Arguments
Skeptical Science New Research for Week #36 2026
Posted on 3 September 2026 by Doug Bostrom, Marc Kodack
Open access notables
Misrepresentation of Human Climate Fingerprint in DOE Report, Santer et al., Earth s Future
A July 2025 report from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) made the key claim that the stratosphere has warmed since 2000, contrary to model projections and inconsistent with the expected anthropogenic fingerprint. The DOE report provided no references or data to support this claim. Its basis appears to be an unpublished figure comparing simulated and observed tropical trends in the temperature of the lower stratosphere (TLS), a layer extending from roughly 15 to 20 km above Earth's surface. The observed tropical TLS trends shown in the unpublished DOE figure are incorrect. When the correct observational data sets are used, model tropical TLS trends are consistent with satellite observations, and a model-predicted anthropogenic fingerprint is identifiable with high confidence in observed latitude-altitude profiles of tropical temperature change. An earlier rebuttal of the DOE “no human fingerprint” claim considered global-mean temperature changes only and did not perform a pattern-based fingerprint study. Unless corrected or retracted, the DOE report will continue to misinform policymakers and the public about the reality of human effects on climate.
Climate disinformation and moral distortion, Hopster & Martini, Environmental Politics
Disinformation is commonly understood as the distortion, omission or framing of facts, in the interest of deceiving. But does disinformation merely stem from an untruthful representation of facts, or can it also involve a distortion of morals? This question is not easily answered: while factual information can be untruthfully represented, it is less straightforward what ‘moral distortion’ might involve. In this paper we investigate the nature of moral distortion, by scrutinizing two case-studies from climate discourse. We argue that moral distortion involves the selective representation of morally relevant facts, which leaves an audience with a biased appreciation of an issue, even though the sender of information positions themselves as a trustworthy partner in public inquiry. We clarify how moral distortion relates to ‘moral corruption’, ‘greenwashing’, and other types of environmental disinformation, and address the objection that the cultural relativity of moral claims shields them from criticism.
[Comment] The imperative to counter fossil fuel industry disinformation for public health, Narayan et al., The Lancet Planetary Health
Despite claims of being climate solution leaders, fossil fuel companies continue to spend billions on lobbying and disinformation to delay meaningful climate action. The medical and public health community is uniquely positioned at the forefront of the battle against fossil fuel disinformation, and their role has never been more crucial. As some of the most trusted voices in society, health professionals hold a powerful influence over public opinion and policy, making them essential advocates for truth and health. However, the growing tide of fossil fuel industry disinformation, aimed at confusing the public, deflecting responsibility, and delaying action, threatens to erode the foundation of this trust and the ability of the health community to advocate on climate-related health threats. Therefore, it is imperative for health professionals to take a proactive, united stand in countering this influence.
When beliefs meet technology: conservatism, climate denialism, and support for solar geoengineering, Lee et al., Environmental Politics
Solar geoengineering is an object of deep political contestation. Public responses to solar geoengineering technologies cannot be as easily explained by political ideology alone. Hypothesizing that climate denialism mediates ideology’s influence on public support for solar geoengineering, we ask: (1) What is the relationship between political conservatism and support for solar geoengineering, and does it differ by country and technology? (2) Is this relationship mediated by climate denialism? We answer these questions using mediation analyses of public attitudes toward three climate intervention technologies across thirteen countries. Our findings show that conservatives are generally less supportive of solar geoengineering, and this opposition is largely rooted in climate denialism with variation across technologies. Once denialism is controlled for, conservatism is associated with greater support for certain technologies in some countries but not others. Therefore, the relationship between conservatism and climate intervention support does not reflect a single, stable ideological association.
From this week's government/NGO section:
Summary Report: Second Conference on Attribution Science and Climate Law, Jessica Wentz, Columbia Law School, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law
A summary report for the Second Conference on Attribution Science and Climate Law, held at Columbia University on June 10–11, 2026. The event brought together physical scientists, legal scholars, public health researchers, economists, and policy experts to discuss key developments in climate change attribution science and its evolving role in climate law and governance. The author provides an overview of key themes and topics covered at the conference, as well as a detailed summary of the presentations and panel discussions. Video recordings of the event can also be accessed from the event website and the Sabin Center Youtube channel. Rapid advances in attribution research—including storyline approaches, integrated impact modeling, and end-to-end attribution—are strengthening the scientific foundation for linking GHG emissions, climate change, and specific harms. Panelists highlighted the utility of these methods not only as evidentiary support in climate litigation and corporate accountability claims, but also as vital tools for informing government decision-making, adaptation planning, disaster risk reduction, and international loss and damage frameworks. Discussions also confronted ongoing challenges, including political pressures on climate science, the necessity of clear communication regarding scientific uncertainties, and the importance of addressing structural inequalities alongside physical hazards.
The authors reviewed Congressional lobbyist disclosures of 228 lobbying firms. They found fossil fuel lobbyists simultaneously lobbying on almost every aspect of the climate crisis, from climate mitigation to disaster relief to wildlife conservation. The most conflicted firm on the issue of climate mitigation funding for local governments was Greenberg Traurig, which lobbied for the American Petroleum Institute (API) and ConocoPhillips in Congress, the Western States Petroleum Association in California, and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufactures (AFPM) in New York, all of which have opposed the creation of climate superfunds. Greenberg Traurig also lobbied on shoreline protection and Everglades restoration for Miami-Dade County and lobbied for the City of Rochester and Westchester County in New York, both of which would lose tens of millions in future climate mitigation funds if the firm’s clients API and AFPM succeed in passing a Congressional bill invalidating state Climate Superfunds, including New York’s.
