrastructure

Jun 28, 2021
Nonprofit Climate Central estimates that home air conditioning use will increase almost 60% over the next 30 years.
A heat wave is scorching the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle, only about 44% of homes have air conditioning.
Stephen Brashear via Getty Images

A heat wave in the West is putting stress on power grids

Jun 16, 2021
There are technology and consumer behavior changes that could make a difference as extreme heat becomes more common.
In Texas and California, people are being asked to lower their power use.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Offshore wind has lots of potential. How close are we to meeting it?

Jun 10, 2021
The Biden administration pushes for expansion of the clean-energy technology, but logistical, cost and even aesthetic hurdles loom.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

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Is the global economy facing a "Bretton Woods" moment?

Jun 10, 2021
One think tank CEO says the G-7 summit is a moment to envision an economic restructuring similar in scale to that of post-WWII.
President Joe Biden (center) and first lady Jill Biden (left) arrive in Cornwall for the G-7 summit.
Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Why U.S. energy storage is increasing

Jun 10, 2021
Emerging technology and cheaper prices have brought an energy storage boom.
Energy storage increases are not due to pandemic declines, but are instead signs of an evolving industry and cheaper prices.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

What role does the Fed have in mitigating climate change?

Jun 4, 2021
The Fed has to walk a fine line between mitigating disaster and shifting monetary policy to focus on fighting climate change.
Federal Reserve Board Jerome Powell testifies during a hearing on "The Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress."
Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images