A deep dive into the tussle over President Biden's climate funds, revealing the staggering amount yet to be allocated. The discussion highlights how carbon emissions have surged to alarming new highs. Plus, an exciting resurgence in women's sports, including the potential revival of a women's baseball league. And, there’s a silver lining with wages outpacing inflation—a topic of keen interest for many. Listeners are invited to contemplate what a shift in administration might mean for these pressing issues.
The Biden administration faces challenges in expediting the distribution of $150 billion for climate projects while potential rollback by Trump looms.
A new women’s professional baseball league is set to launch in 2026, highlighting progress in women's sports amidst ongoing issues of pay disparity.
Deep dives
Global Carbon Emissions and Climate Challenges
Recent research indicates that global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have reached a record high, increasing by 0.8% from the previous year. Despite some countries, including the U.S. and the European Union, experiencing slight declines in emissions, major contributors like India have seen significant increases. This trend is concerning as 2024 is projected to be another exceptionally hot year, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis. Although advancements in technology have improved data analysis regarding climate patterns, there remains a lack of political will in the U.S. to effectively address these challenges.
The Biden Administration's Climate Funding Dilemma
The Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated substantial funds for clean energy initiatives, faces uncertainty as the Trump administration prepares to potentially roll back these investments. The Biden administration is tasked with distributing funds quickly, as only two-thirds of the allocated $145.4 billion has been tentatively awarded. This situation raises questions about how much of the funding can be safeguarded against an incoming administration’s attempts to reclaim it. Effective tracking and reporting of spending commitments are crucial to protect these funds, yet the administration must also balance urgency with ensuring due diligence in the funding process.
Emergence of Women's Professional Baseball
Plans for the return of a women’s professional baseball league are underway, with the league set to launch in 2026. This will mark the first professional league for women since the dissolution of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1954. The initiative reflects growing interest in women’s sports, though there are concerns about persistent challenges like pay disparity and sexism that have plagued other women's leagues. Despite the delays in establishing such a league, the development is seen as a positive step toward providing women athletes a platform to excel.
President Biden’s hallmark Inflation Reduction Act set aside nearly $150 billion for various climate projects. But not all of that money has been spent, and President-elect Trump has vowed to take it back. The question, is how much money is leftover? Kimberly explains why it’s taken years to get the money out the door. Plus, we’ll unpack some gains in women’s sports and wage growth.
Tweet from The Washington Post’s Heather Long about wage growth
Got a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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