🗞️🌎 A Closer Look at Climate’s Impact and Our Path Forward

Good afternoon and evening. It’s Friday, January 17.

This week’s newsletter is a special edition focused on climate change, inspired by the ongoing conversations around the devastating fires here in LA and their root causes. These events are a wake-up call, reminding us to zoom out and see the bigger picture of where we stand in the global fight against climate change. From the political barriers slowing progress to the outsized impact on vulnerable communities, and the role of wealth and corporations in driving emissions, there’s a lot to unpack. But it’s not all doom and gloom—solutions are emerging, especially at the local level, where communities are stepping up to make a difference. Our goal is to break this all down, share what’s working, and help us all figure out how we can all do our part to help the planet heal.

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Best,

Rashad Drakeford

Co-Founder & Publisher, Good Diet

2024 was the Hottest Year In History—Where Do We Go From Here?

2024 officially became the hottest year in recorded history, marking a grim milestone in the fight against climate change. For the first time, global temperatures averaged over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a critical threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement. This moment signals a harsh reality: despite billions invested in clean energy, emissions continue to rise, and the ambitious 1.5°C goal may now be unattainable. The question is no longer just about prevention but also about how we adapt to a rapidly warming world.

• What 1.5°C Means and Why It Matters: Crossing the 1.5°C threshold wasn’t just symbolic—it underscores the growing risk of extreme heat, rising sea levels, and catastrophic weather events. According to the UN, staying below this level could spare millions from life-threatening conditions, protect coral reefs, and preserve Arctic sea ice. Even marginal increases, like moving from 1.5°C to 1.6°C, significantly amplify risks for vulnerable populations.

• A Tale of Missed Opportunities: Experts argue that reaching this point was avoidable if global emissions had been reduced sooner. Instead, 2024 saw record-high carbon emissions, driven by coal, oil, and gas consumption. Researchers estimate the best-case scenario now is limiting warming to 1.6°C, a goal requiring emissions cuts at a pace many view as politically and economically unfeasible.

• Global Inequities in Climate Responsibility: The 1.5°C target has exposed deep divisions between wealthy and developing nations. While rich countries historically contributed the most greenhouse gases, developing nations like India and China face immense pressure to curb their emissions without compromising economic growth. Meanwhile, low-income countries often bear the brunt of climate impacts, despite contributing the least to the problem.

• The Path Forward: Adaptation and Pragmatism: With the 1.5°C goal likely out of reach, the world must pivot to managing the consequences of warming while striving for zero emissions. This includes scaling up renewable energy, investing in resilient infrastructure, and addressing the needs of those most affected by climate change. Scientists stress that every fraction of a degree matters, and efforts to limit warming beyond 1.5°C remain critical to reducing long-term harm.

The Political Paralysis of Climate Leadership

It’s clear that global climate action has reached a crossroads, with shifting political priorities and a growing sense of inertia. Trump’s election and his ambiguous climate agenda are emblematic of a larger trend: a retreat from collective action in the face of worsening climate disasters. While clean energy investments are booming, global emissions remain at record highs, and nations are increasingly divided on how to address the crisis. The world seems to be settling into a troubling new reality, where catastrophic climate events become the norm, and meaningful progress feels out of reach.

• A Failure of Urgency: The COP29 climate conference will likely be remembered more for the empty chairs than for groundbreaking commitments. In a year that broke records as the hottest in history, global leaders like President Biden, President-elect Trump, Xi Jinping, Emmanuel Macron, and Brazil’s Lula da Silva are notably absent from the climate conference. Their absence underscores the growing disconnect between the urgency of the climate crisis and the half-measures—or complete inaction—of those in power.

• Trump’s Wildcard Climate Policy: President-elect Trump’s return to power casts uncertainty over the U.S.’s climate agenda, particularly with his Energy Secretary nominee, Chris Wright, disputing the connection between climate change and severe wildfires. While Trump has pledged regulatory rollbacks and favors for the fossil fuel industry, the Inflation Reduction Act’s green energy investments could continue driving progress. Additionally, Trump’s alliances, like his connection with Elon Musk, suggest a potential “all-of-the-above” energy approach, combining clean tech with expanded fossil fuel infrastructure.

• Global Clean Energy vs. Emissions Reality: Investment in renewable energy has reached record levels, with global spending hitting $2 trillion and solar capacity doubling since 2022. Yet emissions continue to rise, and even ambitious green energy rollouts are struggling to keep pace with the climate crisis. The mismatch highlights how market forces alone are insufficient without stronger, enforceable climate policies.

