Thousands of auto workers represented by United Auto Workers are striking this week, asking for more compensation and stronger job security in the nationwide shift to electric vehicles (EVs). It’s essential that EVs don’t come at the expense of high-quality jobs, and WRI research shows that they don’t have to. With the correct measures in place, transitioning to EVs could actually create 56,000 additional auto manufacturing jobs by 2030 in Michigan while boosting incomes in communities reliant on the auto industry. Read more.

Hong Kong’s record-breaking rains are just another example of intensifying riverine flooding, while Libya’s deadly floods show the same for ocean flooding. These extreme weather events highlight how the climate crisis is making extreme weather events more likely and powerful. WRI’s Aqueduct Floods data tool finds that the number of people impacted by both riverine and coastal floods is expected to double by 2030. When intensifying storms and heavier rainfall meet population-driven development near coasts and rivers and land depleted from overdrawn groundwater, areas become more flood-prone. Read more.

Taking place amidst the UN General Assembly, the UN Climate Ambition Summit concluded last week with only limited new commitments from countries and other actors. WRI’s International Climate Initiative Director David Waskow weighed in: “The small steps countries offered are welcome, but they’re like trying to put out an inferno with a leaking hose…All eyes are now on COP28. Governments have a historic opportunity to correct course, transitioning to a better economy that lifts people out of poverty and provides people with good jobs and clean power.” Read more.