Global Warming

U.S. Media

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7 days

Summary

sources
45
Narrative Items
79
Bottom Line Up Front

45 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 79 narrative items relating to the narrative that global warming's economic and political ramifications are reshaping the post-neoliberal landscape. These narratives connect the urgent need for climate action with the challenges posed by emissions, corporate commitments, and political resistance, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental sustainability and economic interests.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that media coverage of climate change and its political and economic ramifications is deeply polarized. The Bradford DeLong Blog presents a neutral portrayal focusing on the urgent need for global action and the challenges posed by resource allocation, using measured language to highlight the complexities involved. In contrast, Free Republic takes a negative stance on China's emissions, leaning into hyperbolic language that positions China as a major antagonist in the climate crisis, thereby reinforcing a potential bias against Chinese policy. DeSmog Blog articulates a critical viewpoint concerning Alberta's Premier Smith, highlighting the potential legal overreach with pointed language that underscores skepticism towards Alberta's claims. Meanwhile, The Conversation and ArcaMax share a positive narrative regarding corporate climate pledges, emphasizing growth in commitment despite challenges, but Inside Climate News calls attention to the conflict of interest at COP29 with emotionally charged rhetoric. The Daily Climate presents a consistent critical lens, showcasing the hypocrisy of development banks in funding factory farming while claiming environmental stewardship, thereby hinting at a systemic failure. Lastly, The Herald (Everett) warns of the dire repercussions of political changes in the U.S. on climate progress, underscoring a sense of urgency that resonates with pro-environment audiences. Overall, readers can see a mosaic of perspectives, illustrating the contentious and multifaceted landscape surrounding climate change discussions.

About This Module

The U.S. Media module tracks a broad range of American media sources, including major television, cable, print, and online organizations.

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Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
Grist
9% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Daily Climate
8% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Clean Technica
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Free Republic
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
DeSmog Blog
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
One Green Planet
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
ArcaMax
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
The New American
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Inside Climate News
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
WTAE Pittsburgh
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
Bradford DeLong Blog
braddelong.substack.com
LECTURE NOTES: 5.1. Global Warming
Global warming's economic and political consequences are reshaping the post-neoliberal world. The costs of addressing climate change will consume resources needed for societal adaptation and technological advancement, hindering the management of economic disruption. This poses a significant challenge to global stability and requires urgent, ambitious action.
Amplifiers:
Free Republic
freerepublic.com
China’s Soaring Emissions Are Upending Climate Politics
China's rapidly increasing greenhouse gas emissions, driven by economic growth and extensive coal power plant construction, have overtaken the EU's historical emissions. While China invests heavily in renewable energy, its overall emissions remain the world's highest, altering global climate politics and prompting calls for increased Chinese climate finance contributions.
Amplifiers:
DeSmog Blog
desmog.com
Alberta Pledges Constitutional Showdown Over Emissions Cap
Alberta's Premier Smith threatens a constitutional challenge to the federal government's proposed cap on oil and gas emissions, claiming it's a production cap violating provincial jurisdiction and harming the economy. The federal government argues the cap, part of broader climate goals, is a valid exercise of its authority and uses a cap-and-trade system, not production cuts. Experts doubt Alberta's legal success, citing previous Supreme Court decisions and the province's contradictory stance on climate change.
Amplifiers:
The Conversation
theconversation.com
Companies are still committing to net-zero emissions, even if it’s a bumpy road – here’s what the data show
Despite some high-profile companies like Microsoft and Walmart scaling back their climate commitments, global corporate pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are increasing. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has seen participation grow from 164 companies in 2018 to over 6,600 by 2024. Challenges remain, particularly with Scope 3 emissions, but many companies are still making progress toward net-zero goals.
Amplifiers:
ArcaMax
arcamax.com
Companies are still committing to net-zero emissions, even if it’s a bumpy road – here’s what the data show
Despite challenges, global companies increasingly commit to net-zero emissions. Thousands have joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), though some have withdrawn or had commitments expire, often due to updated SBTi criteria or difficulties with Scope 3 emissions (supply chain). While progress is uneven, with some focusing on easier Scope 1 & 2 reductions, corporate climate action continues to expand.
Amplifiers:
Inside Climate News
insideclimatenews.org
The Fossil Fuel Industry Continues to Exert Undue Influence Over COP29, Activists Say - Inside Climate News
Activists criticize the undue influence of over 1700 fossil fuel lobbyists at COP29, hindering progress on climate goals. They argue this conflicts with the conference's aims and prevents effective emission reduction policies. While some believe industry involvement is necessary, activists demand a conflict-of-interest policy to prioritize public interest and limit corporate influence.
Amplifiers:
Daily Climate
dailyclimate.org
Efficient fertilizer use is essential to slow climate change: United Nations report
A UN report highlights fertilizer's significant contribution to nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Reducing fertilizer waste, improving soil management, and lowering meat consumption are crucial to meeting climate goals, potentially preventing billions of tons of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2100.
Amplifiers:
Daily Climate
dailyclimate.org
U.S. secures private sector support for major nitrous oxide cuts in China
U.S. diplomats, with help from ClimeCo and other companies, have negotiated a significant reduction in nitrous oxide emissions from Chinese chemical plants. This partnership will prevent millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and improve air quality, demonstrating the potential of public-private collaboration in fighting climate change.
Amplifiers:
Daily Climate
dailyclimate.org
Development banks fund factory farming despite climate pledges
Development banks invested $2.3 billion in factory farming in 2023, despite climate pledges. This funding, mainly from institutions like the World Bank's IFC, contradicts their environmental policies and fuels greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, undermining climate goals.
Amplifiers:
The Herald (Everett)
heraldnet.com
Eco-nomics: U.S. picks poor time to reverse climate efforts | HeraldNet.com
Global warming has reached critical levels, exceeding the Paris Agreement's target. Trump's election threatens to reverse US climate progress, jeopardizing global efforts. However, state and local governments, along with international actors, are continuing climate action despite the setback. A clean energy economy is economically advantageous and environmentally necessary.
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Themes