156 articles in 71 journals by 1074 contributing authors
Physical science of climate change, effects
Centennial AMOC Variability of North Atlantic–Arctic Origin: Mechanism and Future State, Yang, International Journal of Climatology 10.1002/joc.70480
Climate extremes drive increased fire nitrogen release in boreal forest, Liu et al., Atmospheric Environment 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2026.122330
Detectability of Forced ENSO Changes Under Global Warming: Insights From the Recharge Oscillator, Han et al., arXiv (Cornell University) Open Access 10.48550/arxiv.2608.26767
Global warming enhances salinity gradient energy potential through hydroclimatic change, Xu et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access pdf 10.1038/s43247-026-04010-z
Hydrographic variability associated with enhanced warming in the eastern Antarctic region during the austral summer, Krishnan et al., Polar Science 10.1016/j.polar.2026.101390
Limiting warming by CO2 and methane mitigation in an expanded scenario space, Weber et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access pdf 10.1038/s43247-026-03832-1
Maritime Continent freshening intensifies the observed La Niña-like warming, Cao et al., npj Climate and Atmospheric Science Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41612-026-01523-4
Sea surface warming suppresses primary sea spray aerosol number production, Leibensperger et al., Atmospheric chemistry and physics Open Access 10.5194/acp-26-12211-2026
When the Mountains Stop Warming the Plains: Anomalous Winter and Spring Cooling in Southeastern Alberta Linked to Reduced Chinook Activity, Yackel et al., ATMOSPHERE-OCEAN 10.1080/07055900.2026.2716651
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Walker circulation strengthening driven by sea surface temperature changes outside the tropics, Nature Geoscience, 10.1038/s41561-024-01510-5 14 cites.
Observations of climate change, effects
Changes in Arctic and Antarctic sea-ice properties and processes, Webster et al., Nature Reviews Earth & Environment 10.1038/s43017-026-00816-9
Long-term monitoring of active layer thickness confirms global permafrost degradation, Streletskiy et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access pdf 10.1038/s43247-026-03824-1
Marine Heatwave Trends in Eastern North America Waters Using a High-Resolution (5-km) SST Dataset, Stone & Milrad, International Journal of Climatology 10.1002/joc.70474
Misrepresentation of Human Climate Fingerprint in DOE Report, Santer et al., Earth s Future Open Access pdf 10.1029/2026ef008831
Narwhals document atlantification of East Greenland, Heide-Jørgensen et al., Science Advances Open Access 10.1126/sciadv.adr1424
Soil moisture–atmosphere coupling intensifies wildfires in Siberia in 2021, Xiao et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 10.1016/j.agrformet.2026.111437
Trends in Heat Stress During Heat Waves Across Europe (1979–2023), Zhang et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2026gl124082
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Rock glaciers across the United States predominantly accelerate coincident with rise in air temperatures, Nature Communications, 10.1038/s41467-024-52093-z 29 cites.
Instrumentation & observational methods of climate change, effects
CSRFormer: An Instantaneous Global-ocean Clear-sky Radiative Flux Dataset Derived From CERES, Zheng et al., Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) Open Access 10.5281/zenodo.20046058
ERA5 Can Overstate Changes in the Frequency of Extreme Heat: A New Zealand Case Study, Iqbal et al., International Journal of Climatology Open Access 10.1002/joc.70571
Heatstroke mortality in a warming climate: From physiological risk to reporting practices in a multi-country study, Tob??as et al., Temperature 10.1080/23328940.2026.2698161
Investigating Climate Change Impacts on the 2020 Extreme Meiyu Through Global Variable-Resolution Ensemble Subseasonal Hindcasts, Xu et al., Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres 10.1029/2025jd045982
Six-fold reduction in ocean heat content estimate uncertainty since 1960, Cheng et al., Research Square Open Access pdf 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9248956/v1
Top-of-Atmosphere Radiation over the Last Millennium Reconstructed from Proxies, Stiller & Hakim, Journal of Climate pdf 10.1175/jcli-d-25-0568.1
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Coordinated Geostationary, Multispectral Satellite Observations Are Critical for Climate and Air Quality Progress, AGU Advances, 10.1029/2024av001322 9 cites.
Modeling, simulation & projection of climate change, effects
Heatwaves in a 15 °C World: Exploring remote drivers’ influence on Northern Italy with a storyline-based approach, Squintu et al., Weather and Climate Extremes Open Access 10.1016/j.wace.2026.100949
Projections of Climate-Driven Changes in Fire Regimes and Implications for Boreal Landscapes in Alaska and Northwest Canada, Littell et al., Earth s Future Open Access pdf 10.1029/2026ef008324
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Impacts of AMOC Collapse on Monsoon Rainfall: A Multi-Model Comparison, Earth s Future, 10.1029/2023ef003959 30 cites.
Advancement of climate & climate effects modeling, simulation & projection
Assessing the Impact of Sea Surface Temperature Biases in CMIP6 Coupled Models on the North Pacific Westerly Jet, Ushijima et al., Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) Open Access 10.5281/zenodo.19705804
Causes of the Delayed Seasonality of Northern Hemisphere Tropical Cyclones in CMIP6 Models, Jiawei, Figshare Open Access 10.6084/m9.figshare.31224409
ClimAVA-SWE: A High-Resolution CMIP6-Based Snow Water Equivalent Dataset for the Western United States, Sajad et al., Harvard Dataverse Open Access 10.7910/dvn/scd2vt
Compound Climate Events and Cascading Impacts in the IPCC AR6: Analysis of Gaps and Avenues for the AR7, Duvat, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Climate Change Open Access 10.1002/wcc.70046
DeepMelt-GL v1: a neural network emulator of sub-shelf melt rates for the unrepresented regions of ice-shelf cavities in ocean models, Ockenden et al., Geoscientific model development Open Access pdf 10.5194/gmd-19-7979-2026
Dominant Biases in Atmospheric Radiative Heating Rates in Global Climate Models, Huang & Huang, Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2026gl122611
Excessive Negative Surface Heat Flux Feedback in CMIP6 Models, George et al., Journal of Geophysical Research Oceans 10.1029/2026jc024124
Forest canopy decline under elevated CO2 during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, Dunn et al., DRYAD Open Access 10.5061/dryad.wdbrv164q
IAM-FIRE: A Climate Emulator–Based Framework to Project Wildfire Impacts and Risks for Integrated Assessment Models, Rouhette et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.70951
Improving simulation of Earth system variability through weakly coupled ocean data assimilation in E3SM, Shi et al., Geoscientific model development Open Access 10.5194/gmd-19-8003-2026
Three Generations of NARCliM: Evaluation of Precipitation, Temperature and Their Extremes Over the CORDEX Australasia Domain, Ji et al., International Journal of Climatology Open Access 10.1002/joc.70353
Urban climate evaluation in the upcoming generation of CMIP6-Driven EURO-CORDEX regional climate simulations, Díez-Sierra et al., Urban Climate Open Access 10.1016/j.uclim.2026.103103
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
On the Realism of Tropical Cyclone Intensification in Global Storm-Resolving Climate Models, Geophysical Research Letters, 10.1029/2024gl109841 21 cites.
