OptOut’s budget cuts 🌿 $7 tri for Big Oil since Paris Agreement 🌿 Politicians delay Climate Action 🌿 Criminalizing pipeline protests

Hi, Everyone!

I’m Amanda Magnani, a Brazilian (photo)journalist and OptOut News’ climate editor. Every other week, I bring you the most important climate news from our network—with an extra serving of decolonial perspectives. ✨🌿

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Unfortunately, today I have some not-so-good news for you. After receiving the last installment of a three-year grant earlier this year, OptOut is now facing a budget shortfall and will need to make cuts starting next month. If you enjoy this newsletter, you can help us stay afloat by becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Here’s a photo of me rock climbing to thank you in advance for your support.

Now, the news. Proposed over eight years ago, the Paris Agreement, aimed at preventing the world from warming over 2 degrees Celsius, was not enough to inhibit global investments that advanced the climate crisis. As a matter of fact, since then, the world’s 60 biggest banks have put nearly $7 trillion into the fossil fuel industry, DeSmog reports. In 2023 alone, the hottest year on record–so far–the sum invested in the industry was $705 billion.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., politicians from both sides backed by Big Oil continue to work towards delaying climate action. The Center for Media and Democracy reports that GOP state attorneys general have been trying to shield the industry from climate litigation by filing complaints to block climate change lawsuits involving fossil fuel companies, while Jacobin reports that pro-Oil Democrats are trying to boycott Biden’s pause to new LGN permits.

If that wasn’t enough, fossil fuel companies are using legal contortionism to criminalize protests against pipelines. As of today, federal pipeline safety legislation considers damaging or destroying pipelines a felony that could lead to up to 20 years in prison. Now, the industry is trying to widen the definition and punishment for attacks on pipelines by using vague language that could lead to the understanding of protests as a form of criminally punishable attack, The Lever reports.

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And More:

🛢️ “Biofuel plants a significant source of air pollution in Midwest, study finds,” from Minnesota Reformer.

🛢️ “Experts forecast active hurricane season as warming oceans crank up storm intensity,” from Georgia Recorder.

🛢️ “New Mexico officials tell lawmakers the state needs more money invested in water infrastructure,” from Source NM.

🛢️ “California Seeks Company Profits in Big Oil Climate Lawsuit,” from WhoWhatWhy.

🛢️ “Real-time data show the air in Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’ is even worse than expected,” from Grist.

🛢️ “Federal leaders talk progress in combatting PFAS, remembering the victims that made it possible,” from Michigan Advance.

Decolonizing Climate Change

🌱 “Biden’s border restrictions are stranding climate migrants in extreme heat,” from Grist.

🌱 “Minorities ‘systematically’ underrepresented in U.S. petrochemical workforce, study find,” from Louisiana Illuminator.

🌱 “Virginia air board member wants continued environmental justice focus,” from Virginia Mercury.

🌱 “What is LaToya Ruby Frazier trying to show us?” from Grist.

🌱 “Scientists and Indigenous leaders team up to conserve seals and an ancestral way of life in Yakutat,” from Alaska Beacon.

🌱 “New Yellowstone bison plan calls for larger population, more tribal transfers,” from Daily Montanan.

🌱 “The Tough Task of Forging a Labor-Climate Alliance,” from Jacobin.

Around the World

🇪🇺 Europe: “Climate Pledges Haven’t Stopped These European Banks From Financing LNG,” from DeSmog.

🇳🇬 Nigeria: “Nigeria must industrialise energy transition without big carbon impact: report,” from Gas Outlook.

🇧🇷 Brazil: “How a ‘Citizen Map’ Is Helping Brazil Prepare for Next Big Flood,” from Yale Environment 360.

🇯🇵 Japan: “Japan, Oil Majors Tout CCS Tomakomai Project as Flagship of Asia’s Energy Future,” from DeSmog.

🇺🇬 Uganda: “Outrage Over Kidnapping of East African Pipeline Opponent,” from Yale Environment 360.

🇨🇦 Canada: “How an Anti-Greenwashing Law Killed Alberta’s Energy War Room,” from The Tyee.

🇨🇴 Colombia: “Colombia’s Coal Embargo on Israel Is a Model to Follow,” from Jacobin.

To Lighten Your Heart

💚 “Walkable communities could help Alaska tackle its health problems,” from Alaska Beacon.

💚 “Can Regeneratively Farmed Food Be the Answer to Good Health and Climate Justice?” from Rising Up With Sonali.

💚 “How grassroots climate activists are taking on Big Tech,” from Heated.

💚 “Industry, clean power groups breath a sigh of relief as Senate approves energy regulators,” from Louisiana Illuminator.

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Before you go, check out Next City’s guide on how to find out if your city or state is investing in fossil fuels, or Israeli bonds.

And even if you’re not from Kentucky, these tips from Kentucky Lantern on how to stay safe during the extreme heat can be very helpful. Stay safe out there!

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That’s all for now, folks! If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up at amanda@optout.news.

Obrigada and have a great week