Climate & Energy

PBS NewsHour Aug 21

Investigation reveals increased glyphosate use in California forests

A report from the Center for Investigative Reporting indicates that glyphosate is being applied in California forests at unprecedented rates by timber companies and the U.S. Forest Service. The herbicide, used to control competing vegetation, has been linked to cancer in various lawsuits.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10

Guardian — US Aug 21

US Bureau of Reclamation Releases Plan for Colorado River Management

The US Bureau of Reclamation has unveiled a new 10-year management plan for the Colorado River, which includes significant water cuts for several states. This proposal follows extensive negotiations and is aimed at addressing the river's ongoing crisis.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: +0.00

Axios Aug 21

MAHA Movement Urges Trump to Reconsider Coal-Powered AI Data Centers

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement has warned President Trump against using coal to power AI data centers, citing health and environmental concerns. The movement advocates for alternative energy solutions and has called for the administration to develop health-first standards for AI infrastructure. The letter has been sent to several government officials as the Trump administration continues to support coal-fired power in response to energy demands.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

Scientific American Aug 21

Tornadoes Occur Near New York City Under Specific Conditions

Tornadoes are infrequent in New York City, but they can form under certain meteorological conditions. Factors such as temperature and humidity play a crucial role in tornado formation.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

Ars Technica Aug 21

Romania intercepts Russian drone boat near offshore gas platform

Romania reported that a Russian drone boat was intercepted near an offshore gas platform in the Black Sea. An F-16 fighter jet disabled the drone, enabling a controlled detonation by military experts. This incident highlights security concerns related to the Neptun Deep gas project, which is expected to boost Romania's gas production significantly.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: +0.00

Guardian — US Aug 21

Tornadoes Impact Long Island and Delaware Capital

Tornadoes struck Long Island and Delaware's capital, causing significant flooding and damage. First responders rescued individuals stranded in vehicles due to the heavy rains and flash flooding. Images from Atlantic Beach showed a funnel cloud and destruction at local establishments.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

Scientific American Aug 21

El Niño Expected to Be Significant in Upcoming Years

A new El Niño is anticipated to be one of the most significant in recent history, with expectations of record high temperatures in the coming years. This phenomenon has been linked to climate patterns observed since the 19th century.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

Washington Examiner Aug 21

National Average Gas Price Reaches $4.11 per Gallon

As of August 21, 2026, the national average price for regular gas in the U.S. has risen to $4.11 per gallon, continuing a trend of increasing fuel costs. This increase is attributed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and marks the highest average for August since 2022. Indiana has the lowest gas prices at $3.55 per gallon, while California has the highest at $5.59 per gallon.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

Al Jazeera English Aug 21

Flash flooding reported in parts of New York City due to heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall has resulted in flash flooding in parts of New York City, impacting streets and subway services. Authorities are monitoring the situation as conditions develop.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10

NPR — Top Stories Aug 21

Federal government reduces wild horse populations in Colorado

The U.S. government is taking steps to reduce the population of wild horses in Colorado due to concerns about resource depletion. While officials support the measures, some activists argue that the removal of the horses is inhumane.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: +0.00

Al Jazeera English Aug 21

Panama Canal to impose shipping limits due to El Nino weather conditions

The Panama Canal Authority is set to implement shipping limits due to expected extreme weather conditions linked to the El Nino phenomenon. This includes increased drought and elevated temperatures across the region.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

BBC — World Aug 21

Met Office predicts strong El Niño weather pattern

The Met Office has reported that the ongoing El Niño weather pattern is anticipated to be strong. This phenomenon may contribute to 2027 being the hottest year recorded worldwide.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: +0.10

Guardian — US Aug 21

Judge Allows California Oil Pipeline to Continue Operations

A judge has permitted an oil pipeline off the California coast to continue its operations, despite opposition from state regulators and environmental groups. The pipeline resumed operations earlier this year after a decade-long hiatus, following an order from former President Donald Trump.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

Guardian — US Aug 20

California judge allows oil pipeline to continue operations

A judge in California has permitted an oil pipeline off the Santa Barbara coast to continue its operations, despite opposition from state regulators and environmental advocates. The pipeline, which had been closed since 2015 due to a major oil spill, resumed operations earlier this year following an order from former President Donald Trump.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: +0.00

Scientific American Aug 20

Study finds impact of China's solar energy expansion on bird diversity

A study released on August 20, 2026, reveals that the increase in solar energy installations in China is adversely impacting bird diversity. The findings emphasize the ecological effects of the country's solar power expansion.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10

Fox News — Politics Aug 20

Research Indicates Rising Electricity Costs Linked to Growth of Data Centers

A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas indicates that the growth of AI data centers is contributing to rising electricity costs in the U.S. Wholesale electricity prices have increased by 2% to 6% due to these facilities, with projections suggesting further increases of 20% to 30% by 2028. This has prompted various state governors to take action regarding data center projects and their impact on electricity demand.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: +0.00

BBC — World Aug 20

Whales observed in Greenland waters as sea ice melts

Giant whales have been observed moving into Greenland waters due to the melting of sea ice caused by climate change. This phenomenon is impacting the feeding behaviors of these marine animals.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.20

NPR — Top Stories Aug 19

California implements new wildfire regulations for home landscaping

California has introduced stringent regulations aimed at managing home landscaping to mitigate wildfire risks. While fire experts support these measures for protecting homes, they have faced considerable public dissent.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: +0.00

Axios Aug 19

Overview of Data Centers and Current Opposition

Data centers in the U.S. are facing increasing public opposition, with a significant majority of Americans expressing concerns about their environmental impact. Currently, there are around 4,000 operational data centers, with many more planned, and they are critical for AI development. The facilities are criticized for their high electricity and water usage, prompting discussions about their future in the context of political and environmental considerations.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: -0.10

Axios Aug 19

U.S. Military Establishes Oil Shipping Corridor in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military has created a shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, facilitating the transport of around 10 million barrels of oil daily. This operation, which involves 15 to 20 tankers, aims to mitigate disruptions in oil supplies due to ongoing conflict. U.S. officials report that the initiative has led to increased exports, with some nights seeing up to 20 million barrels transported.

Bias: 16 Sentiment: +0.10