Cryosphere & climate change
A 1 km resolution dataset of Northern Hemisphere permafrost active layer thickness (2000–2024), Wei & Chen, Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) Open Access 10.5281/zenodo.20602924
Changes in Arctic and Antarctic sea-ice properties and processes, Webster et al., Nature Reviews Earth & Environment 10.1038/s43017-026-00816-9
Earlier lake ice breakup in response to warming in the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago, Russian High Arctic: Evidence from MODIS data (2000-2024), Maraldo et al., Polar Science 10.1016/j.polar.2026.101365
Emergent Regimes of River Meandering and Permafrost Extent in Arctic Floodplains, Lamb et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2026gl124384
Global database of glacier failures (1900–2025), Ekaterina & Summer, Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) Open Access 10.5281/zenodo.19477908
Long-term change of the ice phenology in Saroma-ko Lagoon, Hokkaido, Japan, Shiomoto et al., Polar Science 10.1016/j.polar.2026.101388
Long-term monitoring of active layer thickness confirms global permafrost degradation, Streletskiy et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access pdf 10.1038/s43247-026-03824-1
Meltwater movement and refreezing in the wet snow zone of Qaanaaq Ice Cap, northwest Greenland, Minowa et al., Polar Science 10.1016/j.polar.2026.101395
On the non-linear response of Antarctic ice shelf surface melt to warming, Hofsteenge et al., cryosphere Open Access 10.5194/tc-20-4747-2026
Thermodynamic Control of Global Seasonal Snow Decline, Song et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2026gl122806
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Toward long-term monitoring of regional permafrost thaw with satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar, cryosphere, 10.5194/tc-18-3723-2024 7 cites.
Sea level & climate change
Human-induced subsidence exceeds sea-level rise in driving future coastal flood exposure in China’s Greater Bay Area, Wang et al., Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) Open Access 10.5281/zenodo.20603078
Sea-level rise projections tailored for spatial adaptation planning in the U.S., Konfirst et al., Scientific Data Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41597-026-06669-7
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Simulated Impact of Time-Varying River Runoff and Greenland Freshwater Discharge on Sea Level Variability in the Beaufort Gyre Over 2005–2018, Journal of Geophysical Research Oceans, 10.1029/2024jc021237 6 cites.
Paleoclimate & paleogeochemistry
Forest canopy decline under elevated CO2 during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, Dunn et al., DRYAD Open Access 10.5061/dryad.wdbrv164q
Modern anthropogenic subsidence rivals deglacial meltwater pulse rates in the Bohai and Yellow Seas, Qin et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access pdf 10.1038/s43247-026-03889-y
Recent strengthening of eastern Pacific ENSO in the last millennium paleorecord, Cole et al., Science 10.1126/science.ady2660
Upcoming climate change: fossil record as a key to predict future biotic response, B?k & B?k, Frontiers in Earth Science Open Access pdf 10.3389/feart.2026.1950918
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Eocene maar sediments record warming of up to 3.5 °C during a hyperthermal event 47.2 million years ago, Communications Earth & Environment, 10.1038/s43247-024-01628-9 4 cites.
Biology & climate change, related geochemistry
Arboreal Mammals Are at Risk Under Climate Change: Insights From a Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Silva et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.71034
Blind Spots in Traditional Approaches to Conservation Prioritization in a Climate Change Context, Bondi et al., Diversity and Distributions Open Access pdf 10.1111/ddi.70259
Climate Warming Drives the Breakdown of Plant–Pollinator Mutualisms Despite Phenological Synchrony, Manincor et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.71074
Climate-driven mobilization of rare earth elements and metals in Antarctica: Pathways, ecological exposure, and implications for trophic transfer, Khamis et al., Polar Science 10.1016/j.polar.2026.101394
Coral Reef In Situ Product (CRISP): a global compilation of coral reef temperature time series, Larson et al., Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) Open Access 10.5281/zenodo.21045962
Declines in European bumblebee habitat suitability attributable to climate change, Tandt et al., Nature Climate Change 10.1038/s41558-026-02734-6
Declining hydraulic safety in a drier world, Liang et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 10.1073/pnas.2622754123
Direct and indirect effects of elevated CO2, warming and drought on plant–consumer interactions of Plantago lanceolata, Davidova et al., DRYAD Open Access 10.5061/dryad.r2280gbv1
Ensemble Modeling of Shifts in the Suitable Distribution and Ecological Niche of the Alpine Tibetan Medicinal Herb Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl. Under Climate Change and Human Activity, Wu et al., Ecology and Evolution Open Access 10.1002/ece3.73861
Future Climate Change and Bioclimatic Suitability of Two Endemic Balkan Water Frogs, Papežík et al., Diversity and Distributions Open Access pdf 10.1111/ddi.70246
Global spatial heterogeneity of changes in vegetation resistance to compound drought and heat events during 2001–2020, HAN et al., Advances in Climate Change Research Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2026.08.016
Increased Atmospheric CO2 Adversely Affects Large Pollinators, but Benefits Small Pollinators, Khan et al., DRYAD Open Access 10.5061/dryad.m37pvmdgh
Intensifying Flash Droughts Aggravate Vegetation Ecosystem Vulnerability in the Monsoon Region of China: Evidence From Resistance and Resilience Responses, Qi et al., Earth s Future Open Access 10.1029/2025ef006987
Large fisheries declines linked to compound and extreme climate events, Cheung et al., Nature Communications Open Access 10.1038/s41467-026-77077-z
Long-Term Evolution Under Heatwave Conditions in the Seed Beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, Ivimey-Cook et al., Ecology and Evolution Open Access 10.1002/ece3.73562
Narwhals document atlantification of East Greenland, Heide-Jørgensen et al., Science Advances Open Access 10.1126/sciadv.adr1424
Projecting future habitat suitability and range dynamics of Spermophilus dauricus on the Mongolian Plateau under climate change, Wang et al., Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution Open Access 10.3389/fevo.2026.1921190
Reply to: Antarctic greening is constrained by biology and requires field validation, Roland et al., Nature Geoscience 10.1038/s41561-026-02080-4
Reply to: Estimated tree longevity response to climate at risk of methodological bias, Gao et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access pdf 10.1038/s43247-026-03935-9
Saturation effect of background temperature and aridity on vegetation phenological sensitivity to urban warming, Zhang et al., Biogeosciences Open Access 10.5194/bg-23-5943-2026
Saturation effect of background temperature and aridity on vegetation phenological sensitivity to urban warming, Zhang et al., Biogeosciences Open Access 10.5194/bg-23-5943-2026
Space Use Change Associated With Climate Induces Camouflage Mismatch to Increase Extinction Risk in an Endangered Mammal, Mahoney et al., Global Change Biology Open Access pdf 10.1111/gcb.71079
The Impact of Climate Change on the Spatial Distribution of Seven Meconopsis Species in China: A MaxEnt Model-Based Predictive Analysis, Yang et al., Ecology and Evolution Open Access 10.1002/ece3.73824
The Potential Habitat of Liparis campylostalix (Orchidaceae) in China Under Climate Change Scenario Predicted by MaxEnt Model, Deng et al., Ecology and Evolution Open Access 10.1002/ece3.73536
Thermal Stress and Habitat Loss: Assessing the Vulnerability of Potamon fluviatile (Decapoda: Potamidae) to Climate Change in Italy, Sorboni et al., Ecology and Evolution Open Access pdf 10.1002/ece3.74256
Warming Reduces Cold Hardiness of Boreal Plants but Damage Risk Varies by Species and Season, Campos-Arguedas et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.71081
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Global increase in the optimal temperature for the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems, Communications Earth & Environment, 10.1038/s43247-024-01636-9 35 cites.
