California
California bid for 100% clean energy stalls
Resistance from utilities and unions blamed after legislature fails to bring clean energy bill to a vote
California to pass law setting 100% renewable electricity goal
The world’s sixth largest economy is aiming for an entirely clean power grid by 2045, with legislation that pits technology start-ups against utilities
Dirtier than tar sands: California’s crude oil secret
Lawyers are gearing up for a courtroom battle over some of the most carbon intensive supplies in the world
If Trump quits, California could apply to join UN climate talks
Head of state senate says legal brains are exploring ways in which golden state could be represented if Trump pulls nation from Paris Agreement
California wildfire growth ‘explosive’ says official
Wildfires used to hit California only in the latter part of the year, but changing climate and persistent drought mean they are now a constant threat
California passes ambitious climate targets
New law requires the US economic powerhouse to cut its emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030
Largest gas leak in US history leaves 100-year climate legacy
NEWS: Study says vast methane plume boosted California’s methane emissions 20%, and raises questions over US gas drilling regulations
Drought is killing millions of trees in California
NEWS: California’s drought has already imperilled many of its trees, and within 80 years climate change could destroy the evergreen forests of the entire US southwest
California state pension funds to divest from coal
NEWS: CalPERS and CalSTRS will sell up to US$240 million in mine holdings after lawmakers’ decision, in win for campaigners
Climate change is worsening California drought – study
NEWS: State could be in “more or less permanent” drought by 2060s, researchers warn as four-year dry spell takes its toll
California braces itself for worsening wildfire seasons
NEWS: Years of drought and higher temperatures mean the chance of devastating wildfires in the southwest US is higher than ever
California targets 40% emissions cut in boost to US climate ambition
NEWS: Drought-hit state is aiming to match EU carbon reduction, in move that could help US overachieve its federal commitments
California water restrictions signal ‘new era’ of drought risk
NEWS: Governor orders 25% cut in potable water use as state enters fourth year of catastrophic drought
Global warming raises California’s drought vulnerability
NEWS: US researchers say climate change, not random chance, is likely to be causing California’s long drought, one of the worst on record
California’s cannabis industry exacerbating water shortages – officials
FEATURE: Illegal pot plantations are being blamed for further depleting precious water resources in drought-stricken California
California governor announces 50% renewables target
NEWS: Jerry Brown proposes new goals on climate and energy as he is sworn in for fourth term as governor
Warming world already causing dramatic changes, say scientists
NEWS: Fish, forests, birds and wildflowers affected by a wide range of impacts – human and natural – from global warming say researchers
Greenland ice melt likely to accelerate say scientists
NEWS: Vast ice sheet more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought, say scientists
How climate change affected the world’s weather in 2013
NEWS: Scientific review shows heatwaves in China, Japan, Korea and Australia were made more likely by global warming
California burning points to more frequent wildfires
NEWS: Incidence of forest and scrub fires has doubled in US since 1990s, say researchers