In most histories of how Americans became so polarized, the Great Inflation of the 1970s is given short shrift. But inflation was as pivotal a factor in our national crackup as Vietnam and Watergate. New York Times
Before the catastrophic Camp Fire destroyed Paradise, Calif., the Pacific Gas and Electric Company was worth more than $25 billion. Now its C.E.O. has stepped down and the company, which provides natural gas and electricity to 16 million people in California, has filed for bankruptcy as it confronts billions of dollars in potential liability claims following recent wildfires. New York Times
Pacific Gas and Electric faces damage claims estimated at $30 billion for wildfires started by its equipment. New York Times
Deutsche Bank lent or participated in loans to Mr. Trump and his companies totaling more than $2.5 billion. The failed loan request in 2016 is an untold chapter in Mr. Trump’s long and tortured relationship with the banking industry. New York Times
Heat and drought extremes are consistent with scientific consensus: More greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere bring a greater likelihood of abnormally high temperatures and make extreme weather more frequent and more intense. (New York Times)
Germany will spend tens of billions of dollars to end its use of coal power within two decades, if a plan agreed to by representatives of the power industry, environmental movement, miners and local interest groups becomes official policy. (New York Times)
They’ll never admit it in public, but many of your bosses want machines to replace you as soon as possible. (New York Times)
A growing number of start-ups are turning high-altitude surveillance into a business, aiming to sell insights gleaned from cameras and other sensors installed on small and inexpensive “cube satellites”. (New York Times)
France and Germany cemented their historic post-war reconciliation with the signing of a new Elysée treaty on 22 January. But the text no longer mentions carbon pricing among new bilateral initiatives. (EURACTIV)
The pace of ice loss has increased four-fold since 2003 as enormous glaciers are depositing ever larger chunks of ice into the Atlantic Ocean, where it melts, causing sea levels to rise. (The Guardian)
© Stefan P. Schleicher 2024