GHG sources & sinks, flux, related geochemistry
A Step Forward to Global Segment CO2 Flux Estimation Benefiting from Large Swath of Coordinated CO2 and Solar-Induced Fluorescence Measurements from the TanSat-2 Mission, Yang et al., Advances in Atmospheric Sciences Open Access 10.1007/s00376-026-6150-1
Blue carbon functional collapse precedes physical marsh retreat, Wang et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-026-03971-5
Correction for Zhou et al., Warming substantially amplifies Antarctic coastal polynyas as key carbon sinks, [authors did not process], Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 10.1073/pnas.2627297123
Divergent Trends in the Seasonal Amplitude of Atmospheric CO2 Across the Globe, Linyang & Jiawen, Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) Open Access 10.5281/zenodo.17810400
Estimation of forest carbon storage with small samples based on Bayesian hierarchical model, Fan et al., Frontiers in Forests and Global Change Open Access 10.3389/ffgc.2026.1909517
Exploring atmospheric CH4 monitoring network expansion in Italy using inverse modelling, Mil et al., ICOS Carbon Portal Open Access 10.18160/tgmj-4ygj
Global methane emission estimates from a dual-isotope inversion: new constraints from δD-CH4, Dasgupta et al., Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) Open Access pmh:oai:dspace.library.uu.nl:1874/486815
Global peatlands formed via paludification since the Last Glacial Maximum are more conducive to absorbing CO2, Gao et al., Global and Planetary Change 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2026.105692
Hydropower reservoirs will lead energy-sector carbon emissions by 2050 under a net-zero scenario, Wang et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access pdf 10.1038/s43247-026-03982-2
Impact of land use on carbon dynamics in cold-temperate rivers: A case study of the Ussuri (Wusuli) River basin, Northeast China, Zhang et al., Anthropocene 10.1016/j.ancene.2026.100575
Increased maximum carbon release offsets half of the growth trend in annual land carbon sink, Bai et al., Nature Communications Open Access 10.1038/s41467-026-77462-8
Multidimensional inequalities in attributed passenger-transport CO2 across 21 EU member States in 2015, Álvarez-Antelo et al., Energy Policy Open Access pdf 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115582
Polar and subpolar shelf seas dominate enhanced coastal CO2 uptake during marine heatwaves, Hu et al., Nature Communications Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-026-77165-0
Radiocarbon in atmospheric CH4 and CO2 at Jungfraujoch in 2019–2024: influence of regional nuclear emissions and current global atmospheric 14CH4 signal, Laemmel et al., Open Access CRIS of the University of Bern Open Access 10.48620/100501
Soil disturbance in wetlands by feral pigs increases greenhouse gas emissions, Adame et al., Biogeosciences Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-23-5781-2026
Synergistic effects of warming and elevated CO2 intensify drought impacts on grassland carbon and water fluxes, Tissink et al., MPG.PuRe (Max Planck Society) Open Access pdf pmh:oai:pure.mpg.de:item_3716274
Synergistic Interactions Between Warming and Elevated Atmospheric CO2 Increase Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration, Yao, Figshare Open Access 10.6084/m9.figshare.31563121
Temporal lag in post-mining regrowth amplifies carbon loss in tropical forests during the period 2000–2023, He et al., Nature Communications Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-026-77252-2
The EDGAR-LULUCF Dataset of forest-related carbon emissions and removals, Rossi et al., Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) Open Access 10.5281/zenodo.20381555
Three-Fourths of Carbon Emissions From 2023 Record-Breaking Wildfires in Canada Traced to Soil and Peat Combustion, Zhong et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access pdf 10.1029/2026gl123393
Trophic regulation constrains ecosystem carbon accumulation under global change, Xu et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Open Access 10.1073/pnas.2610728123
Using Tower-Based Observational Networks to Assess the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Six North American Cities, Barkley et al., Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres Open Access 10.1029/2025jd045115
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Reducing the uncertainty in estimating soil microbial-derived carbon storage, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 10.1073/pnas.2401916121 157 cites.
CO2 capture, sequestration science & engineering
Assessment of formation brine salinity, pressure and temperature in selected structures in eastern Denmark and implications for CO2 storage, Schovsbo et al., GEUS Bulletin Open Access 10.34194/62417j08
Industrializing reactive capture of CO2, Xiao et al., Nature Energy 10.1038/s41560-026-02113-7
Near-term, geospatial opportunity for biomass carbon storage to address the wildfire and climate crises, Clayton et al., Science Advances Open Access 10.1126/sciadv.aee6185
Seismic investigations of eight geological structures for potential storage of CO2 in Denmark: an introduction, Gregersen et al., GEUS Bulletin Open Access 10.34194/299dt488
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
The feasibility of reaching gigatonne scale CO2 storage by mid-century, Nature Communications, 10.1038/s41467-024-51226-8 64 cites.
