Results for: Environmental Policy

New Zealand’s centre-right government has repealed a plan to impose a price on greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, a policy that had drawn widespread opposition from farmers. The government plans to remove the agriculture sector from its emissions pricing scheme and establish a new pastoral group to address methane emissions without reducing production. While farmers welcomed the decision, environmental groups condemned it, accusing the government of prioritizing industry interests over climate action.

Eleven EU member states, led by Germany and Ireland, are urging their counterparts to approve the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), a crucial piece of environmental legislation facing opposition as part of the backlash against the European Commission’s Green Deal agenda. The NRL, designed to address decades of biodiversity loss, aims to restore 20% of degraded marine and terrestrial ecosystems by 2030 and sets binding targets for specific ecosystems. With a vote on the law expected during the June EU Council summit, the letter signed by Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Spain highlights concerns over the ongoing lack of support for the negotiated agreement. The signatories emphasize the importance of environmental protection in the face of climate change and public expectations. The law’s passage requires a qualified majority, and a shift in stance by one opposing country could secure its approval.

A UN report reveals that climate change threatens 70% of the global workforce. Co-founder of Blueland, Sarah Paiji Yoo, shares her insights on combating climate change through ecofriendly products and policy advocacy. The article also covers lobbying efforts, new Green Guides, simplified government contracts, potential TikTok ban, and Ticketmaster’s lawsuit. In recognition of National Small Business Week, readers are encouraged to share their planned celebrations.

The UK’s farming industry has undergone a significant transformation since Brexit, marked by the withdrawal of EU subsidies and the implementation of new policies prioritizing environmental sustainability. This transition has created challenges for farmers, particularly those in traditional farming practices. Many fear the loss of agricultural skills and knowledge passed down through generations, as well as the weakening of rural communities. The focus on environmental sustainability overlooks critical economic and social dimensions, leading to concerns about the viability and profitability of farms.

President Biden has announced $7 billion in grants for low-income households to go solar, as part of his administration’s efforts to address climate change. The grants are part of the EPA’s Solar For All program, which was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Biden administration also announced an expansion of its American Climate Corps, which aims to employ 20,000 young people in climate-related jobs across the country.

President Biden has announced $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects aimed at serving 900,000 low- and middle-income households. The grants are expected to reduce emissions by 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and save households $350 million annually. The announcement comes as Biden looks to energize young voters for his reelection campaign. Solar energy is gaining traction as a key renewable energy source, and the grants could make it more accessible for many Americans.