This article is the second in a series that compares today's fight for climate solutions with the successful movement to abolish slavery in the nineteenth century. Read the first installment, "The Fight against Climate Change Must Become the New Abolitionism." Recently, Congress considered whether African Americans should receive financial compensation for centuries of … [Read more...]
Big oil companies find it harder to turn a buck
Judging by pump prices, drivers might think oil companies were rolling in profits that only move higher. Lately, though, the big boys in the global oil industry are finding that earning a buck isn't as easy as it used to be. Royal Dutch Shell, for instance, just announced that fourth quarter earnings would fall woefully short of expectations. The Anglo-Dutch energy giant … [Read more...]
Study finds shift to ‘dark money’ in climate denial effort
The largest, most-consistent money fueling the climate denial movement are a number of well-funded conservative foundations built with so-called "dark money," or concealed donations, according to an analysis released Friday afternoon. The study, by Drexel University environmental sociologist Robert Brulle, is the first academic effort to probe the organizational … [Read more...]
Could fracking finally kill off rural America?
Gasland 2, the sequel to Josh Fox's documentary about the dangers of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, introduces a frightening image. It's not another money shot of tap water on fire, though the water well hose lit up by the owner of a multimillion dollar home in Parker County, Texas is a wonder. Nor is the most frightening image an internal gas industry memo … [Read more...]
Sandy’s real name
The following letter from climate activist Bill McKibben was sent out today by 350.org. -- Ed. Dear friends, We woke up this morning with a deep sense of sadness. Hurricane Sandy has brought serious hardship to many of the people we love and places we treasure. It has affected many homes, I was talking to a friend and they suggested that it might be a good idea for people … [Read more...]