Decarbonization
Regional retrofit, net-zero aspirations, and their whole-life carbon burden, Zune et al., Environmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability Open Access 10.1088/2634-4505/ae9984
Sustainable polar shipping under climate change: A bibliometric review of emissions and efficiency, Tuti, Polar Science 10.1016/j.polar.2026.101392
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Pathway decisions for reuse and recycling of retired lithium-ion batteries considering economic and environmental functions, Nature Communications, 10.1038/s41467-024-52030-0 224 cites.
Geoengineering climate
Wind-Driven Circulation Feedbacks Offset Tropical Geoengineered Sea Salt Emissions, Wang et al., Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres Open Access 10.1029/2026jd047411
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Africa's Climate Response to Marine Cloud Brightening Strategies Is Highly Sensitive to Deployment Region, Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres, 10.1029/2024jd041070 6 cites.
Black carbon
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
The politics of knowledge in black carbon mitigation: Policy entrepreneurship of Finnish actors and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Environmental Science & Policy, 10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103881 3 cites.
Aerosols
Instantaneous radiative forcings due to the first indirect effect linked to low-level liquid clouds in the Amazon, Pugliesi et al., Atmospheric chemistry and physics Open Access pdf 10.5194/acp-26-12151-2026
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
On the sensitivity of aerosol–cloud interactions to changes in sea surface temperature in radiative–convective equilibrium, Atmospheric chemistry and physics, 10.5194/acp-24-9323-2024 2 cites.
Climate change communications & cognition
A systematic review and meta-analysis of communication strategies to promote climate action, Uenal et al., OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints) pmh:oai:share.osf.io:acc66f76-7427-4f8d-ae9b-f0597aaf12dd
Aiding or shaming in climate politics: Evidence from a survey experiment in Brazil, Calacino, Energy Research & Social Science Open Access 10.1016/j.erss.2026.104919
Climate disinformation and moral distortion, Hopster & Martini, Environmental Politics Open Access pdf 10.1080/09644016.2026.2721054
Comparing threat- and solution-oriented climate communication: The role of hope, self-efficacy, and climate anxiety in motivating high-impact climate-friendly behavior, Ringhofer et al., Journal of Environmental Psychology 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.103194
In Sickness and in Heat – A Content Analysis of German Media Coverage of Chronic Diseases and Climate-Related Weather Events, Singh & Metag, Environmental Communication Open Access pdf 10.1080/17524032.2026.2723748
Misrepresentation of Human Climate Fingerprint in DOE Report, Santer et al., Earth s Future Open Access pdf 10.1029/2026ef008831
Stereotypes Shape Public Impressions of Unconventional Climate Advocates Across Urban and Regional Communities, Wang et al., Environmental Communication Open Access pdf 10.1080/17524032.2026.2723751
When beliefs meet technology: conservatism, climate denialism, and support for solar geoengineering, Lee et al., Environmental Politics Open Access pdf 10.1080/09644016.2026.2721030
[Comment] The imperative to counter fossil fuel industry disinformation for public health, Narayan et al., The Lancet Planetary Health Open Access 10.1016/j.lanplh.2026.101435
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
For cash, the planet, or for both: Evaluating an informational intervention for energy consumption reduction, Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2024.114314 6 cites.
Agronomy, animal husbundry, food production & climate change
Climate change and food security in sustainable finance: a South African perspective, Zenda, Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2026.1926592
Compound Hot-Dry Days (CHDDs) and Their Implications on Maize Yields in the Free State Province, South Africa, Moeletsi & Tsubo, International Journal of Climatology Open Access pdf 10.1002/joc.70281
Dam Regulation Moderates Climate-Induced Rice Yield Loss in the Mekong-Tonle Sap Lake System, Zhang et al., Earth s Future Open Access pdf 10.1029/2025ef008053
Evaluating Crop Yield Sensitivity to Climate Change Using a Deep-Learning Framework Incorporating Vegetation and Groundwater Memory, Baluch et al., Earth s Future Open Access 10.1029/2026ef008560
Fostering the forest circular bioeconomy to combat climate change by producing biochar from conifer and broadleaf stands, Mosquera-Losada et al., Frontiers in Forests and Global Change Open Access pdf 10.3389/ffgc.2026.1821315
From soft limits to hard thresholds: mapping the adaptation gap in sub-Saharan African agriculture – a systematic review, Madanzi et al., Frontiers in Climate Open Access pdf 10.3389/fclim.2026.1807595
Grazing Enhances System Carbon Balance via the Soil-Plant-Livestock Carbon Pump Regulation Despite Suppressing Specific Carbon Cycling Pathways, Zhou et al., Earth s Future Open Access pdf 10.1029/2026ef008382
Heterogeneous persistent ENSO impact on China’s agricultural economy in a warming climate, Wang, Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) Open Access 10.5281/zenodo.18168708
Irrigation Impact on Humid Heat Stress: Divergent Metrics, Vegetation Dynamics, and Future Worsening, Shen et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2026gl123720
Making climate governance actionable: a corpus-based analysis of institutionalizing climate change in tuna fisheries governance, He et al., npj Ocean Sustainability Open Access 10.1038/s44183-026-00240-y
Research priorities for climate adaptation and resilience in smallholder livestock systems in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review, Slayi et al., Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2026.1924189
Retraction Note: An autocatalytic multicomponent DNAzyme nanomachine for tumor-specific photothermal therapy sensitization in pancreatic cancer, Yan et al., Nature Communications Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-026-75939-0
Straw mulching mitigates warming-induced yield loss and leverages elevated CO2 to improve winter wheat productivity under projected climate scenarios, Yang et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 10.1016/j.agrformet.2026.111449
[Articles] Impacts of climate-driven yield changes on the affordability of healthy diets: a modelling study, Jiang et al., The Lancet Planetary Health Open Access 10.1016/j.lanplh.2026.101519
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Losses and destabilization of soil organic carbon stocks in coastal wetlands converted into aquaculture ponds, Global Change Biology, 10.1111/gcb.17480 43 cites.