Tap or click for details
These adjacent themes are currently being amplified along with the main narrative. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Subscription options for cleantech news
CleanTechnica offers a daily newsletter with 15 new cleantech stories, along with a weekly option, and uses affiliate links.
Chinese EV Market Growth
China's EV market sees significant growth in 2023, with record-breaking sales in December
US officials reaffirm climate action
US envoy John Podesta highlights the commitment to climate action despite Trump's views, while UN Secretary General Guterres criticizes reliance on fossil fuels.
Chris Wright appointed as energy secretary
Trump has appointed Chris Wright, a strong advocate for oil and gas, as his energy secretary, aligning with his energy dominance agenda.
Impact of Consecutive Heat Extremes on Coral Recovery
Coral reefs are facing challenges in recovering from bleaching events due to shrinking gaps between heat extremes, impacting young colonies of heat-sensitive corals.
Advocating for change and staying informed
Advocate for change by signing petitions and staying informed on important issues through newsletter subscriptions.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Companies
Microsoft
A technology company that has scaled back its climate commitments.
Walmart
A retail corporation that has also reduced its climate commitments.
ClimeCo
A company involved in negotiating emissions reductions.
People
Premier Smith
The Premier of Alberta, Canada, who is challenging federal climate policies.
Donald Trump
Former U.S. President whose election is seen as a threat to climate progress.
U.S. diplomats
Officials involved in negotiating climate agreements.
Technologies
Cap-and-trade system
An environmental policy tool that controls emissions by providing economic incentives.
Renewable energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar and wind.
Organizations
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
An organization that helps companies set science-based emissions reduction targets.
World Bank's IFC
An institution that invests in development projects, including factory farming.
Events
COP29
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, focusing on climate change.
Paris Agreement
An international treaty on climate change aiming to limit global warming.
Companies
Microsoft
A technology company that has scaled back its climate commitments.
Walmart
A retail corporation that has also reduced its climate commitments.
ClimeCo
A company involved in negotiating emissions reductions.
People
Premier Smith
The Premier of Alberta, Canada, who is challenging federal climate policies.
Donald Trump
Former U.S. President whose election is seen as a threat to climate progress.
U.S. diplomats
Officials involved in negotiating climate agreements.
Technologies
Cap-and-trade system
An environmental policy tool that controls emissions by providing economic incentives.
Renewable energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar and wind.
Organizations
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
An organization that helps companies set science-based emissions reduction targets.
World Bank's IFC
An institution that invests in development projects, including factory farming.
Events
COP29
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, focusing on climate change.
Paris Agreement
An international treaty on climate change aiming to limit global warming.

Context

Global warming presents multifaceted challenges that intertwine demographic, social, economic, political, and military considerations. As nations grapple with the consequences of climate change, the need for urgent action becomes increasingly clear. The demographic shifts resulting from climate impacts, such as migration due to extreme weather, can strain resources and exacerbate social tensions.

Economically, the costs associated with climate adaptation and mitigation are substantial. Countries like China, which has become the largest emitter of greenhouse gases due to rapid industrialization and reliance on coal, face pressure to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. Despite significant investments in renewable energy, China's emissions continue to rise, complicating global climate negotiations and prompting calls for increased financial contributions to climate initiatives.

In Canada, Alberta's Premier Smith's challenge to federal emissions caps highlights the tension between provincial and federal authorities over climate policy. This conflict underscores the political complexities of implementing effective climate strategies, as economic interests often clash with environmental goals.

On a corporate level, while many companies are committing to net-zero emissions, challenges remain, particularly regarding Scope 3 emissions linked to supply chains. The increasing participation in initiatives like the Science Based Targets initiative reflects a growing recognition of corporate responsibility, yet the withdrawal of some firms raises concerns about the sincerity of these commitments.

Internationally, the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists at climate conferences raises questions about the integrity of climate negotiations. Activists argue for stricter regulations to ensure that public interests are prioritized over corporate profits.

Overall, the intersection of climate change with national security, economic stability, and social equity necessitates a coordinated global response to avert further environmental degradation and promote sustainable development.
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