The Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s three grand tours, wrapped up with Jonas Vingegaard taking the overall win in a race marred by controversy and protests against the war in Gaza. While the race was notable for many reasons, what struck me was the haunting images from Stage 17, as riders climbed through the punishing slopes of the Alto El Morredero.

The Spanish landscape, scorched by record-breaking wildfires in August, looked more like a charred wasteland than the lush mountainsides usually showcased.

What made it even more unsettling was the silence. More than just bike races, Grand Tours usually serve as tourism showcases, deploying helicopters to capture awe-inspiring shots of a region’s beauty. This time, they revealed devastation, yet the broadcast carried on as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

The very next day, Canada announced its initial list of nation-building projects, which included fast-tracking a major LNG terminal expansion. If completed, it would add billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases to global emissions, adding even more fuel to fan the flames of a world that is already on fire.

Here are the other major climate stories from the week of September 8 to 14, 2025:

Canada Policy

Prime Minister Carney unveiled his first slate of nation-building projects this week, including the fast-tracked expansion of an LNG terminal in British Columbia. At the same time, his ministers sidestepped questions about whether they remain committed to Canada’s legally binding emissions-reduction targets and hinted that other climate policies could be weakened or rolled back. An unease over Carney’s lack of climate action is spreading within his party: roughly one-third of Liberal MPs have now formed a new climate caucus, hoping to push the issue back to the forefront of the government’s agenda.

• LNG carbon bomb tops Carney’s list of major projects – National Observer – September 11 – Triggering immense backlash from climate groups and Indigenous leaders, Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed his long-awaited first batch of nation-building projects that includes doubling capacity at LNG Canada’s site in Kitimat, BC.
  
  
• Canada: Carney unveils array of national projects to ‘turbocharge’ economy – The Guardian – September 11 – Canada unveiled major national projects to turbocharge the economy and counter U.S. trade pressure. The plan backs LNG expansion, mines, a small modular reactor and port upgrades, but includes no new oil pipelines. Indigenous leaders and environmental groups warn the fast‑track process could ignore consultation and harm the climate.
  
  
• Canada Announces Major Projects to Offset Bite of Trump’s Tariffs – New York Times – September 11 – Canada unveiled major infrastructure projects to reduce reliance on U.S. trade after Mr. Trump’s tariffs. Many plans focus on fossil fuels and mining, angering environmentalists and Indigenous peoples. The government promises faster approvals and respect for Indigenous rights, but land and climate tensions remain.
  
  
• Industry minister Joly won’t say if federal climate targets are here to stay – CTV News – September 7 – Prime Minister Mark Carney paused the 2026 electric vehicle target and launched a review of federal climate rules. Industry Minister Melanie Joly would not say whether the 2030 and 2035 emissions targets will stay, though she pledged to reach net-zero by 2050. The government says the review is driven by U.S. tariffs and economic pressure on jobs and the auto sector.
  
  
• Carney insiders hint at climate strategy with industrial carbon price hikes – National Observer – September 8 – Carney plans a “climate competitiveness” strategy that insiders say will boost industrial carbon pricing but weaken other rules. Critics warn pausing the EV mandate and backing fossil projects could make Canada miss its 2030 and 2035 targets. Big oil firms have many meetings with the PMO, while environmental groups say they are shut out.
  
  
• Exclusive: Canada may drop oil emissions cap as part of new climate plan, sources say – Reuters – September 12 – Canada’s government is in discussions with energy companies and Alberta about eliminating a federal cap on emissions from the country’s oil and gas sector if the industry and province reduce their carbon footprint in other ways, three sources with knowledge of the talks said.
  
  
• A Liberal environment caucus is born – National Observer – September 11 – About 50 Liberal MPs have formed a sub-caucus on environment to serve as a forum for the party’s environmental advocates to compare notes and speak with a collective voice as they push for progressive policy from within their party.
  
