Lunchtime Reads and Hot Takes
Now Form Energy is using its battery tech to clean up iron and steel — Canary Media
Cat’s take: Innovation begets innovation: Form Energy recently received $1 million in funding from the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to commercialize its clean iron processing pathway.
China’s manufacturing pushed emissions sky high. What’s next? — Dialogue Earth
Bill’s take: Lauri Myllyvirta is one of the best analysts of China’s complicated energy transition, and this is an important deep dive into emissions trends in the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter.
Edison Electric Institute to sue Biden admin over climate rule — POLITICO Pro (subscription)
Amena’s take: The EEI, led by Trump's former Energy Secretary, also persuaded the EPA to scrap carbon limits for existing gas-fired power plants, a major source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
The Moloch Trap of Environmental Problems — Sustainability by numbers
Amy’s take: This concept, which posits that some systemic structures further societal harms with the allure of individual gain, is a novel way to look at the problem of climate change from a macro-economic level. The examples in other arenas are also helpful.
Charging stations are failing to keep up with the EV boom — The Washington Post
Cat’s take: As the article points out, about 80% of EV drivers charge at home. But the look at EV charging infrastructure is timely given the recent turmoil around Tesla's Supercharger team.
The High Costs of Tariffs without End — The Wire China
Bill’s take: The risk of tariffs is more than they’ll delay the adoption of critical green technology in the U.S. It’s that after the delay, U.S. products will be both dirty AND uncompetitive.
A Drug for Cows Could Curb Methane Emissions from Meat and Dairy — Bloomberg
Amy’s take: If proven technologically successful, this could be huge given cows already receive vaccines, but it could also become politically controversial like other recent vaccines have — like Covid-19.
Watch out Brussels, Geert Wilders’ new Dutch government is coming — POLITICO
Anca’s take: Since it's a coalition, the far-right party couldn't push through its demand to rip up the country's climate target. However, even the toning down of climate action is seen with big concern.
Seeking Access to Congo’s Metals, White House Aims to Ease Sanctions — The New York Times
Amena’s take: Key quote: "The compromises that world leaders often acquiesce to when efforts to hold individuals accountable for their actions collide with the political and economic interests of their countries."
Europe’s Spending Billions on Green Hydrogen. It’s a Risky Gamble — Bloomberg
Bill’s take: So great has the hype been that Bloomberg decided one story debunking it isn’t enough, and nor even is two. This is the first of THREE stories on the role of hydrogen in the energy transition.
More of what we're reading:
- Climate change impacts millions in India. But as the country votes, some politicians skirt the issue — AP News
- Shell investors back oil major’s move to weaken climate targets — Financial Times (subscription)
- Biden and Big Oil Had a Truce. Now, It’s Collapsing. — The New York Times
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