Hydrology, hydrometeorology & climate change
Comment on “Flooding Is Not like Filling a Bath” by Sanders et al., Dijk et al., Global Change Biology 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2008.01708.x
Multilayer soil moisture depletion intensifies drought impacts on global ecosystems, Gu et al., Nature Geoscience Open Access 10.1038/s41561-026-02083-1
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Regional Heavy Rainfall Events in Guangdong, South China: Intensification and Expansion Since the Early 1990s, Liu et al., International Journal of Climatology Open Access pdf 10.1002/joc.70572
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Increasing extreme precipitation variability plays a key role in future record-shattering event probability, Communications Earth & Environment, 10.1038/s43247-024-01622-1 32 cites.
Climate change mitigation public policy research
Decarbonisation policy instruments and climate justice: Insights from a systematic literature review of social science literature, Ramôa & Pires, Environmental Science & Policy Open Access pdf 10.1016/j.envsci.2026.104461
Institutional compression in climate policy integration: coordinating green electricity certificates and carbon emissions trading in China, Tian & Wang, Climate Policy 10.1080/14693062.2026.2722557
Resilient futures: integrating nature-based solutions and community innovation to combat climate change and foster environmental sustainability, Yu, Climate and Development 10.1080/17565529.2026.2690614
Uneven geographies of climate change mitigation: labour, territorial defence, and the blue economy in Colombian Caribbean mangroves, Manrique, Global Environmental Change Open Access 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2026.103223
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Energy transition at the crossroads of energy depletion and environmental policy stringency: Energy policy framework for energy giants in the indo-pacific belt, Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2024.114311 23 cites.
Climate change adaptation & adaptation public policy research
A Systematic Review of the Ways Schools Engage With Climate Change Adaptation, Laub et al., Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Climate Change 10.1002/wcc.70080
Adaptation dominates climate responses in social-ecological systems in northern Sweden, Ohlsson et al., Communications Sustainability Open Access pdf 10.1038/s44458-026-00143-6
Authoritarian diversity and its limits: regime subtypes and climate change adaptation readiness, Ko, Environmental Sociology Open Access 10.1080/23251042.2026.2724934
Climate precarity and the mobilities of rural youth: land, politics, and labour in southern Ethiopia, Chung & Schwanen, Global Environmental Change Open Access 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2026.103221
Desert flooding highlights a critical gap in climate change adaptation, Gao et al., Science 10.1126/science.aek8173
Sea-level rise projections tailored for spatial adaptation planning in the U.S., Konfirst et al., Scientific Data Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41597-026-06669-7
The climate refugee misnomer, Auslender et al., Environmental Politics 10.1080/09644016.2026.2724664
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Climate change in Africa: Impacts, adaptation, and policy responses, Global Environmental Change, 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2024.102912 75 cites.
Climate change impacts on human health
Age-specific exposure to human-induced increases in humid heat, Pietroiusti et al., Science Advances Open Access 10.1126/sciadv.aeb3232
Climate change and child undernutrition in Nigeria: a systematic review of evidence and policy gaps, Langkulsen et al., Frontiers in Climate Open Access pdf 10.3389/fclim.2026.1767416
Epidermal growth factor receptor dysregulation and climate change: insights into pollution-promoted lung cancer, Nikaido-Landry et al., Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences Open Access 10.1098/rstb.2024.0508
Erratum for the Research Article “Forecast attribution reveals enhanced heat mortality from climate change in British Columbia heatwave” by C.Y. Shapland et al., [authors did not process], Science Advances Open Access 10.1126/sciadv.aej3478
Heat exposure and adaptive responses: a systematic literature review in Southeast Asia, Sugesti & Nastiti, Urban Climate 10.1016/j.uclim.2026.103119
Heat stress and public health issues: impacts, adaptation, and mitigation, [authors did not process], Frontiers research topics 10.3389/978-2-8325-8532-0
Heatstroke mortality in a warming climate: From physiological risk to reporting practices in a multi-country study, Tob??as et al., Temperature 10.1080/23328940.2026.2698161
[Articles] Direct and spillover hospitalisation patterns during climate hazards across regions of different health-system resilience levels in China: a nationwide retrospective analysis, Wang et al., The Lancet Planetary Health Open Access 10.1016/j.lanplh.2026.101512
[Articles] Five years of Greener NHS: improved carbon footprint assessment of the National Health Service in England, Simpson et al., The Lancet Planetary Health Open Access 10.1016/j.lanplh.2026.101464
[Articles] Health integration in national climate adaptation policies from 198 countries: a global policy analysis, Morneau et al., The Lancet Planetary Health Open Access 10.1016/j.lanplh.2026.101466
[Articles] Heat waves and annual mortality among older adults (aged ≥65 years) in the USA, Healy et al., The Lancet Planetary Health Open Access 10.1016/j.lanplh.2026.101432
[Comment] The imperative to counter fossil fuel industry disinformation for public health, Narayan et al., The Lancet Planetary Health Open Access 10.1016/j.lanplh.2026.101435
[Personal View] Reforming public health law to adapt to the changing climate: a case study of mosquito-borne disease management, Boocock et al., The Lancet Planetary Health Open Access 10.1016/j.lanplh.2025.101427
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Population at risk of dengue virus transmission has increased due to coupled climate factors and population growth, Communications Earth & Environment, 10.1038/s43247-024-01639-6 77 cites.
Climate change & geopolitics
Climate change as a driver of transformative evolution in international environmental law: a systematic review and bibliometric analysis (2014–2025), Carvajal-Morales et al., Frontiers in Environmental Science Open Access pdf 10.3389/fenvs.2026.1813963
Climate change impacts on human culture Other
Artificial intelligence and climate change: Lessons for global governance, Swain, Energy Research & Social Science 10.1016/j.erss.2026.104937
Escalating Uncertainty Under Increasing Risk in Compound Heat and Precipitation Extremes, Zhou et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2026gl124193
Informed opinion, nudges & major initiatives
UN finally admits global warming will shoot past 1.5 ºC climate limit, Dinneen, Nature 10.1038/d41586-026-02753-5
[Comment] A call for evidence-based adaptation: mitigating the rising global health burden of extreme heat, Li et al., The Lancet Planetary Health Open Access pdf 10.1016/j.lanplh.2025.101287
[Personal View] Promoting climate-resilient agriculture and food security through school feeding, Singh et al., The Lancet Planetary Health Open Access 10.1016/j.lanplh.2025.101414
Most cited from this section, published 2 years ago:
Integrating night studies into climate science, Nature Climate Change, 10.1038/s41558-024-02117-9 19 cites.