  

Fossil Fuels

As Canada and the U.S. push to expand fossil fuel exports, the business case looks weak. Global oversupply is likely to keep prices low, Canada faces higher production costs, and demand from India and China is shifting to renewables faster than expected. Oil and gas majors aren’t betting on growth either—they’re cutting jobs, consolidating smaller players, and sending cash back to shareholders, all signs of an industry entering decline.

• Carney wants to fast-track LNG expansion in B.C., but can Canadian natural gas compete globally? – CBC.ca – September 13 – Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to speed up the expansion of the LNG Canada project in British Columbia to boost the economy and energy exports. However, experts worry that Canadian LNG is expensive, may harm climate goals, and faces tough global competition. Environmental groups say focusing on LNG risks increasing emissions and suggest investing more in renewable energy instead.
  
  
• As the global oil industry contracts, Carney waits for pipeline developer – Corporate Knights – September 11 – The global oil industry is shrinking, with thousands of workers laid off and years of low prices expected. In Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney is deciding if a new pipeline is a national-priority project, but no private developer has stepped forward. OPEC+ output increases and rising costs have pushed prices down, forcing cuts and lower investment worldwide.
  
  
• Fossil Demand Decline In India & China Puts Canadian LNG At Risk – Clean Technica – September 12 – India and China are using more renewable energy, which is reducing their need for imported LNG. This change puts Canadian LNG projects, especially LNG Canada Phase 2, at financial and climate risk. Canada should focus on renewable energy instead of costly fossil fuel infrastructure that may not be needed.
  
  
• European Parliament president says there’s a market for Canadian oil and gas in Europe – CTV.ca – September 9 – European Parliament president Roberta Metsola says Europe has a market for Canadian oil and gas. EU nations may pay more to buy from trusted partners as they move away from Russian energy. Canada has one working LNG terminal and several export projects in development.
  
  
• Exclusive: EU could quit Russian gas within a year, US energy chief says – Reuters – September 12 – The European Union could phase out Russian gas within six to 12 months by replacing it with U.S. liquefied natural gas, and the United States communicated this position to EU officials this week, U.S. energy secretary Chris Wright told Reuters on Friday.
  
  
• It’s crunch time for Canada’s first Atlantic coast LNG export hub – National Observer – September 9 – Fermeuse Energy plans a $15 billion LNG export terminal in Newfoundland to ship gas to Europe by about 2030. The developer says the project is racing the clock and needs private funding plus faster regulatory backing after losing money while waiting for a pro‑LNG federal shift. There are market risks from a future LNG glut and strong U.S./Qatar competition, but supporters say Canadian low‑carbon LNG could meet European demand.
  
  
• Did US Shale’s Bet on President Trump Backfire? – Oil Price.com – September 9 – The Trump Administration supports US shale oil with deregulation and new drilling opportunities. However, oil prices have dropped, making shale producers cautious and cutting spending. Despite political support, the industry waits to see if prices improve before increasing production.
  
  
• Peak Fossil Fuel Demand Is a Crumbling Myth – Bloomberg – September 11 – The idea that fossil-fuel demand will peak soon is likely wrong. A draft IEA scenario shows oil and gas use rising through 2050 under current policies. That means more CO2 pollution and a worse climate crisis unless governments act.
  
  

Renewable Energy

China’s looking pretty smart right now, having consistently and decisively positioned itself as the world’s uncontested leader in renewable energy. Meanwhile, the United States and parts of Canada are still stuck on trying to win a game that may be ending.

• ‘There is only one player’: why China is becoming a world leader in green energy – The Guardian – September 7 –  China now dominates global clean-energy manufacturing and is rapidly building wind and solar capacity. But it remains the world’s largest CO2 emitter and still invests heavily in coal. Its new climate pledges and five-year plan will decide whether the world can meet the Paris targets.
  
  
• Mark Carney’s climate hinge point is at hand – National Observer – September 9 – Canada must stop just exporting raw resources and develop a long-term clean energy strategy. China’s patient industrial policy and the EU’s tariff rules offer useful lessons. Canada should pursue partnerships and battery/EV supply chains to capture value and cut fossil fuel demand.
  
