GoKawiil
Tech News
A new area of climate research, attribution science, is being used in a landmark Supreme Court case to potentially hold oil and gas corporations accountable for their role in climate change. This scientific approach links specific weather events and climate effects directly to fossil fuel emissions, highlighting the companies' long-standing awareness of their environmental impact.
Recent climate projections show that the current El Niño event may continue for up to six months longer than typical, potentially extending into 2027. This prolonged phase could lead to sustained weather disruptions across various regions. Experts warn that the extended duration might intensify the event's global impact.
Researchers reviewing fire science literature argue that the suppression of Indigenous cultural burning practices after European colonisation contributed to shrub encroachment and the conditions behind Australia's intensifying bushfires. The analysis draws on multiple studies, including work on the 2019-20 mega-fire season and broader global fire trends under climate change.
A new report finds that water bills across the United States have climbed 62% over the last ten years, with a companion map highlighting which regions pay the most. The report attributes the increases to a mix of factors including corporate ownership of water systems, climate change impacts, and reduced federal investment in infrastructure.
The US Supreme Court heard arguments from ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy on whether federal law preempts state and local climate liability claims. The case, initiated by Boulder in 2018, questions if municipalities can pursue damages for alleged deception related to climate change, without regulating global emissions directly. The court's decision could impact over two dozen similar lawsuits across the US.
A selection of ten companies are developing advanced solutions such as mobile flood barriers, solid-state batteries, and nuclear reactors to combat climate change. These firms exemplify key shifts in climate technology, including energy-intensive AI infrastructure. The list aims to highlight the most impactful players tackling urgent environmental issues.
The climate team has identified ten companies developing solutions to combat climate change, focusing on reducing emissions and mitigating extreme weather impacts. Selection involved expert nominations, thorough research, and evaluation of each company's technological and business progress. The list aims to showcase diverse industries and stages of development worldwide, reflecting current climate trends.
The MIT Technology Review annually identifies leading climate technology companies, ranging from startups to large corporations, that are developing solutions to combat or adapt to climate change. The 2026 list emphasizes the urgent need for innovation to reduce emissions and mitigate climate impacts.
The US Supreme Court has started hearing oral arguments in the case of Boulder County v. Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil, which concerns climate change damages and financial liability. The outcome could determine whether local governments can pursue legal action against fossil fuel companies for environmental harm, potentially setting a nationwide precedent. A ruling in favor of the oil companies might limit future climate litigation at the state level.
Scientists have documented a large ice-free opening, known as a polynya, forming in the Antarctic sea ice during winter near the Maud Rise region of the Weddell Sea. Such a large-scale winter polynya in this area has not been observed at this scale since the 1970s, according to researchers tracking satellite and ocean data.
Researchers highlight that the ongoing development of a super El Niño could intensify environmental pressures on the Great Barrier Reef. The phenomenon is expected to bring warmer ocean temperatures and altered weather patterns to the region. Conservation efforts may need to adapt to these changing conditions to protect the reef's health.
The U.S. Supreme Court expressed skepticism over the oil industry’s attempt to prevent climate change lawsuits from proceeding in courts. The case involves whether fossil fuel companies can be shielded from liability through legal defenses. The court's stance suggests a potential shift in how climate-related legal actions against corporations are handled.