It’s Electric
The Story
The European Union is blocking gas-powered cars.
Tell me more.
For years, the 27-member bloc has been looking for ways to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Enter: its “Fit for 55” initiative, which aims to slash them by 55% this decade. Important because greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. In the EU, road transportation alone is responsible for a fifth of the bloc's greenhouse gas emissions. And as more people drive cars, vehicle emissions have gone up in the past three decades. Fast forward to yesterday, the EU officially passed a law that bans the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035.
How will it help?
The law requires carmakers to reach a 100% cut in CO2 emissions from new cars sold by 2035. That means no one will be allowed to sell fossil fuel-powered cars. But it doesn’t mean anyone who is still driving a gas-powered car (or selling their old one) by then will get in any trouble. Supporters say the bill gives European carmakers a clear timeline to switch production to zero-emission cars. And it’ll help the EU better compete against China and the US in the EV space. But critics are worried it threatens millions of jobs across the EU. Scientists are saying 'this needed to happen yesterday' and that 2035 is way too late to get global warming temps to pre-industrial levels. There are still a few more logistics that need to be hashed out, but final approval could come as early as next month.
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The EU is taking big steps to meet its greenhouse emissions goals. States like California and New York have taken similar steps. But activists are still calling for more to be done as scientists continue to sound the alarm on climate change.
And Also...This
Who’s throwing her hat in the ring…
Nikki Haley. Yesterday, Haley announced she’s running for president in 2024. She’s long been seen as a rising Republican star. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Haley was South Carolina’s first female and non-white governor when she was elected in 2010. She served as former President Trump’s UN ambassador for nearly two years. Now, she’s the first Republican to challenge her former boss. In a video announcing her candidacy, Haley said she wants to address the country’s economic woes and bring “generational change” to the GOP. And unlike other Republican hardliners, Haley is viewed as a moderate alternative. Trump appeared to support her decision saying she should “follow her heart” and wished her luck. But critics say Haley is “just another career politician.”
Waiting game: The Republican Party is expected to have a crowded primary come 2024. The top rumored contenders include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former VP Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.
…Oh and speaking of 2024, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) announced she won't be seeking re-election. The news will end her more-than-three-decade service — the longest-serving female senator in US history.
What got a little hotter…
Inflation. Last month, US prices went up…by about 0.5% (so not that much, but still). Consumer price index data also showed that inflation is up 6.4% over the past 12 months. The news isn’t too surprising for anyone who’s kept an eye on their bank statements. The cost of housing, food, and gas went up. But some of that seems to be going back down. Used car prices also fell in January. Don’t be surprised if egg prices are still up (paging Taylor Swift fans). Food prices went up 11.3% from last January. The stock market didn’t love the higher-than-expected inflation report. Now, eyes are on the Fed meeting next month.
Where questions remain…
Michigan State University. Yesterday, more details came out on the deadly shooting that left three students dead and five others injured. Police say the 43-year-old gunman had no ties to the school and have yet to reveal a motive. The attack is reportedly the second school shooting of the year and happened a day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland school shooting. MSU police described the incident as a “nightmare.” President Biden called for an end to gun violence that’s “ripping apart” communities. And many are remembering the victims.
Who we’re happy for….
What doesn’t pair well...
Olaplex and baldness allegations.
Who had “bloody valentine” on replay…
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