  
• Fossil fuels are an economic drag – National Observer – September 10 – The government is pushing new oil and gas projects as an economic fix. But when you count climate and health costs, fossil fuels are a net drag on the economy. Canada should invest in renewables and clean tech to create jobs and avoid stranded assets.
  
  
• Understanding Alberta’s Expensive, Ideological War on Renewable Energy – Desmog – September 4 – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and President Trump are blocking wind and solar for ideological reasons. Their actions have driven away investment and raised electricity prices. Renewables are the cheapest, fastest-growing power source, so politics is making energy more expensive and slowing the transition.
  
  
• US asks federal court to cancel permit for Maryland offshore wind farm –  Reuters – September 12 –  The Trump administration asked a federal court to cancel the 2024 permit for US Wind’s Maryland offshore wind project. It said the Biden-era approval underestimated risks to search and rescue operations and commercial fishing and withdrew a key legal interpretation. US Wind said it will defend the permits in court; the project could have powered about 718,000 homes.
  
  
• Ontario commits millions toward North America’s first battery-grade cobalt refinery – National Observer – September 12 –  Ontario is backing a $100 million plan to build North America’s first battery-grade cobalt refinery in Temiskaming Shores, with $17.5 million from the province. The plant would produce 6,500 tonnes of cobalt sulfate a year — enough for up to one million EVs — to cut reliance on overseas refiners like China. Experts warn the project faces risks: weak EV demand, no guaranteed buyers, and uncertain funding and execution.
  
  
• U.S. conservatives push to remove government barriers to renewables – Corporate Knights – September 8 –  Conservative leaders urged removing government barriers to build more renewable energy. But federal rollbacks and many state and local bans are slowing solar and wind projects. Speakers said a level playing field would attract investment, protect landowners, and help grid reliability.
  
  

COP 30

At a moment when the world urgently needs climate leadership, the EU may be backsliding by failing to agree on a 2040 target ahead of COP30. Meanwhile, after decades of excusing inaction with “but what about China?” the new refrain may soon be, “but what about America?”

• EU split over climate target, deal next week in doubt, draft shows – Reuters – September 9 – EU countries are split over how strong their 2040 climate target should be. They especially disagree on using foreign carbon credits, with a proposed 3% from 2036 disputed. If ministers cannot agree next week, the deal may be delayed to leaders and the EU could miss a U.N. COP submission deadline.
  
  
• EU countries delay deal on new climate goal, diplomats say – Reuters – September 12 – EU countries have delayed approving a new 2040 climate goal to cut emissions by 90% from 1990 levels. Some governments, including France and Germany, oppose rushing a deal and want leaders to decide. The delay could miss U.N. deadlines, and officials are considering more carbon credits or linking the goal to other EU laws.
  
  
• Italy could struggle to meet 2030 green goals, study shows – Reuters – September 6 – A study says Italy could miss EU 2030 climate targets because renewables and energy storage are delayed. It urges faster permitting, clearer investment rules and lower energy costs to speed up the green transition. The report adds that hydropower storage plus advanced nuclear and carbon capture could boost Italy’s economy by €190 billion by 2050.
  
  
• China’s rare cut to power pollution offset by higher US emissions – Reuters – In 2025, China slightly cut power-sector pollution by trimming coal use and boosting clean electricity. But U.S. coal-fired generation jumped after gas prices rose, adding about 37 million tons of CO2.  That U.S. increase offsets China’s cuts, so global power emissions will likely keep rising unless more countries follow China’s lead.
  
  

Electric Vehicles

Following Canada’s decision to pause and review its EV policy, the EU is pressured into doing the same, despite the fact that all but one of its automakers are on track to meet EV sales targets.  Some commentators see potential positives coming from Canada’s review – including access to lower-cost Chinese EVs.

• Delaying EV targets serves auto industry, not Canadians – Pembina Institute – September 5 – The Pembina Institute says pausing the EV Availability Standard favors automakers, not Canadians. The standard would ensure fair access to affordable EVs, lower prices, and support jobs, health, and climate goals. Pembina urges modest fixes like extending credits, slightly easing targets, or reviewing tariffs so the rule stays strong while giving industry flexibility.
  