Book reviews
Climate politics: can’t live with it, can’t mitigate without it, Manjima, Political Studies Review Open Access pdf 10.1177/14789299261477263
Articles/Reports from Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations Addressing Aspects of Climate Change
An Affordability Crisis of Trump’s Own Making. The Trump administration’s energy policy is driving up costs for American households and making us sick, Yuqi Zhu, Natural Resources Defense Council
Thanks to the Trump administration’s policies to stop renewable energy and promote fossil fuels; by 2035, U.S. consumers are projected to spend up to an extra $30 billion a year on electricity under Trump’s policies, with household electricity bills increasing up to 25 percent in certain parts of the country. Trump’s energy agenda could result in up to $700 billion in lost investment in the U.S. power system over the next decade. The country could lose between 390 and 540 gigawatts of new wind, solar, and energy storage power plants over the next decade—requiring the U.S. power grid to keep more expensive, aging coal, gas, and oil plants online instead to meet growing power needs. Increased air pollution due to these policies could result in up to 69,000 additional early deaths and 85,000 extra emergency room visits and hospital admissions. This could increase health-care spending by up to $1.7 billion per year, adding further pressure on already high health-care insurance premiums for American households. Power sector carbon dioxide emissions could be twice as high by 2035. In total, the United States is projected to emit an additional 3.6 to 5.5 billion metric tons economy-wide over the next decade due to Trump’s agenda, with more than half of this extra climate pollution coming from the power sector.
Water Behind the Watts: The Hidden Risk of Powering Data Centers, James et al., Ceres
Power generation makes up the bulk of the data center water use. Data centers in the states analyzed depend on about 3.4 trillion gallons of freshwater annually for electricity, around 12 times the annual water use of Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Washington D.C., combined. The amount of water needed to produce electricity varies widely by state, depending on the type of electricity generation used. 78% of the electricity in the states analyzed came from power plants that use water to operate. Most electricity is generated by power plants located in areas facing water stress or drought (or both). In these states, 66% of power plants that use water were exposed to medium-high to extremely high water stress. Most power producers identify data centers as a primary driver of rising electricity demand, but few have considered the potential water risks tied to this growth. Most companies operating data centers do not take into account the water risks linked to the electricity they purchase.
What do Global Warming’s Six Americas think about data centers?, Gour et al., Yale University and George Mason University
Opposition to building data centers in local communities varies across Global Warming’s Six Americas, ranging from 71%1 among the Alarmed to 32% among the Disengaged. The Alarmed and the Concerned are the most likely to expect that new data centers will increase local electricity bills, while the Disengaged are the most likely to say they do not know. The Alarmed and Concerned are the most supportive of requiring data centers to offset their electricity use by installing rooftop solar on and/or weatherizing and insulating local homes, while the Dismissive are the least supportive.
The PennFuture Energy Playbook: Building Our Energy Future, Donna Kohut, Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future
The PennFuture Energy Playbook offers policy suggestions for state lawmakers, including updating the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard by passing legislation requiring 35% of electricity to be generated by renewable energy sources; passing Community Solar enabling legislation; incentivizing solar development on previously impacted, commercial, or industrial properties, prioritizing the rooftops of warehouses, fulfillment centers, and large government buildings; and promoting sustainable economic development by leveraging environmental standards attached to financial resources.
Solar Schools for North Carolina. Repowering education with clean energy, Quentin Good and Johanna Neumann, Frontier Group and Environment North Carolina
To tap the benefits of solar schools, North Carolina should protect and expand policies that make it easier and more financially appealing for schools to install solar panels. Schools are often ideal sites for solar energy. North Carolina could generate enough electricity from solar on public school rooftops each year to power 150,000 typical homes. Solar panels on schools reduce pollution. State policies can make it easier for schools to go solar. Local, state and federal officials should take steps to make it as easy as possible for schools to go solar, while school districts should consider adopting solar on rooftops and school grounds.
Summary Report: Second Conference on Attribution Science and Climate Law, Jessica Wentz, Columbia Law School, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law
A summary report for the Second Conference on Attribution Science and Climate Law, held at Columbia University on June 10–11, 2026. The event brought together physical scientists, legal scholars, public health researchers, economists, and policy experts to discuss key developments in climate change attribution science and its evolving role in climate law and governance. The author provides an overview of key themes and topics covered at the conference, as well as a detailed summary of the presentations and panel discussions. Video recordings of the event can also be accessed from the event website and the Sabin Center Youtube channel. Rapid advances in attribution research—including storyline approaches, integrated impact modeling, and end-to-end attribution—are strengthening the scientific foundation for linking GHG emissions, climate change, and specific harms. Panelists highlighted the utility of these methods not only as evidentiary support in climate litigation and corporate accountability claims, but also as vital tools for informing government decision-making, adaptation planning, disaster risk reduction, and international loss and damage frameworks. Discussions also confronted ongoing challenges, including political pressures on climate science, the necessity of clear communication regarding scientific uncertainties, and the importance of addressing structural inequalities alongside physical hazards.
The authors reviewed Congressional lobbyist disclosures of 228 lobbying firms. They found fossil fuel lobbyists simultaneously lobbying on almost every aspect of the climate crisis, from climate mitigation to disaster relief to wildlife conservation. The most conflicted firm on the issue of climate mitigation funding for local governments was Greenberg Traurig, which lobbied for the American Petroleum Institute (API) and ConocoPhillips in Congress, the Western States Petroleum Association in California, and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufactures (AFPM) in New York, all of which have opposed the creation of climate superfunds. Greenberg Traurig also lobbied on shoreline protection and Everglades restoration for Miami-Dade County and lobbied for the City of Rochester and Westchester County in New York, both of which would lose tens of millions in future climate mitigation funds if the firm’s clients API and AFPM succeed in passing a Congressional bill invalidating state Climate Superfunds, including New York’s.
