energy transition Archives - State of the Planet

EPA’s Regulation of Power Plant Greenhouse Gases Reinforces Sustainability Management

The momentum behind decarbonization is unstoppable as the private sector sees the benefit of a lower cost, less polluting, and more reliable energy system. The energy transition may be delayed by political reactionaries, but it will not be stopped.

by |May 15, 2023
flat rocky area with mountains in the distance

New Program for High School Students Will Explore Climate Complexity in Chile and Argentina

A Columbia Climate School expert shares her goals for the Climate Corps Pre-College Chile and Argentina Program.

by Laurel Zaima-Sheehy and Christina Deodatis |April 12, 2023

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
partially constructed wind turbine

The Squeeze on Powering the Open Road

Transitioning to electric vehicles and renewable energy will require us to use limited, difficult-to-attain natural resources. Extracting those minerals has environmental consequences, and we don’t even know if the planetary supply can meet such a vast demand.

by Pearl Gray |March 24, 2023

The Transition to Environmental Sustainability is Underway, But It Won’t Be Easy

The transition to environmental sustainability will change the material basis of the world economy. This shift has begun, and its pace will be influenced by technology, capital, and public policy.

by |January 3, 2023

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

New York City’s Dynamism is Why Our City Will Not Fail

Diversity and tolerance comprise the secret sauce that fuels New York City’s creative and economic dynamism.

by |November 7, 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

We Need a Realistic Path to Decarbonize New York’s Electric Grid

Decarbonization is largely unpredictable, but there are some elements we can predict.

by |October 17, 2022