  
• Pausing the EV sales mandate might not be bad for the climate – CBC.ca – September 9 – The Canadian government has paused its rule requiring automakers to sell more electric vehicles and will review the policy for 60 days. Experts say this pause may not harm climate goals if Canada still aims for all new cars to be zero-emission by 2035. They hope changes will make electric cars cheaper and more available to Canadians.
  
  
• Ottawa considering scrapping tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles – CTV.ca – Ottawa is reviewing whether to scrap a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles after public support for easing trade tensions. Experts say allowing Chinese EVs could lower prices and expand choices as Canada’s EV sales slip. The government is weighing the impacts on farmers and domestic manufacturers before deciding.
  
  
• Europe’s electric car industry urges EU not to delay CO2 emission targets – Reuters – September 7 –  Over 150 electric car industry bosses, including Volvo and Polestar, urged the EU to keep the 2035 zero-emission target for cars and vans. They said delaying the target would stall Europe’s EV market, hand an advantage to global rivals, and scare off investors. This plea contrasts with a separate letter from major auto groups, including Mercedes’ CEO, saying a full 2035 cut is not feasible.
  
  
• EU carmakers close in on emission goals, but Mercedes lags, says report -Reuters.com – September 8 – A report says all EU carmakers except Mercedes are on course to meet the 2025–2027 emissions targets as electric vehicle sales rise. Mercedes is lagging because it still focuses on petrol models and will pool emissions with Volvo and Polestar to avoid fines. The report warns that weakening future targets would cut EV investment and let China pull ahead.
  
  
• German carmakers, trade union jointly urge EU to drop combustion engine ban – Reuters – September 11 – Germany’s VDA and the IG Metall union asked the EU to drop the planned 2035 ban on making CO2-emitting cars. They say EV production and charging infrastructure have fallen behind because of battery supply and other problems. They support the shift to electric cars but want flexibility and short-term changes to the target.
  
  
• EU brings forward review of 2035 zero emission vehicles target – Reuters – September 12 – The EU will review its 2035 zero-emission cars and vans target by the end of this year instead of 2026. The review could allow CO2-neutral fuels, plug-in hybrids or range extenders and create special rules for vans and small electric cars. The Commission also plans measures to decarbonise corporate fleets and tighten local content and investment rules, especially for Chinese firms.
  
  
• The World Is Going Electric, With Or Without Us. Now Is The Time For Leadership. – Clean Technica – September 12 European carmakers are increasing electric vehicle (EV) sales thanks to strict EU emissions targets, which help them compete globally. Most manufacturers are on track to meet these rules, and weakening them would slow Europe’s progress in electrification. The market is ready for affordable EVs, so now is the time to keep strong EU emissions standards.
  
  

Carbon Capture

Despite significant questions about its viability, India hopes to promote carbon capture projects to support its continued use of coal for electricity generation.

• Carbon capture – the get-out-of-jail-free card that does not actually work – The Guardian – September 12 – Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is promoted as a way to stop industrial CO2 reaching the atmosphere. But it cannot be scaled enough: suitable underground sites are scarce and a report says CCS could at best cut warming by about 0.7°C. The only real solution is to stop producing CO2 in the first place.
  
  
• India to offer large carbon capture incentives as coal remains major part of energy mix – Reuters – September 11 –   India will start a national carbon capture program that may fund 50–100% of some projects. Coal will remain a major part of the energy mix and about 97 GW of coal capacity is planned by 2035. Officials say carbon capture and gasification can cut emissions and help reduce fuel imports as non‑fossil capacity grows.
  
  

Carbon Pricing

La Caisse announces a deal that is a boost for carbon markets

• La Caisse, CEFC Launch $165 Million Sustainable Agriculture Carbon Credit Platform – ESG Today  – September 8 – La Caisse and Australia’s CEFC launched Meldora with AUD 250 million (USD 165 million) to generate Australian carbon credits from sustainable farming. The platform pairs large-scale agriculture with long-term native vegetation plantings to lock up carbon and boost biodiversity. Gunn Agri Partners will manage Meldora, backed by a Rio Tinto offtake and an initial 15,000-hectare Queensland farm purchase.
  
