Items tagged with climate change:
News & Updates:
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Negotiations on farming bill makes headway in House and Senate; Trump administration attacks Climate Change report as ‘radical’ and not ‘data-driven’; Multinational companies may not enjoy benefits initially anticipated after tax cuts based on new proposed regulations; Jobless claims increase suggesting slowing in labor market; The number of pending housing sales continues to decline. -
A report by the US Government reveals the accelerating cost of climate change efforts in the coming century; Congress is again at risk of another partial shutdown due to border wall dispute; The Supreme Court agrees to hear a case regarding an anti-trust suit brought against Apple; The Chicago Economic Index indicates a rise a in the stock market. -
The debate over climate change and what (if anything) should be done about it has plagued the politics of the 21st century. These debates manifest themselves along partisan lines and different economic beliefs. For example, the Paris Climate Agreement has not proven to have lasting effects due to the absence of actionable agreements regarding contribution in funding and guidelines between the participating countries, mostly based on monetary concerns.[1] Another international agreement touching on the subject in a distinct way has been the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). The agreement, while rooted as a free trade agenda, acknowledged and laid out guidelines for environmental governance in the public as well as the private sector to break the cycle of government inaction. Unlike its predecessors, the language encouraged governments to develop “voluntary mechanisms” that “are truthful…and take into account scientific and technical information… [and] if applicable…are based on relevant international standards”, however, these notions have not been implemented.[2] Both of these agreements are examples of the relative failure of the current political order in addressing environmental governance. -
Scientists and researchers agree: ocean levels are rising as ice from the polar caps melts. Rising sea levels will affect major cities within the United States in the next half-century, many of which are already struggling with infrastructure problems. Rising tides are expected to put parts of South Florida, New Orleans, and many other metropolitan areas underwater, especially San Francisco. As tides already brush up against roads and freeways in the region, Bay Area infrastructure is prone to flooding, with two major arteries experiencing seasonal flooding: California State Route 37 (SR 37) in the North Bay between Vallejo and Sonoma County, and Interstate 80 in the East Bay north of Berkeley. Furthermore, San Francisco International Airport, surrounding areas in San Mateo County and Treasure Island are at risk. -
EPA halt transition to new Energy Star metrics due to concerns from landlords; Trump salvages a win for farmers as 15% ethanol gasoline is now to be available year round; Trump dissents despite unprecedented climate change predictions from UN; Small business optimism drops.
