Phil McKenna
InsideClimate News
Cambridge, MA, United States
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Past articles by Phil:
Deep in the Democrats' Climate Bill, Analysts See More Wins for Clean Energy Than Gifts for Fossil Fuel Business
Although Senate leaders have included plenty of favors for the fossil fuel industry in the big climate package they hope to advance this week, most analysts have concluded these concessions amount to consolation prizes in a deal where clean energy is the clear winner. At least three separate analyses by think tanks and academic institutions […] → Read More
Space Tourism Poses a Significant ‘Risk to the Climate’
The burgeoning space tourism industry could soon fuel significant global warming while also depleting the protective ozone layer that is crucial for sustaining life on Earth, a new study concludes. The findings, published Saturday in Earth’s Future, raise additional concerns about the “billionaire space race” fueled by some of the world’s richest men. A key […] → Read More
New Study Says World Must Cut Short-Lived Climate Pollutants as Well as Carbon Dioxide to Meet Paris Agreement Goals
Climate policies that rely on decarbonization alone are not enough to hold atmospheric warming below 2 degrees Celsius and, rather than curbing climate change, would fuel additional warming in the near term, a study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concludes. The study found that limiting warming in coming decades […] → Read More
Looking to Reduce Emissions, Apparel Makers Turn to Their Factories in the Developing World
Sometime in the coming month, a South Korean clothing manufacturer plans to flip the switch on a pair of solar power projects on the rooftops of two of its factories in southern Vietnam. The $5.6 million project won’t cost Hansoll Textile, the manufacturer, a penny. In fact, Hansoll, a company that makes clothing for dozens […] → Read More
Chemours’ Process for Curtailing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Could Produce Hazardous Air Pollutants in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky—The chemical giant Chemours, moving to curtail emissions of a climate super-pollutant from its manufacturing facility here, has asked Louisville officials to issue a permit for new equipment that could result in the release of chloroform and other hazardous air pollutants as part of the abatement process. The company plans to capture the climate […] → Read More
The EPA Proposes a Ban on HFC-23, the Most Potent Greenhouse Gas Among Hydrofluorocarbons, by October 2022
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky—A proposed rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would require the chemical manufacturer Chemours to follow through on a recent voluntary commitment to eliminate emissions of a climate super-pollutant from its Louisville Works chemical plant. The company pledged in March to eliminate 99 percent or more of its emissions of hydrofluorocarbon-23 (HFC-23), a […] → Read More
Too Much Sun Degrades Coatings That Keep Pipes From Corroding, Risking Leaks, Spills and Explosions
Pipeline installation delays leave pipes stored longer than recommended aboveground, where UV light can deteriorate the coatings that prevent corrosion. → Read More
Trump’s Move to Suspend Enforcement of Environmental Laws is a Lifeline to the Oil Industry
The American Petroleum Institute sought the EPA’s help for companies hurt by COVID-19. One former EPA official called the suspension “an open license to pollute." → Read More
A Plant in Florida Emits Vast Quantities of a Greenhouse Gas Nearly 300 Times More Potent Than Carbon Dioxide
Ascend’s sprawling chemical complex north of Pensacola releases nitrous oxide into the atmosphere equivalent to the emissions from 2.1 million cars per year. → Read More
China, India Emissions Pledges May Not Be Reducing Potent Pollutants, Study Shows
The two countries pledged to cut their emissions of a pollutant 13,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide. A new study suggests that might not be happening. → Read More
2020: A Year of Pipeline Court Fights, with One Lawsuit Headed to the Supreme Court
Several cases challenge natural gas pipeline routes, including across the Appalachian Trail, and question companies’ right to take land they don’t own. → Read More
Standing Rock Asks Court to Shut Down Dakota Access Pipeline as Company Plans to Double Capacity
Several of the Democrats running for president are now pledging to revoke permits for both the Dakota Access and Keystone XL oil pipelines if elected. → Read More
Global Warming Is Worsening China's Pollution Problems, Studies Show
A bit like 19th Century London's smog, scientists found that more frequent periods of stagnant air will worsen China's haze and health problems. So will heat waves. → Read More
EPA Plans to Rewrite Clean Water Act Rules to Fast-Track Pipelines
The proposed rule change would limit the ability of states and tribes to block pipeline plans over concerns for water safety. → Read More
Today's Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Already Locks in 1.5°C Warming, Study Warns
To stay within the Paris climate goals, coal and other fossil fuel-fired power plants would have to shut down early or be retrofitted for carbon capture. → Read More
Elizabeth Warren on Climate Change: Where the Candidate Stands
How do the 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls compare on their climate history and promises to solve the crisis? ICN is analyzing their records. → Read More
New York Passes Ambitious Climate Bill, Aiming to Meet Paris Targets
The state legislation drew widespread praise for its goals, but also concerns that it fell short on support for disadvantaged communities. → Read More
Washington Commits to 100% Clean Energy and Other States May Follow Suit
At least six other states are considering similar legislation to fight climate change by shutting down coal power and ramping up renewable energy. → Read More
Climate Change Worsened Global Inequality, Study Suggests
An analysis of the economic impact of climate change suggests countries closer to the equator have suffered while a few wealthier countries in cool climates gained. → Read More
4 Ways to Cut Plastic’s Growing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Every stage of plastic's life cycle, from fossil fuel extraction to disposal, produces greenhouse gases. A new study looked at ways to lower the toll. → Read More