Rhode Island was the first state in the lower 48 whose average annual temperature warmed more than 2 degrees Celsius since 1895. Then New Jersey hit that threshold, which global leaders aim to keep the planet’s warming from exceeding. Next was Connecticut, then Maine and Massachusetts. But why is the Northeastern United States warming faster than the rest of the country? Climate scientists don’t fully understand this trend, but they offer an array of explanations.
Also this week, House Democrats proposed a plan for climate action that looks similar to the Green New Deal—except for the fact that it does not call for a sweeping end to fossil fuel development. Instead, the package of more than 120 pieces of legislation seeks to drive a transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, achieved by reaching into every corner of the U.S. economy with new investments, standards and incentives favoring clean energy, jobs creation, lands protection and environmental justice.
Fading Winters, Hotter Summers Make the Northeast America’s Fastest Warming Region
BY: ABBY WEISS
Connecticut’s average temperature has risen 2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, double the average for the Lower 48 states.
Read MoreHouse Democrats’ Climate Plan Embraces Much of Green New Deal, but Not a Ban on Fracking
BY: MARIANNE LAVELLE
Critics on the left wanted a faster retreat from fossil fuels. Some Republicans faulted House leaders for failing to forge bipartisan consensus.Read More
The Newest Threat to a Warming Alaskan Arctic: Beavers
BY: BOB BERWYN
The large rodents are creating lakes that accelerate the thawing of frozen soils and potentially increase greenhouse gas emissions, a study finds.Read More
A Call for Massive Reinvestment Aims to Reverse Coal Country’s Rapid Decline
BY: JAMES BRUGGERS
The plan targets devastated communities from Virginia to Arizona. “There is a debt to be paid,” said one proponent.Read More
BP and Shell Write-Off Billions in Assets, Citing Covid-19 and Climate Change
BY: NICHOLAS KUSNETZ
The moves were seen as a possible turning point as plummeting demand makes big oil companies admit they’re not worth what they used to be.Read More
Video: Access to Nature and Outdoor Recreation are Critical, Underappreciated Environmental Justice Issues
BY: ANNA BELLE PEEVEY
Author James Edward Mills sees including people of color in adventure sports as key to maintaining their high level of support for environmental protections. Read More