• Climate Disasters and the Politics of Blame: From wildfires to devastating hurricanes, climate disasters are increasingly frequent and costly, with damages from Helene alone nearing $250 billion. Instead of fostering cooperation, these events have fueled “disaster nationalism,” where leaders prioritize blame and divisive rhetoric over meaningful solutions. This trend risks deepening global divides and undermining collective resilience against climate change.

The Black Cost of Climate Change

Climate change is not just an environmental crisis; it’s a social and economic one, disproportionately impacting Black communities in the U.S. From extreme weather to the lingering effects of redlining, these risks amplify long-standing racial inequities, threatening lives, economic stability, and generational wealth. Here’s how climate change affects Black Americans—and what needs to happen next.

• Extreme Weather Exacerbates Inequities: Black communities in the Southeast face heightened vulnerability to extreme heat, hurricanes, and flooding due to geography, historical segregation, and limited resources. By 2050, the economic cost of heat-related productivity losses is expected to reach $500 billion annually, with Black workers in outdoor industries disproportionately affected. This environmental reality compounds existing inequalities, putting livelihoods and safety at significant risk.

• The Legacy of Redlining Intensifies Climate Risks: Historically redlined neighborhoods are more likely to experience urban heat islands and severe flooding due to poor infrastructure and proximity to industrial zones. For example, in Baltimore, redlined areas near the Patapsco River are particularly vulnerable to flooding, while New Orleans sees similar risks with hurricanes. These overlapping crises illustrate how systemic inequities from decades past leave Black communities disproportionately exposed to modern climate challenges.

• Economic Impact on Wealth and Stability: Climate change threatens intergenerational wealth transfer for Black families, particularly through rising risks to homeownership. By 2050, 17% of Black-owned homes will be at risk of storm or flood damage, doubling today’s numbers, while increasing insurance costs make recovery even harder. These financial burdens deepen existing racial wealth gaps, making it harder for Black families to rebuild after disasters.

• Building Solutions for Equitable Adaptation: Local governments must engage Black communities to ensure climate plans address systemic inequities and prioritize vulnerable communities. Expanding access to climate finance and integrating Black entrepreneurs into green innovation hubs can create more inclusive economic opportunities. Education around climate risks and generational wealth transfer is also crucial to help families prepare for and mitigate these challenges.

How Wealth and Agriculture Shape The Climate Crisis

Climate change is hitting us from all angles, and the ways wealth and agriculture play into it are undeniable. The richest among us—think private jets and massive consumption—are pumping out way more carbon than the rest of us, while agriculture is a double-edged sword, both driving emissions and struggling to adapt to the damage. Tackling these intertwined issues will take a mix of smarter investments, better farming practices, and policies that actually hold big players accountable.

• Wealth and Emissions: The wealthiest 1% of the world’s population are responsible for more emissions than the poorest 50%. This isn’t just about what they consume—it’s also about what they invest in. Private jets, yachts, and big-ticket consumption items are flashy examples, but even less visible things like investments in fossil fuels amplify the damage. We need to push for accountability and sustainable investing, where money flows into renewable energy and greener infrastructure instead of polluting industries.

• Agriculture’s Double Impact: Agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to things like livestock, fertilizer use, and clearing forests for farmland. But here’s the kicker: farming is also one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate change, with droughts, floods, and shifting weather patterns threatening food security. The solution lies in regenerative farming—practices that restore soil health, capture carbon, and make agriculture part of the climate solution instead of the problem.

• Sustainable Wealth Management: Some wealthy individuals and families are stepping up by channeling their wealth into sustainable ventures. From funding clean energy startups to promoting carbon-capturing tech, this trend shows the potential of money as a force for good. The challenge is scaling this approach and making it the norm, not the exception. A solid framework for green investing could amplify these efforts and help level the playing field.

• Tech and Policy for Farmers: Smallholder farmers, especially in developing regions, often bear the brunt of climate change but have the least resources to adapt. Technologies like AI-driven precision farming and drought-resistant crops can make a huge difference, but they need to be accessible. This is where policy comes in—governments and organizations need to step up with funding and education to empower farmers to fight back and thrive in a changing climate.

Some Hope!

Climate change is a pressing issue, but communities and local governments worldwide are stepping up with innovative solutions that offer hope and actionable paths forward. From carbon-neutral neighborhoods to community-led renewable energy projects to new policies, these initiatives demonstrate the power of grassroots action in combating environmental challenges. By focusing on local engagement and sustainable practices, these communities not only reduce their carbon footprints but also inspire others to contribute to a more sustainable future.

