Energy and Environment | Council on Foreign Relations

Responsible for powering the country and its economy, the U.S. energy grid has come under increasing strain due to climate change, and the threat of cyberattacks looms.

Backgrounder by James McBride and Anshu Siripurapu Jul 5, 2022

Batteries Not Included

A green future will depend on a vast supply of advanced batteries. As a result, global demand for lithium is outpacing supply.

Podcast by Gabrielle Sierra, Frank Fannon, Vijay V. Vaitheeswaran, Asher Ross, Markus Zakaria, and Rafaela Siewert Feb 16, 2022

Climate Change

Could Climate Change Break Home Insurance?

For decades, U.S. homeowners have counted on property insurance to protect them from catastrophic loss if their homes are destroyed—and the U.S. economy has rested on the functionality of that model. But as this summer’s extreme weather broke records, private companies reduced their coverage. As climate disasters become more frequent, can home insurance hold up?

Podcast with Gabrielle Sierra , Nancy Watkins and David Marlett September 27, 2023 Why It Matters
Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Fusion and the Future of Energy

Kim Budil, director of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, discusses the recent achievement of a net energy gain from a nuclear fusion reaction and its implications for the futu…

Webinar by Kim Budil September 26, 2023 State and Local Webinars
Spain

A Conversation With Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares of Spain

Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares discusses Spain’s role in the EU, the challenge of climate change, and the geopolitics of the region.

Virtual Event by José Manuel Albares Bueno September 22, 2023

Climate Change

Dinner of Extinction: A Taste of Climate Action

The “Dinner of Extinction” addresses the dangers the world faces due to climate change and rapidly deteriorating ecosystems. Panelists discussed the future of climate change and what can be done to protect food security and the world’s fragile ecosystems.

Event with Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Samuel D. Kass and M. Sanjayan September 20, 2023
Climate Change

The Energy Transition Is Fueling a Power Transition

Gender equality is a crucial missing piece of the climate puzzle. If governments want a fighting chance of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and shifting to renewable energy, they must give women more access to inputs, education, and capital.

Article by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon September 18, 2023 Women Around the World
Climate Change

The Weather of Summer 2023 Was the Most Extreme Yet

Photo Essay by Noah Berman and Sabine Baumgartner September 18, 2023

Elections and Voting

Women This Week: Mexico on Track to Elect First Woman President

Welcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers September 9 to September 15.

Blog Post by Noël James September 15, 2023 Women Around the World
Climate Change

Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures

International efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But experts say countries aren’t doing enough to limit dangerous global warming.

Backgrounder by Lindsay Maizland September 15, 2023 Renewing America
United States

Action on Planet and People Depends on Growth

Mobilizing investments needed to transition to net-zero energy require broad public backing and participation. Since poor people are less likely to support climate action, simultaneous efforts to alleviate poverty are essential.

Blog Post by A. Michael Spence , Anu Madgavkar and Sven Smit September 14, 2023 Renewing America
Iran

Anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s Death, UN Summits On Climate and Development, Russia Recruits Cubans, and More

One year after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s morality police prompted widespread domestic protests, the Islamic Republic appears to have rebounded while keeping a prominent international profile; the United Nations General Assembly begins its high-level debate week with leaders gathering to attend major summits on Sustainable Development Goals and climate challenges; and Cuba arrests Russian recruiters looking for more fighters.

Podcast with Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins September 14, 2023 The World Next Week
United States

How to Make the Inflation Reduction Act Rollout a Success: Lessons from Europe

Many EU countries’ long experiences with industrial policy can show the United States how to make a success of the IRA rollout.

Blog Post by Matthias Matthijs and Jonas Nahm September 6, 2023 Renewing America
Argentina

Latin America This Week: August 31, 2023

BRICS becomes BRICS+, though not all may join; Latin America looks West, not East, for its technology; more frequent droughts promise more slow downs in the Panama Canal.

Blog Post by Shannon K. O'Neil and Will Freeman August 31, 2023 Latin America’s Moment
Energy and Environment

Responding to Extreme Global Heat

Alice C. Hill, David M. Rubenstein senior fellow for energy and the environment at CFR, will discuss the societal and environmental implications of extreme global heat and how the United States and o…

Webinar by Alice C. Hill and Joan Meiners August 22, 2023 Local Journalists Webinars
Climate Change

Climate Change and U.S. Property Insurance: A Stormy Mix

Accelerating risks and damage from climate change are spurring private insurers in the United States to limit coverage in a growing number of areas, thus imposing mounting stress on local communities and straining the country’s overall economic health.

Article by Alice C. Hill August 17, 2023 Renewing America
Latin America

How the Caribbean Is Building Climate Resilience

The Caribbean is already bearing the brunt of climate change. Governments in the region are taking steps to combat it, but are they enough?

Backgrounder by Diana Roy August 16, 2023