8 chapters across the catalog
Despite global pressure to reduce carbon emissions, China is significantly increasing its coal-fired power capacity to meet soaring electricity demand. Last year, the Chinese government approved 86 gigawatts of new coal power, adding to its existing fleet of over 1,000 plants. The hosts note the irony of U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry's negotiations while American coal continues to be exported to China.
Sri Lanka Economic Collapse, Global Energy Crisis
Sri Lanka's Prime Minister announced that the country's economy has completely collapsed, leaving it unable to pay for essential oil imports. Meanwhile, Germany is forced to restart coal-fired power plants as Russia restricts the flow of natural gas to Europe. These events are highlighted as signs of a deepening global energy and economic crisis.
U.S. Power Grid Blackout Warnings, Free Speech Award
Grid operators across the U.S. are warning of potential blackouts this summer as 80 coal-fired plants are slated for closure over the next six years. Experts call for a suspension of nuclear and coal plant decommissionings to maintain grid stability. In a separate event, a "free speech" award winner in the European Parliament delivered an acceptance speech consisting entirely of a prolonged scream.
China and Russia COP26 Absence, Net Zero Commitments
The absence of world leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin from COP26 is discussed. Al Gore attempted to downplay their absence by citing China's commitment to stop financing overseas coal plants and reach net zero by 2060. However, the hosts point out that China continues to build domestic coal plants and that the "direction of travel" for these nations remains focused on their own economic growth.
An analysis of the Texas power crisis suggests that the closure of reliable coal plants in favor of wind energy contributed to the grid's failure. Reports indicate that Austin residents had their power cut to support larger cities like Houston and Dallas during the storm.
Gary Johnson, Sun Explosion and Climate Change
Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson made headlines for an unusual interview performance where he stuck his tongue out and later argued that climate change is inconsequential because the sun will eventually encompass the Earth in billions of years.
Robert Redford appears in a promotional video advocating for aggressive climate change action and the reduction of carbon pollution. The discussion highlights President Barack Obama's pledge to use the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to bypass Congress and close coal-fired power plants. Claims are made that the current push for environmental regulation is timed to precede a potential reversal in global temperature trends.
The Environmental Protection Agency is utilizing the Clean Air Act to bypass Congress and implement strict regulations on coal-fired power plants. Senator James Inhofe has challenged the EPA's "endangerment finding," alleging the agency failed to follow its own peer-review procedures and relied on IPCC data to justify cap-and-trade policies.