• Carbon-Neutral Neighborhoods: In Heidelberg, Germany, the Bahnstadt district stands as a testament to sustainable urban living. Home to 6,500 residents, Bahnstadt boasts highly insulated buildings that use 80% less energy for heating compared to other areas in the city. This significant reduction is achieved through stringent energy efficiency standards and the integration of green spaces, such as rooftop gardens, which help manage stormwater and reduce urban heat. The neighborhood's design encourages walking and cycling, further minimizing reliance on cars.

• Policy Wins: In New York City, congestion pricing is set to become a game-changer, charging drivers entering Manhattan’s busiest areas during peak hours to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and fund public transit. Similar policies in cities like London, Stockholm, and Singapore have proven that fewer cars on the road mean cleaner air and fewer emissions. Meanwhile, California is taking bold steps by banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, accelerating the shift to electric vehicles and forcing automakers to prioritize greener technology. On a broader scale, carbon pricing mechanisms—like carbon taxes and emissions trading systems—have led to an average 19% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across 1,500 policies, demonstrating their effectiveness in pushing industries toward cleaner technologies. Together, these policies show how governments can take big swings to fight climate change while encouraging sustainable choices across sectors.

• Community-Led Renewable Energy Projects: In Goulburn, Australia, local volunteers initiated a community solar farm project in response to governmental inaction on climate change. Despite initial skepticism, the community raised $2.1 million to match a government grant, leading to the installation of 4,500 solar panels and a 2,300 kWh battery. Set to power up to 500 homes, this project underscores the potential of grassroots initiatives in driving renewable energy adoption and keeping profits within the local community.

• Indigenous-Led Environmental Restoration: The Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation repurchased over 500 acres of ancestral land at the Bear River Massacre site as part of the Land Back movement. This initiative aims to heal generational trauma and restore ecological balance by planting native trees and restoring wetlands. Such efforts not only preserve cultural heritage but also contribute to climate resilience by enhancing biodiversity and water conservation.

• Urban Climate Adaptation through Tree Equity: In the United States, cities are addressing extreme heat exacerbated by climate change by investing in urban forestry. Programs focused on "tree equity" aim to ensure that all neighborhoods, especially underserved ones, have sufficient tree cover. Trees provide natural cooling, improve air quality, and enhance overall urban resilience. By prioritizing tree planting in heat-vulnerable areas, these initiatives not only mitigate the urban heat island effect but also promote environmental justice. 

Plain English: The L.A. Fires: How They Happened, Climate Change’s Role, and What the City Must Do Now (Listen)

“With so many confusing narratives unfolding around a fire that is still raging out of control, I wanted to talk to somebody I knew and trusted to get stories like this right. Robinson Meyer is the founder and editor of Heatmap News and a former staff writer at The Atlantic, where he covered climate news and related disasters. We talk about why this Los Angeles fire is so unusual, how it differs from most recent forest fires in California, the role of climate change, and what Los Angeles and other places can do to protect people from the inevitability of future disasters.”

Shift Key: So, What Does AI Really Mean for Decarbonization? (Listen)

“The rise of artificial intelligence and the associated expansion of data centers is driving surging demand for new power supply. Earlier this fall at the annual meeting of Princeton University’s Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Jesse sat down with a panel of experts to discuss how society can meet the growing energy demands of AI while staying on track broader decarbonization efforts. How will we power the growing demand from AI and data centers? What role can nuclear power really play? Will AI lock us into a new generation of gas power plants? Are regulators prepared for what's coming?”

Bloomberg Businessweek: Investing in the Era of Climate Change (Listen)

“Bruce Usher, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia Business School discusses his book "Investing in the Era of Climate Change."“

How to Save A Planet: What are You Doing to Tackle Climate Change? (Listen)

“We’re sharing stories of climate action taken by our very own listeners. We'll hear from a listener who ran for an unexpected office, a grandmother who helped save her county’s recycling program, a mom who was inspired to launch a whole new business, and a group of students who took on one of the biggest oil companies in the world – and won.”

TED Climate: How to Find Joy in Climate Action by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (Listen)

“We can all play a role in the climate movement by tapping into our skills, resources and networks in ways that bring us satisfaction, says climate leader Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. She suggests drawing a Venn diagram to map these questions: What are you good at? What is the work that needs doing? And what brings you joy? Where your answers intersect is where you should put your climate action effort. "Averting climate catastrophe: this is the work of our lifetimes," Johnson says.”