Weekend Reading #5

Manchin, Eco-terrorism, Fires in Spain & Germany's Coal Re-start

Photo: Ralph Alswang

In this set of recommend weekend readings I take a look at four topics that I found particularly interesting as they crossed my desk over the past few days.

• I was curious what impact on emissions there might be as a result of Senator Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) refusal to support President Biden’s legislative climate package. Below I present my analysis.

• Researchers at American University just published a new preliminary draft paper that surveys the views of Americans on various forms of environmental protest, ranging from marching to eco-terrorism. I discuss the highlights.

• Spain was in the news this week due to wildfires. In reading the academic literature on Spain’s wildfires, I came across a fascinating paper on wildfire trends in Span in recent decades and what is driving those trends. I guarantee you’ll be surprised. I sure was.

• Countries in Europe are restarting some coal-fired power plants due to real and anticipated shortages of natural gas. That will increase its emissions of carbon dioxide. A graph produced by the Energy for Growth Hub really puts that increase into perspective. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.

• Finally, before the jump, you might enjoy my piece on heat waves from the New York Post yesterday.

So let’s hop right in.