Hi, Everyone!

I’m Amanda Magnani, a Brazilian (photo)journalist and OptOut News’ climate editor. Every other week, I bring you the most important climate news from our network—with an extra serving of decolonial perspectives. ✨🌿

The Biden administration is attempting to solidify its climate legacy in its final hour. About two weeks ago, they announced over $2 billion to increase the capacity and renewability of the country's energy grid, which is currently overburdened, under-resourced. The federal grants will be matched by nearly $10 billion in private sector and local government investments, Grist reports.

But while he failed to secure support from climate activists, Kamala Harris has received the endorsement of lefty green groups. Groups like Friends of the Earth, the Center for Biological Diversity, Food and Water Watch, and Clean Water Action decided to support the candidate based on her work as a senator in California, even though it’s still unclear what exactly her climate platform will be, HEATED reports.

Meanwhile, workers who face the threat of rising temperatures the U.S. are now rallying to demand on-the-job heat protections. After a series of heat-related deaths, protesters call for “accessible drinking water, a cool place to rest, breaks as needed, and training to understand the signs of heat exhaustion,” Grist reports.

On a happier note, AI is becoming a key ally in combating wildfires. Identifying and sorting fire information can be very time-consuming, so automating this process leaves more time for humans to make decisions and take action, Daily Montanan reports.

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And More:

🛢️ “California battles onslaught of wildfires with help from other states,” by Oregon Capital Chronicle.

🛢️ “We’re in debt to the Earth. How can we repay it?” by Grist.

🛢️ “3 wildfires force evacuations along Colorado’s Front Range amid hot, dry conditions,” by Colorado Newsline.

🛢️ “Confronted with Wildfire Smoke, These Trees Stop Breathing,” by Yale Environment 360.

🛢️ “Utilities are trying hydrogen-blended fuels. There are a lot of ‘unknowns.’” by Floodlight via Louisiana Illuminator.

🛢️ “CT winter heating grants could jump $410 per household,” by CT Mirror.

🛢️ “Colorado oil and gas regulators adopt ‘deep geothermal’ drilling rules,” by Colorado Newsline via Source NM.

You should also check out “How many manure spills is too many? St. Croix County residents scrutinize big farm’s new owner,” on Wisconsin Watch. The story was written by a dear friend Bennet Goldstein, who I met during a science workshop at the Metcalf Institute in the University of Rhode Island in June. He shared some words with us:

“After I learned that a Wisconsin company had purchased a large dairy farm with a history of manure spills, I explored its efforts to build trust among anxious residents who worry about their deteriorating water quality.

While the new owners make improvements to the property, residents are watching their new neighbor to see what happens.

As one source put it to me, ‘I appreciate that producers need a level of certainty in their business, but homeowners need the same level of certainty in the investment we make in our properties.’”

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Decolonizing Climate Change

🌱 “Southeast Alaska tribe continues hands-on response to glacial flooding,” by Alasca Beacon.

🌱 “How A Carbon Tax Could Help Fund A Universal Basic Income,” by Atmos.

🌱 “Study finds unhealthy air quality from wildfires can affect fertility treatments,” by Oregon Capital Chronicle via Idaho Capital Sun.

🌱 “‘Deliberate Indifference’: Court Rulings Challenge Extreme Heat Conditions in Prisons,” by The Marshall Project.

🌱 “Indigenous geography could change how we relate to the Earth,” by Grist.

🌱 “The Toledo Water Crisis: How Big Agriculture poisoned a whole city's water supply,” by The Real News Network.

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Around the World

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: “Dozens of New MPs Worked for Oil and Gas Lobbyists,” by DeSmog.

🇨🇦 Canada: “How bureaucracy is stifling Canada’s renewable energy ambitions,” by The Narwhal.

🇻🇪 Venezuela: “Gas, oil deals cast politics aside in wake of Venezuela presidential election,” by Gas Outlook.

🇬🇭 Ghana: “West Africa’s largest floating solar pv plant launched in Ghana,” by Gas Outlook.

🇳🇿 New Zealand: “Exploring New Zealand’s Remote Fjords,” by EOS.

🇺🇬 Uganda: “The 9 August 2024 landslide at the Kiteezi garbage dump in Kampala, Uganda,” by EOS.

🇺🇦  Ukraine: “Ukrainian Scientists Race to Document Soil Fungi,” by EOS.

🇧🇷 Brazil: “Even after intensifying flooding in Brazil, little change to climate policies,” a story I wrote for Gas Outlook.

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To Lighten Your Heart

💚 “Ancient Pines Could Reveal the Heat of Thousands of Past Seasons,” by EOS.

💚 “New investments in environmental resilience are a win that can be celebrated by all,” by NC Newsline.

💚 “CA farmers agree to conserve 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead through 2026,” by Nevada Current.

💚 “Idaho environmental groups to host rally in Boise to push for more solar power,” by Idaho Capital Sun.

💚 “How food banks prevented 1.8 million metric tons of carbon emissions last year,” by Grist.

And if you need some more climate lightness, check out Climate Memewashing on Instagram.

That’s all for now, folks! If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up at amanda@optout.news.

Obrigada and have a great week!

The OptOut Media Foundation (EIN: 85-2348079) is a nonprofit charity with a mission to educate the public about current events and help sustain a diverse media ecosystem by promoting and assisting independent news outlets and, in doing so, advance democracy and social justice.

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