The World An environment holiday special
Nov 28, 2025
John Valiant, a Canadian journalist and author of 'Fire Weather', shares gripping insights on Canada's intensifying wildfire season. He reveals how climate change, increased lightning strikes, and prolonged droughts are creating catastrophic fires that can even spawn their own weather. Valiant dives into the phenomenon of 'zombie' fires that smolder through winters, the social and psychological toll of repeated evacuations on communities, and the alarming prospect of a future plagued by year-round burning.
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Renewables Outpaced Coal In 2025
- Solar and wind produced more electricity than coal globally in the first half of 2025 due to falling costs and scaling momentum.
- Raul Miranda says each new renewable project lowers costs for the next, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.
Asia Driving Global Clean Growth
- China and India drove the largest clean energy growth, with China adding more solar and wind than the rest of the world combined.
- Miranda notes renewables in India outpaced demand growth, enabling them to displace fossil-fuel generation.
Plan For Renewable Variability
- Expect short-term fossil-fuel increases in some regions when renewables can't meet rising demand or when wind/hydro are weak.
- Plan energy systems for variability and maintain flexible backup sources during transitions.
