The world’s hottest 12-month period in 125,000 years occurred last year, bringing devastating flooding events and extreme heat waves. However, there were significant gains in climate action, with world leaders agreeing to transition from oil and gas at the United Nations climate summit and funds and incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act starting to roll out.
As we enter a new year, there are several big climate stories to keep an eye on in 2024. The American Climate Corps will kick off, sending thousands of young people to work on projects aimed at addressing climate change. Although climate change is a growing concern, it’s not expected to be a defining issue in the 2024 election. At the U.N. climate conference, a climate reparations fund was established to help poor nations facing the consequences of climate change.
Companies will likely engage in “greenhushing” to dodge lawsuits related to false environmental marketing, while the push for a global treaty to end plastic pollution may face delays. The Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 paved the way for new household electrification and efficiency rebates, and there is a growing push for public power in various communities across the country. Puerto Rico is expected to become a U.S. leader in residential-solar energy adoption.
All in all, 2024 is expected to bring significant developments in the fight against climate change, with both challenges and opportunities on the horizon.
