Blog Posts: renewables

Despite the immense obstacles, U.S. local governments bought more renewable energy in 2020 than ever before. Cities across the United States inked deals of all types and sizes, representing a positive shift toward renewable energy that cities must continue to pursue.

For China to be a climate leader, commitments to climate action cannot stop at the nation's borders. For the first time, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment Chinese environmental ministry endorsed a plan to discourage overseas investment in coal and address China’s burgeoning environmental footprint abroad. This “traffic-light” system could avert billions of dollars in coal finance and over 50 GW of unnecessary coal capacity.

President Biden signed an executive order that gives federal agencies 90 days to devise a plan for a zero-emission federal fleet in the United States. These four recommendations can help guide the federal fleet transition plan toward best outcomes.

Global momentum to tackle the climate crisis has been building since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. The world has proven that it is ready for more ambitious climate action.

In the United States, the ballot box decides many innovative efforts toward sustainable energy. This year, citizens across the country used their votes to support renewable energy, efficient housing, sustainable transportation and climate action finance, all of which will help ensure a clean energy transition.

The cities and communities responsible for consuming and setting clean energy targets have historically had little influence on their wholesale electricity markets’ policies and operations. That may change with the emerging PJM Cities and Communities Coalition, a growing coalition dedicated to removing and preventing barriers to decarbonization in the PJM territory.

As U.S. cities and counties transition to clean energy for their own operations and communities, many are finding that stakeholders and policies beyond their jurisdictions affect their ability to purchase clean energy. By removing regulatory and legislative obstacles, local governments are creating new pathways to access affordable, clean energy.

Climate solutions are often divided into either mitigation actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or adaptation actions that help people adjust to climate change. But strategies and technologies that do both at once exist, and should be top priorities.

We already know that the United States can grow its economy while reducing emissions. From cheaper electricity and cleaner air to rural revival and competitive edges, here's how climate action can boost jobs and productivity across the country.

In the global battle to rein in greenhouse gas emissions and prevent disasters, most economists agree that a carbon price is a key tool in the toolbox. But what’s less commonly discussed are what policies are needed in addition to a carbon price.