Essential Climate and Environmental Updates: Key Highlights for Summer 2025

TRUMP TRACKER

Dismantling Protections

Since January, Donald Trump has rolled back environmental protections at an unprecedented rate. According to The Guardian, he has already surpassed the number of anti-environment actions taken during his first term.

Michael Burger, a climate law expert at Columbia University, notes, “The deregulatory ambition of this administration is mind-blowing. This leads to fewer protections and more pollution.”

The oil and gas sectors benefit from relaxed fossil fuel extraction rules and increased drilling on public lands. Furthermore, Trump has dismantled the Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental justice department and rolled back mercury regulations on coal plants.

In climate policy, he has silenced climate references on websites, threatens to revoke regulations on greenhouse gases, and cut back on key climate research agencies. He has even initiated deep-sea mining and plans to reduce protections for endangered species.

Environmental groups are responding aggressively. They’re suing the administration for withholding grants and removing vital environmental data. “This is the start of a wave from below,” says Kaniela Ing from the Green New Deal Network, highlighting the need for mass mobilization to defend the planet.

UPWELL

Collision Avoided

In March, the world’s oldest iceberg, A23a, finally grounded off South Georgia Island, alleviating fears of it colliding with a key wildlife breeding ground. Researchers had anticipated severe implications for seals and penguins had it struck land.

Ongoing research suggests that if this iceberg stays put, it could enhance food supplies for local ecosystems through nutrient release. Andrew Meijers from the British Antarctic Survey notes, “This could be a boon for wildlife.”

South Georgia Island is home to millions of seals and million birds, many of whom are recovering from a recent bird flu outbreak. Though the iceberg poses no shipping danger, its eventual breakup could create smaller, hazardous pieces of ice.

Scientists also hope to learn from A23a about natural ice behavior and climate change impacts on Antarctic ice shelves.

TOXICS

Prolonged Cost of War

In June 2023, the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine exploded, an event linked to the ongoing war with Russia. This disaster released millions of cubic kilometers of water, causing loss of life and displacing thousands.

Research published in Science reveals that the dam’s destruction has likely left around 83,000 tons of heavy metals in the lakebed, a remnant of decades of contamination from local industry. Researchers worry that this “toxic time-bomb” could harm water supplies and wildlife downstream.

They stress that the legal protection of dams in military zones should be a top priority globally, especially given the environmental consequences tied to warfare.

TABLE TALK

Less Rot in the Big Apple

New York City is enforcing strict rules on organic waste management. Residents must separate food scraps from regular trash, or face fines. This initiative aims to boost a recently launched city-wide composting program.

In its first week, the city issued nearly 2,000 fines for non-compliance and saw a 240% spike in organic waste collection. However, some critics argue that fines distract from the need for community education on composting benefits.

Lou Reyes, a composting advocate, expressed concern that focusing on penalties might hamper genuine outreach efforts. Critics also worry that much of the organic waste ends up in wastewater plants, raising environmental justice issues.

As New York enhances its strategies to combat organic waste, it’s joining cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles in the push for better waste management.

FINDINGS

Mega Emitters

A recent study reveals that just 36 companies are responsible for over half of the world’s fossil fuel and cement-related CO₂ emissions in 2023. This alarming statistic from Carbon Majors shows that despite increasing emissions, these “carbon majors” often evade accountability.

The study highlighted that in 2023, 93 companies raised their emissions, primarily state-owned firms, with Chinese entities contributing 23% of the total. The repercussions for climate policy are significant, as experts urge governments to enforce stricter regulations on these major polluters.

Tzeporah Berman from the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative condemned the report, calling for immediate action to transition economies away from fossil fuels.

UPWELL

Discoveries in the Deep

A global effort to catalog ocean life has led to the discovery of 866 new marine species, expanding our understanding of underwater ecosystems amid urgent threats from climate change.

This ambitious project, involving over 800 scientists, aims to document marine species quickly to prevent extinction before formal descriptions can be made. Researchers have observed a wide range of biodiversity, from rare sharks to new coral species.

Lucy Woodall, head of science at Ocean Census, emphasizes the need for this work, stating, “Every new species enhances our understanding of marine ecosystems and their benefits.” Over the next decade, the Ocean Census aims to identify 100,000 new species, with plans for ongoing explorations in 2025.

CALL OF THE WILD

Bridging the Wild

Los Angeles is working to mitigate the impact of its sprawling infrastructure on wildlife. The new Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, currently under construction, aims to reconnect the Santa Monica Mountains disrupted by traffic.

The crossing will be the largest of its kind, allowing animals like mountain lions and deer to safely navigate their habitat. In April, the addition of specially crafted soil, rich in nutrients, was a milestone in the project, promoting plant growth essential for local wildlife.

California Governor Gavin Newsom described the crossing as a crucial step toward making roads safer and habitats whole again. The $92 million project highlights a growing acknowledgment of urban wildlife concerns and aims to reduce animal-vehicle collisions.

FINDINGS

Back from the Dead? Not Quite

Colossal Biosciences, a US biotechnology firm, claims progress toward de-extincting the woolly mammoth after successfully creating a woolly mouse. This approach involves genetic editing to provoke traits reminiscent of the long-extinct mammoth.

While initial experiments show promise, experts question the implications for real-world de-extinction efforts. Critics also label claims of reviving the “dire wolf” as misleading, suggesting these could merely be genetically modified wolves.

The project maintains backing from some political figures, amidst discussions on whether genetic approaches could replace traditional conservation efforts.

CALL OF THE WILD

Angry Birds

Research shows that humans aren’t the only ones affected by road noise; it alters bird behavior too. A study on Galápagos yellow warblers revealed increased aggression near traffic.

“We observed the warblers adapting their songs due to road noise,” said Caglar Akcay, a behavioral ecologist. This finding underscores how even minor human activity can impact wildlife.

The study’s implications for conservation are significant, emphasizing the need to find ways to reduce noise pollution for both wildlife and human communities.

AROUND THE WORLD

AI’s Carbon Footprint

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies demand vast energy resources. For example, each ChatGPT request uses about 2.9 watt-hours—much higher than traditional Google searches. As AI use expands worldwide, concerns about its carbon footprint have emerged.

As of 2024, data centers, essential for AI operation, account for 1.5% of global electricity consumption, expected to double by 2030. This growth raises alarms for environmental advocates who worry about the challenges this poses to climate goals.

Countries leading in AI, particularly the US and China, face a complex balancing act of technological advancement and environmental responsibility.

For a deeper dive into these findings and implications for the future, you can explore data from the International Energy Agency and other trusted sources.

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This version offers an engaging, clear overview while integrating new insights and relevant data. Each section maintains focus and readability, enhancing the reader’s understanding and interest in the topics.



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