  

Business Emissions

The EPA proposes ending climate disclosure obligations that apply to the largest emitters in the US, while the EU announces billions to help its SMEs cut emissions.

• EPA decides it doesn’t want companies to report greenhouse gases – Axios – September 12 – EPA Administrator Zeldin called the program “nothing more than bureaucratic red tape that does nothing to improve air quality.”
  
  
• US EPA proposes end to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting – Reuters – September 12 – The U.S. EPA proposed ending a mandatory program that required about 8,000 facilities to report greenhouse gas emissions. EPA says the reporting is burdensome, but critics warn it will remove public transparency about pollution. The move is part of wider Trump administration rollbacks on climate rules, though some methane reporting for large oil and gas operations would remain.
  
  
• EU to Provide €17.5 Billion Financing for Energy Efficiency, Decarbonization Projects for SMEs – ESG Today – September 11 –  The European Investment Bank will provide €17.5 billion over three years to fund energy efficiency and decarbonization for SMEs. The program aims to support over 350,000 small businesses and to mobilize more than €65 billion in investment by 2027. The EIB will set up a one-stop shop and work with private partners and a new Commission working group to simplify and speed up financing.

Finance

Investors, recognizing the growing problem of climate-related financial risks, are urging Canadian authorities to make climate-related disclosures mandatory for companies.

• Climate risk disclosures must be mandatory for companies  – Globe and Mail – September 10 – Companies must be required to disclose climate-related financial risks so investors get clear, comparable information. Canada developed ISSB-aligned standards while many countries are moving to mandatory rules, but the CSA has paused adoption. Delaying mandatory disclosure harms investors and Canadian businesses, so regulators should resume implementation now.
  
  
• Investors wary of sustainability claims as companies ditch disclosures – Globe and Mail – September 8 – Investors are losing trust in corporate sustainability claims as many companies remove ESG and climate disclosures. New anti‑greenwashing rules and legal risks have pushed firms to scrub data and drop net‑zero targets. Investors are pressing boards for answers and may vote against directors over the reduced transparency.
  
  
• European Court Rules Nuclear, Fossil Gas Can be Included in EU Taxonomy – ESG Today – September 12 – The EU General Court ruled that nuclear energy and fossil gas can be included in the EU sustainability Taxonomy. The court said the Commission may treat these activities as climate-friendly under strict conditions and disclosure rules. Austria’s challenge was dismissed, and critics say the decision weakens the meaning of “green.”
  
  
• Vanguard Finds ESG Voting Policy by Far the Most Popular Choice for Younger Investors – ESG Today – September 11 – Vanguard’s Investor Choice pilot lets investors pick proxy voting policies and now covers about $1 trillion in assets with 82,000 participants. Overall, ESG policy selection fell to 18%, but 42% of investors under 45 chose it. Women favoured the ESG policy more (28% vs 16%), while men more often picked the anti‑ESG Egan‑Jones policy. 
  
  

Disinformation

Small municipalities, with fewer resources and expertise, are being targeted by misinformation campaigns, making them particularly vulnerable to rolling back climate programs.

• Alberta town bucks misinformation and stands by climate program – National Observer – September 10 –  Cochrane, Alberta voted to stay in the national Partners for Climate Protection program. The town resisted an AI-driven misinformation campaign from a group called KICLEI.  Officials said staying keeps access to planning tools and sends a pro-climate signal.
  
  

Wildfires

A new study concludes that smoke from Canada’s 2023 wildfires killed 82,000 people, while another concludes that increases in lightning frequency will result in more fires that are even more damaging.

• Smoke from Canada’s wildfires killed nine-year-old Carter Vigh – and 82,000 others around the world – The Guardian – September 10 – Wildfire smoke from Canada in 2023 caused many deaths, including nine-year-old Carter Vigh from asthma. The smoke spread far, causing thousands of early deaths in North America and Europe. Carter’s mother now gives out air quality monitors to help protect others from dangerous smoke.
  
