The Climate Minute

The goal of generating clean energy from nuclear fusion reactions is back in the news. How should we think about this?

As the world moves to clean energy, we need to hear all voices in choosing where to put renewable energy technology.

The Global North has caused climate change. What does it owe the Global South?

The recent report “What’s the Score?” provides a  comparative analysis of Massachusetts’ Municipal Light Plant’s (MLP) clean energy and climate action performance. Part of the report provides pragmatic recommendations for how MLPs can improve their performance. Listen in as we speak with an author of the report.

Municipal Light Plants  (or MLPs) are local utilities in individual towns in Massachusetts.  These utilities are responsive to the democratic process- the ‘light board’ is often an elected position. The MLPs are also on a journey to decarbonization. MCAN has published a report assessing the efforts, successes and opportunities for these MLPs. We discuss the report with the authors.

Massachusetts needs to decarbonize all homes in the state. We discuss the specifics of  “The Future of Heat” bill currently before the legislature. (These are Senate bill S.2148 and House bill H3298.) The bill provides a path where everyone, from home owners, renters to the utilities can move smoothly to a green future.

Massachusetts faces a challenge in finding climate friendly ways for everyone to heat their homes. We talk to an expert about a concept that meets the scale and urgency of the work.

A well-intentioned plan to fix gas leaks in MA has gone astray. By prioritizing the costly replacement of pipelines over simple repair, the project locks us into decades of carbon emissions. Listen as an expert explains this problem and recommends ‘triage and transition’ as the path forward.

The big utilities like Eversource get paid a lot to build those gas pipes in the street in front of your house.  Who does the paying? As a ratepayer, you do. Every month your bill carries obscure charges that fund more pipelines. We talk with an expert on how all this money changes hands and why climate activists should understand some details.

Maine’s recent referendum vote rejecting a clean energy transmission line raises large questions about how Massachusetts will achieve it’s climate goals.