What to Make of Data Center Moratoriums?, Melissa Birchard, Georgetown Climate Center
State and local governments have been proposing – and in many cases enacting – data center permitting moratoriums at an increasingly rapid pace over the past six months. According to recent Heatmap reporting, over 530 local laws have been enacted to ban or restrict data center development, while many more jurisdictions are considering enacting moratoriums. However, all moratoriums are not the same. The purpose of this brief is to make these developments a little more understandable by breaking them down into some of their uses and characteristics. Identifying potential differences between moratoriums may help state and local leaders understand their options for responding to the concerns of their constituents. Looking beyond the headlines may also point policymakers and the data center industry toward substantive issues that can be addressed – in advance of any potential moratorium – through measures such as increased transparency, focused community consultation, and conservation and emissions reduction measures.
Fires without Borders: Understanding Wildfire Risks and Transboundary Challenges in the Asia-Pacific Region, Du et al., Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Wildfires are increasingly recognized as a systemic and transboundary challenge in the Asia Pacific region. The authors examine the evolving wildfire risk landscape by situating wildfires within a disaster risk framework that integrates hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. Drawing on historical fire events in the region and recent case studies from Thailand and Indonesia, the authors highlight persistent challenges in wildfire monitoring and mapping, including visibility, accessibility, and complexity gaps. Regional institutional mechanisms and wildfire monitoring systems are also presented and summarized, with critical gaps identified between global data infrastructures and local operational needs. Strengthening integrated fire management will require linking Earth observation and frontier technologies, institutional cooperation, and community-based approaches, to translate international commitments into local resilience.
Workshop: Regulatory Barriers to Small Modular Reactor Technologies for Maritime Applications, US. Center for Maritime Innovation
The workshop was held to generate insights on maritime nuclear regulatory development. A series of questions was used to gather insight on a range of topics for floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) and nuclear-powered vessels. Over 90 stakeholders gathered in person, with another 90 participating online, each submitting recommendations in response to facilitated questions. Group discussions supplemented insights from individual participants. The workshop’s message was clear: maritime nuclear deployment will require a blended regulatory model, not piecemeal adaptation of existing rules. The highest-value near-term action is for U.S. Coast Guard and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to jointly define responsibilities, publish an interface framework, and establish a predictable approval pathway for demonstration projects. Without that, regulatory uncertainty will remain a primary barrier to deployment. It should be noted that not all recommended changes are under agency control, often requiring statutory changes. The USCMI has a planned project to further develop the regulatory framework, focusing on testing the new MOU and developing insights into further needed regulatory refinements.
GLOBSEC Competitiveness Tracker: Energy Security & Critical Raw Materials, Andrei Covatariu and Jan Rosenow, GLOBSEC
Energy security and access to critical raw materials (CRMS) have become defining factors of Europe's competitiveness and resilience. Once centered on fossil fuels, energy security now depends on reliable access to clean technologies, industrial capacity, and diversified CRM supply chains. The EU’s Competitiveness Compass connects innovation, decarbonization, and security — supported by simplification, Single Market integration, financing, skills, and EU–Member State coordination. In Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), where exposure to high energy prices and external dependencies remains acute, aligning national priorities with EU frameworks is crucial. Surveyed stakeholders highlight slow progress, weak regulatory clarity, and limited institutional capacity, but also identify regional opportunities in grid integration, clean-firm energy, and CRM processing. CEE can either become a resilience hub or remain a vulnerability corridor. Thus, accelerating reforms and leveraging EU instruments will determine whether Europe secures its industrial base and sustains global competitiveness in the clean-energy era.
Europe’s energy security in 2026: More resilient, but systematically exposed, Izabela Surwillo and Julia Schwab, Danish Institute for International Studies
Europe has come a long way since the 2022 energy crisis—but greater resilience has not eliminated vulnerability. The authors show how Europe’s energy security risks are shifting: from dependence on Russian fossil fuels toward concentrated LNG supplies, overstretched electricity grids, critical raw-material dependencies and infrastructure that must withstand increasingly complex disruptions. As electrification accelerates, the challenge is no longer simply securing enough energy, but ensuring that grids, supply chains and essential services can keep functioning under stress. Three priorities for action stand out: stronger cross-sector crisis preparedness, better access to emergency energy equipment, and more effective support for strategic critical-material projects.
The take-off in African solar that official statistics can’t yet see, Dave Jones and Joel Nana, Ember
The authors present their estimates of solar power capacity installed in every African country from 2023 to 2026, built from Chinese customs data using a new calibrated method. They compare these estimates with official national and international statistics, examine the split between utility-scale and distributed solar, and review Africa’s emerging solar panel manufacturing. Seventeen gigawatts of solar were installed across Africa in 2026 is up 45%, the third consecutive record year. A hundred thousand solar panels were installed across Africa every day during 2026. Seventy five percent of Africa’s solar growth in 2023-2025 is likely from distributed solar – and is largely missing from official statistics.
U.S. Energy Storage Market Outlook, Quarter 3, 2026, Solar Energy Industries Association
In Q2 2026, battery energy stationary storage (BESS) installations reached 20.2 GWh GWh, the largest quarter in history and a a 108% quarter-over-quarter increase. The utility-scale market continued underpin growth, with 18 GWh installed, largely supported by seven gigawatt scale projects. Arizona installed over 6.2 GWh of utility scale projects, the largest quarterly deployment for any state in history. Residential storage added 657 MWh and commercial and industrial (C&I) added 1.8 GWh, largely on the back of demand from data centers. Two cell factories opened in Q2, bringing total cell manufacturing capacity to over 50 GWh. A new module manufacturing facility opened as well, bringing total module manufacturing capacity to over 100 GWh. By 2030, the market is set to exceed annual installations of 110 GWh and install a cumulative 683 GWh.
Limiting Overshoot: Navigating exceedance of 1.5°C and pathways towards return, Atallah et al., United Nations Environment Program
The authors found that as global temperature rise gets set to cross 1.5°C, pushing climate risks and effects to dangerous new heights, the world must strive to return to below 1.5°C as soon as possible and simultaneously reduce the vulnerability of societies, communities and economies to climate impacts. The authors suggest that the world can achieve this goal by acting now to get on an ‘overshoot, peak, and decline’ pathway.
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