  
• Climate crisis will increase frequency of lightning-sparked wildfires, study finds – The Guardian – September 6 – The climate crisis is causing more lightning, which leads to more wildfires that grow quickly and harm health. These fires are becoming more common across the western US and other parts of the world. Experts warn that future wildfires will be harder to fight and suggest building safer cities to protect people.
  
  

Floods

Since June, flooding has displaced millions in Pakistan—a country highly vulnerable to climate change yet responsible for only about 1% of global emissions. In the U.S., communities in newly flood-prone areas are already being relocated.

• Climate Change-Driven Floods Continue to Displace Millions in Pakistan – Inside Climate News – Severe monsoon floods since June have displaced more than 2 million people in Pakistan and killed over 950, including many children. Millions are affected, with homes, farms and roads destroyed and disease spreading. Scientists say climate change made the rains worse and Pakistan needs more aid and better planning.
  
  
• ‘Entire neighborhoods will have to move’: growth collides with rising seas in Charleston – The Guardian – September 9 – Charleston faces rising floods as sea levels rise and new developments increase water risks. A costly sea wall will protect wealthy areas but leave poorer neighborhoods exposed. Many residents may have to move as flooding worsens and insurance becomes scarce.
  
  

Extreme Heat

A study published in Nature links the increasing incidence of, and liability for, heatwaves to specific large emitting companies – setting the stage for a wave of legal challenges.  An analysis of the safety of World Cup venues raises questions about the future of the event, and by implication, the safety of many sports events.  Legislators around the world are starting to create laws to protect workers from illness and death due to excessive heat.

• Climate change is making heat waves worse. A new study shows how specific companies are fuelling the problem –  CBC.ca – September 10 – A new study shows fossil fuel companies helped make recent heat waves hotter and more likely. Researchers traced emissions from 180 “carbon majors” across 213 heat waves and found a small group caused much of the added heat. The results could strengthen legal claims for damages and accountability. 
  
  
• World’s Largest Fossil Fuel and Cement Producers Are Responsible for About Half the Intensity of Recent Heat Waves, New Study Shows – Inside Climate News – September 10 – A new study says emissions from the 180 biggest fossil fuel and cement companies caused about half the rise in heat wave intensity. Researchers examined 213 heat waves (2000–2023) and found climate change made them much hotter and far more likely. The findings strengthen cases for holding major emitters accountable and call for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels. 
  
  
• Linking of oil giants to major heatwaves marks ‘leap forward’ for legal liability cases – The Guardian – September 10 –  A new study shows that big fossil fuel companies like ExxonMobil and Saudi Aramco caused over 50 deadly heatwaves by increasing global temperatures. This research links specific companies directly to extreme heat events, helping legal cases to hold them responsible. Experts say this is a major step in making polluters pay for climate damage.
  
  
• Extreme heat a rising threat to 2026 World Cup venues, says report – Reuters – September 9  –  A new report warns extreme heat threatens many 2026 World Cup venues across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Most stadiums already exceed safe heat limits and nearly 90% will need heat adaptations by 2050. It urges quick actions like cooling stadiums, moving games to cooler times or places, and cutting emissions.
  
  
• Extreme Heat Spurs New Laws Aimed at Protecting Workers Worldwide – New York – Times – September 11 – Extreme heat is harming millions of workers worldwide, causing illness and death. Many countries are creating new laws to protect workers from heat risks, but enforcement is often weak. Climate change is making heat waves more frequent and dangerous, pushing governments to act.
  
  

Disease

A new study concludes climate change has been responsible for an additional 4.6 million cases of dengue fever per year and raises concerns about the regional spread of the deadly disease.

• Global Warming Is Fueling Dengue Fever Outbreaks – Inside Climate News – September 12 – Global dengue cases reached historic highs and caused thousands of deaths. Researchers estimate warming caused about 18% of reported cases in the studied countries and possibly millions more. Warming will boost dengue in cooler regions as conditions become ideal, and cutting emissions can help limit that rise.