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fossil fuels
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- 1Germany commits for first time to phasing out fossil fuels by 2045●Germany pledges to phase out fossil fuels for first time with target of 2045
Germany has for the first time formally committed to phasing out fossil fuels, setting a target year of 2045. The pledge, reported by the Guardian, marks a notable step for Europe's largest economy, which has historically leaned heavily on coal and gas. Climate campaigners are likely to press for details on how the target will be enforced and funded, while industry groups will watch the plan's impact on energy costs.
- 2Climate Activists Protest AI Data Centers and Amazon Gas Plant Plans●Climate Activists Target AI Data Centers & Amazon's Plan to Build Largest U.S. Gas Power Plant
Climate activists are turning their attention to the booming AI industry, protesting data centers whose energy demands are driving new fossil fuel expansion. A key flashpoint is Amazon's plan to build the largest natural gas power plant in the United States, reportedly to power its computing infrastructure. Campaigners argue tech companies' climate pledges are being undermined by rising electricity use from artificial intelligence.
- 3Campaign demands zero fossil fuel lobbyists at COP31▼Campaign calls for zero fossil fuel lobbyists in COP31 delegations
A campaign is calling for national delegations at the COP31 climate summit to exclude fossil fuel lobbyists entirely. The demand targets the practice of oil, gas and coal industry representatives attending UN climate talks as part of official country delegations, a frequent point of controversy at previous summits. Activists argue their presence undermines negotiations aimed at phasing out fossil fuels.
- 4The UN chief who refused to stay quiet on climate change●The UN chief who refused to hush climate change
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is being praised for speaking out forcefully on climate change rather than toning down his warnings. Commentators highlight how he has repeatedly called out world leaders and fossil fuel interests, urging faster emissions cuts and stronger international action despite political pushback.
- 5Pro/Con: Wildfire seasons worsened by fossil fuel burning▼Pro/Con: Wildfire seasons are worsened by burning fossil fuels
The Duluth News Tribune has published a pro/con debate examining whether burning fossil fuels is making wildfire seasons worse. The piece presents arguments on both sides of the question, reflecting ongoing public discussion about the link between carbon emissions and increasingly severe and prolonged wildfire seasons.
- 6Saudi Aramco scientists helped write key UN climate reports●Saudi oil scientists ended up working on most important climate reports
The Guardian reports that scientists from Saudi Arabia's state oil company Aramco have worked as authors on IPCC climate assessment reports, the scientific assessments that underpin global climate policy. The story highlights the contradiction of oil industry researchers helping shape the world's most authoritative climate science, and it is drawing criticism of the IPCC's review and authorship processes.
- 7Next-generation geothermal energy challenges fossil fuels●Next-generation geothermal energy systems are coming for your fossil fuels... https:// cleantechnica.com/2026/09/26/g eo
CleanTechnica reports that next-generation geothermal energy systems are advancing in the United States and increasingly positioning themselves as a direct alternative to fossil fuels. The article ties the technology's growth to US energy policy, arguing geothermal can deliver reliable, sustainable renewable power.
- 8Fossil Fuel Industry Shifting Goalposts as Solar Grows●The Fossil Fuel Industry Keeps Shifting the Goalposts How denial tactics have evolved as renewable energy succeeds... Th
Commentators are revisiting how fossil fuel interests have repeatedly moved the goalposts on renewable energy targets. A pointed example: in February 2013, Australian senator Barnaby Joyce dismissed a 5% solar target as impossible during a Senate renewable energy debate. The argument is that as denial tactics fail and renewables exceed expectations, opponents pivot to new objections rather than accepting clean energy's success.
- 9
The US Energy Information Administration projects that solar power generation in Texas will overtake coal-fired generation in 2026. The forecast reflects rapid solar capacity additions across the state and continued declines in coal output. It would mark a significant milestone in the shift of the Texas grid, one of the largest power markets in the country, away from fossil fuels.
- 10New Jersey fines data center $1.1M over hidden gas generators●New Jersey fines data center $1.1M after drone pics expose 62 gas generators
New Jersey regulators have fined a data center operator $1.1 million after aerial images revealed 62 unpermitted gas generators on the site. The finding suggests the facility was running significant backup power capacity without proper environmental approvals, drawing criticism of the fast-growing data industry's reliance on fossil-fuel generators and scrutiny of how such installations evade oversight.
- 11
The European Union has ruled out new oil and gas drilling in the Arctic, reaffirming its position against fossil fuel expansion in the polar region. The move aligns with the bloc's climate commitments and its long-standing push to protect the environmentally sensitive Arctic from extractive industries. Commenters are weighing what the decision means for energy security, climate policy and the EU's role in Arctic affairs.
- 12Quebec pipeline's partial Indigenous ownership sparks debate●Later, re # FossilFuel news: Lauren on Marinvest's pipeline project in # quebec "People be like 'It's part Indigenous ow
Discussion is growing around Marinvest's pipeline project in Quebec after commentary questioned claims that partial Indigenous ownership makes the project acceptable. Critics, pointing to voices like activist Janelle Lapointe, argue Indigenous communities are often coerced or strong-armed into buying into fossil fuel projects rather than genuinely benefiting. The debate fits into wider fossil fuel and Indigenous rights conversations.
- 13Gas Plants for AI Data Centres Put Retirement Savings at Risk▼Gas Power Plants for AI Data Centres Are a Risky Bet with Your Retirement Savings
Commentators are warning that the rush to build new gas power plants to serve AI data centres could expose retirement and pension funds to financial risk. The argument is that heavy capital spending on fossil fuel infrastructure, justified by unpredictable AI electricity demand, may leave investors with stranded assets if demand shifts or climate policy tightens.
- 14Solar and wind cut Europe's electricity costs by 25%●»‘Decoupling from fossil fuel shocks’: Europe’s electricity made 25% cheaper thanks to # solar and # wind […] An analysi
An analysis by SolarPower Europe has found that solar and wind generation made Europe's electricity 25% cheaper and saved the continent more than €100 million per day by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The report frames the shift as 'decoupling from fossil fuel shocks', arguing renewables are now delivering measurable savings for consumers and energy systems across Europe.