Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: U.S.

  • The growing global popularity of wildlife crossings

    Wildlife crossings have become a global movement with bipartisan support and public backing, proving to be highly effective in restoring genetic connectivity for animals and preventing dangerous vehicle collisions. States across the U.S. are increasingly investing in wildlife crossings, with efforts to secure more funding for these crucial conservation measures. Innovative solutions like canopy crossings and elevated highways are being explored to protect wildlife and promote cohabitation with animals. The public sentiment towards wildlife crossings has evolved positively, reflecting a shift towards acknowledging humans as part of nature and being responsible for protecting wildlife populations. Overall, wildlife crossings are seen as a win-win solution, benefiting public safety, saving money, and conserving wildlife while promoting a harmonious relationship with nature.

    https://news.mongabay.com/podcast/2026/07/the-growing-global-popularity-of-wildlife-crossings/

  • STATEMENT: Ocean Conservancy Urges Congress to Pass Next Generation Shipping Act

    The Next Generation Shipping Act, introduced by Rep. Barragán, Rep. Carter, and Sen. Van Hollen, aims to allocate $1 billion annually from 2026-2035 for clean shipping technologies such as zero-emission vessels and retrofitting existing vessels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This bill is crucial for the U.S. maritime industry to transition to cleaner practices, as shipping is a major emitter of greenhouse gases and contributes to health issues like childhood asthma. Ocean Conservancy supports the bill, highlighting the importance of investing in clean shipping for both environmental and health benefits.

    https://oceanconservancy.org/newsroom/press-release/2026/07/01/ocean-conservancy-urges-congress-to-pass-next-generation-shipping-act/

  • How massive subsidies helped drive a 90% collapse in solar costs

    China has heavily subsidized its solar power-related manufacturing industries, investing $17.4 billion from 2010 through 2024, while OECD countries have only invested $3.9 billion over the same period. The price of electricity generated by solar panels has dropped by more than 90% during this time. In 2024, China supported over 500 gigawatts of output, with the U.S. and Europe deploying nearly $150 billion worth of solar power. Solar was the most subsidized industry, with $21 billion representing almost a fifth of the total value over the 2010 to 2024 period. The article also emphasizes the urgent need to address the pressing challenge of managing a warming climate that poses significant harm to humanity, with Americans dying from coal and gas air pollution as a result of solar panel bans, contributing to a global death toll climbing to millions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/22/the-worlds-magical-21-billion-investment/

  • Largest Solar Cell Factory In USA Starts Production in Georgia

    Qcells has opened a new solar cell manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Georgia, adding 3.3 GW of ingot, wafer, cell, and 3.5 GW of module capacity, making it the first U.S. factory to produce all major parts of a solar PV module under one roof. The company will benefit from tax credits and subsidies from the Biden administration, creating thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs and meeting the growing demand for domestically produced solar equipment. The thriving solar power industry in the United States, with Qcells expected to create nearly 4,000 direct jobs, can now power around 80 million homes. CleanTechnica provides in-depth analyses and summaries on clean energy topics, offering tips, advertising, and guest suggestions for those interested in climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/09/largest-solar-cell-factory-in-usa-starts-production-in-georgia/

  • States warm to balcony solar

    Plug-in solar technology, also known as balcony solar, is gaining momentum in the renewable energy sector with new laws in four states making it easier for households to install solar panels that deliver power directly into a home outlet. Cheaper and easier to install than rooftop solar, plug-in solar systems are seen as a way for renters to cut their electricity bills. Interest in these systems has increased due to spiking energy prices. Supporters believe plug-in solar could help shift U.S. culture towards renewables, with prices expected to drop as the market expands.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/states-warm-to-balcony-solar/

  • A detailed look at offshore wind in the US and globally

    President Trump's decision to halt offshore wind projects in the U.S. contradicts the global trend of embracing offshore wind as a clean energy solution. Despite this, the U.S. has three operational offshore wind farms and more in development, with China leading the world in offshore wind capacity. Projects like Vineyard Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind are crucial for producing clean energy and saving customers money on electricity bills. The financial impact of halting these projects includes a $10 billion loss in jobs and investments, as well as missed energy savings for ratepayers. Offshore wind development has brought $25.5 billion in investments to the U.S. and supports 18,000 jobs in the industry.

    https://apnews.com/article/offshore-wind-energy-climate-trump-b8be5561c56d8932ef97fcbec9062fe1

  • PV power generation to surpass coal in Texas

    Texas is on track to surpass coal-fired generation with utility-scale solar power by 2026, as solar generation is projected to reach 78,000 GWh compared to coal's 60,000 GWh in the ERCOT grid. The state is experiencing a surge in solar capacity additions, with plans to install 14 GW of new utility-scale solar. Texas is a key player in the energy transition, with significant battery storage planned to stabilize the grid as renewable penetration increases. By early 2027, solar and wind combined are expected to exceed 20% of the total U.S. electricity generation mix.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/16/pv-power-generation-to-surpass-coal-in-texas/

  • Exploring Co-Benefits Certification on Tribal Lands

    The NICC and ACR have collaborated to create a certification framework for carbon projects on Indigenous lands in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on co-benefits tailored to Indigenous communities. This framework considers unique aspects of projects on Tribal and First Nations lands, such as sovereignty and self-determination. Co-benefits like biodiversity conservation, water stewardship, and cultural continuity will be evaluated and integrated into the certification process, aligning with ACR's broader co-benefit certification efforts.

    https://acrcarbon.org/news/exploring-co-benefits-certification-on-tribal-lands/

  • Tesla advances plan to build 100 GW of U.S. PV manufacturing capacity by 2028

    Tesla is making strides towards deploying 100 GW of solar manufacturing in the U.S. by 2028, with a focus on developing new equipment and processes for energy products at a large scale. The company is in discussions with Chinese firms to purchase $2.9 billion worth of solar equipment, including screen-printing production lines. CEO Elon Musk has announced plans to achieve the 100 GW solar power target in the U.S. within three years, showcasing a commitment to expanding renewable energy solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/24/tesla-moves-ahead-with-plan-for-100-gw-of-u-s-pv-manufacturing-capacity-by-2028/

  • Google boosts grid flexibility in South and Midwest

    Google is integrating 1 gigawatt of "demand response" into its utility contracts in the South and Midwest to make the U.S. power grid more stable and affordable. Demand response involves energy customers adjusting their operations based on the needs of the power grid, offering a potential solution to rapidly growing energy load forecasts. Google's data centers can help balance supply and demand, making electricity systems more affordable and reliable.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/google-boosts-grid-flexibility-in-south-and-midwest/