renewable energy Archives - State of the Planet

Predicting The Pace of the Transition to Environmental Sustainability

The size of the human population, the political demands globally for increased material consumption, and the finite resources we still draw from the earth will drive the transition to environmental sustainability.

by |August 28, 2023

New Technology Will Determine the Pace of Decarbonization

While the technology we need to complete the transition to renewable energy is not yet here, the pace of technological innovation is accelerating.

by |August 7, 2023

Improving Circularity, Social Inclusion, and Biodiversity at the World’s Second Largest Utility

Columbia Climate School’s Research Program on Sustainability Policy and Management is partnering with the global smart energy solutions provider Enel X Global Retail to evaluate its new sustainability improvement initiative.

by Kelsie DeFrancia and Anyi Wang |June 28, 2023
map of areas restricted from renewable energy development

Report Finds 228 Local Restrictions Against Siting Wind, Solar, and Other Renewables

Renewable energy projects have encountered significant opposition in at least 45 states, according to a new report.

by Matthew Eisenson |May 31, 2023

Overcoming Obstacles to Electric Vehicles: Charging Stations and Lower Prices

The technology of electric vehicles is poised to displace the internal combustion engine, but it will take time to transition away from a century’s worth of infrastructure and investment.

by |April 10, 2023

The False Trade-off Between Green Energy and Toxic Chemical Regulation

The long and tortuous effort to regulate toxic chemicals in America has now come up against an ironic obstacle: anti-environmental lobbying by the manufacturers of batteries and other renewable energy technologies that rely on toxic substances.

by |March 20, 2023
mountain peaks partially covered with snow and ice

Glacial Melting in High Mountain Asia Has the Potential to Overwhelm Hydropower Systems

Flooding in the region threatens hydropower projects and the safety of downstream populations.

by |February 10, 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
satellite image of rikers island

A Renewable Future for Formerly Incarcerated New Yorkers

Rikers Island, the world’s largest penal colony, could become a solar farm. While this is a significant step toward a healthier future, certain considerations must be taken into account to ensure the transition is just and equitable.

by Joshua Nodiff |December 15, 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.