In 2025, the world faced both alarming challenges and some hopeful shifts. The year kicked off with destructive wildfires in Los Angeles, which burned over 78 square miles and forced 180,000 people to evacuate. The fires destroyed 16,000 homes and caused economic losses estimated between $76 billion and $131 billion. Initially, officials reported 30 fatalities, but research later indicated that smoke-related health issues might have caused around 440 deaths. Wildfire smoke could kill 71,000 Americans annually by 2050 if carbon emissions stay high.
At the same time, Donald Trump took office again and began dismantling environmental protections, posing risks to public health and climate initiatives. The cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency sparked concerns about increasing wildfire smoke exposure and its dangers.
Another severe event unfolded in Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, where heavy rains caused devastating floods, killing at least 135 people. Warmer atmospheric conditions meant more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall. This trend of extreme weather no longer surprises us—globally, storms and cyclones have resulted in over 1,750 deaths in Asia since November alone.
An alarming focus shifted toward data centers, which were increasingly seen as a threat to the environment. As tech demand surged, Georgia, among other states, extended the life of coal plants to meet energy needs. This resulted not just in a spike in electricity prices but also exacerbated water crises, as data centers consumed billions of gallons for cooling. Experts propose building data centers in areas with abundant renewable energy, like West Texas, to help tackle these issues.
Meanwhile, scientists reported concerning trends for our planet. In September, researchers announced that ocean acidification reached a critical milestone, affecting marine life like corals and mollusks. Just a month later, it was revealed that half of the world’s coral cover has vanished in the past 50 years. This destruction is primarily due to rising ocean temperatures and acidification, driving corals to expel the algae they need for energy.
Despite these disheartening circumstances, there are signs of positive change. Renewable energy is booming, and for the first time, wind and solar generated more electricity globally than coal in the first half of 2025. In Norway, new electric vehicle sales surged from 13.6% to nearly 96% in a decade. While the U.S. federal government may struggle to provide strong leadership on climate issues, states and cities are stepping up, setting ambitious emissions targets and enhancing public transit systems.
Heading into 2026, the climate battle rages on, but there’s a growing movement toward sustainable solutions. While challenges remain, the momentum for change is undeniable.
For more insights on climate initiatives and actions, visit Grist.
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sustainability, energy efficiency, environmental leadership, ESG strategies, business trends, renewable energy, corporate sustainability, energy management
