Energy Archives - Page 2 of 47 - State of the Planet

The Energy Transition Will Need More Rare Earth Elements. Can We Secure Them Sustainably?

Scientists are exploring a variety of ways to provide raw materials for the energy transition with less harm to people and the planet.

by |April 5, 2023
lithium mine in france

The Paradox of Lithium

The clean energy transition depends heavily on lithium, but mining this element is not “clean.” We must not fall into the same traps from which we are trying to free ourselves.

by Marco Tedesco |January 18, 2023
maria antonia tigre headshot

Just Transition Litigation in Latin America: Sabin Center Launches New Report

Looking at 20 just transition lawsuits from Latin America, the report analyzes what arguments are being made and how those arguments have been received by the courts.

by Maria Antonia Tigre |January 4, 2023
tubes and blue light in a narrow room

Fusion-Fueled Clean Energy May Be Closer Than You Think

A Columbia Climate School expert shares his thoughts on the new fusion breakthrough, next steps, and why he’s optimistic about the future of fusion.

by |December 16, 2022
man stands behind solar panels

New Reports Explore Roadblocks to and Drivers of Investment in Renewable Energy

The zero-carbon energy transition is the solution to the 2022 energy crisis and a fundamental part of the solution to the global climate crisis. Two new reports not only identify the main roadblocks to investment in renewables, but also provide actionable recommendations to governments.

Five Things the Energy Transition Can’t Do Without

Achieving the energy transition will take money, minerals, land, water, and skilled labor. Will we have enough of each?

by |December 7, 2022

Fossil Fuels Are Dying, but They’re Not Dead Yet

It’s relatively easy to hang banners and call for rapid change. It’s far more difficult to do the work required to build the new energy system we need.

by |November 14, 2022
Comparison of installation costs of residential solar, commercial rooftop solar, and utility-scale solar.

Solar Panels Reduce CO2 Emissions More Per Acre Than Trees — and Much More Than Corn Ethanol

A response to a recent essay in the New York Times.

by Matthew Eisenson |October 26, 2022
daily electricity use

Two Years Into COVID-19, the City That Never Sleeps Returns to Waking Up Early

Higher electricity usage in NYC homes reflects the “new normal,” and raises concerns about winter energy costs.

by Christoph J. Meinrenken and Patricia J. Culligan |October 26, 2022

Preventing a Fossil Fuel Comeback in Congress

It makes economic, political, national security, and environmental sense to promote renewable energy and allow energy price competition to drive fossil fuels out of the marketplace.

by |October 24, 2022