Sara Schonhardt covers climate and energy developments globally, with a focus on international climate negotiations, finance and how countries are approaching the transition to cleaner economies. Prior to joining E&E News, Sara worked as a reporter for more than a decade across much of Southeast Asia, with stints for The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor and Voice of America. She was a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal in Indonesia until 2017. Sara has a degree in journalism from Ohio University and a master's degree in international affairs from Columbia University.
Ocean Court Rules Countries Must Cut Climate Pollution
In its first climate change case, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea determined that a global ocean convention extends to greenhouse gases, meaning countries have an obligation to reduce them
Wealthy Nations Agree to Deadline for Ending Coal for the First Time
The G7 group of wealthy, developed economies has agreed to phase out coal-fired power, the most polluting form of energy, by 2035
Climate Action Is a Legal Obligation, European Court Rules
The European Court of Human Rights found that climate change is a human rights issue, providing a blueprint for Europeans to force their governments to tackle rising temperatures
In Countries Facing Scorching Heat, Shade Trees and Cheap Cooling Strategies Gain Traction
Countries from Sierra Leone to Mexico are looking for low-cost, easy ways to protect residents from extreme heat, such as planting shade trees and setting up warning systems
Renewable Energy Capacity Could More Than Double by 2030
China is running away with clean energy expansion, with the E.U. and U.S. following far behind
COP28 Climate Summit Deal Called ‘Historic.’ Now Countries Must Follow Through
The COP28 climate talks in Dubai ended with a deal to curb the use of fossil fuels, but some delegates and experts lament that the agreement was not more ambitious
Your Guide to the COP28 Climate Meeting in Dubai
The COP28 climate summit in Dubai has begun. Here’s how to understand the negotiations and squabbles about money and the “phaseout” versus “phasedown” of fossil fuels
What the U.S.-China Agreement Means for Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The two nations announced limited steps to address climate change. But even a modest agreement could have far-reaching effects
New Climate Compensation Agreement Raises International Tensions
A U.S. push for voluntary payments in high-stakes negotiations over a global fund for climate disasters has raised tensions ahead of the upcoming COP28 climate summit
Rich Countries Owe More Than Ever in Climate Adaptation Funding
Rich nations haven’t met their promises to provide aid to developing countries to adapt to climate extremes, the U.N. says in a new report
Climate Change Is Hindering Global Growth and Prosperity, U.N. Says
In the five decades between 1970 and 2021, extreme climate events caused more than two million deaths and led to economic losses of $4.3 trillion, 60 percent of which occurred in developing countries, a U.N. report found
U.S. Looks to Mongolia, Wedged between China and Russia, for Critical Minerals
All routes out of the landlocked country touch China or Russia, presenting diplomatic and physical challenges
Women Experience Greater Burdens from Extreme Heat
Women in the U.S., India and Nigeria are losing money, economic opportunities and their health as temperatures rise
Fossil-Fuel Interests Try to Weaken Global Plastics Treaty
Good news: the world is discussing a treaty to stem plastic pollution. Bad news: fossil-fuel interests are trying to weaken it
How Winners of the ‘Green Nobel’ Are Protecting the Environment
The Goldman Environmental Prize has announced its 2023 awards. Three winners speak about their efforts to protect wilderness and fight polluters
IPCC Report Will Likely Shake Up U.N. Climate Talks
Scientists say countries need to cut emissions far deeper to prevent catastrophic warming. That fact will hang over delegates when they meet later this year at the annual U.N. climate talks
Rich Countries Should Not Control the World’s Sunlight, Experts Warn
Interest is building in using solar geoengineering to combat climate warming, but experts warn it could have broad—and inequitable—impacts
Ukrainians Shift to Renewable Power for Energy Security amid War
Russia’s war in Ukraine has caused widespread power cuts, spurring a rise in demand for residential solar power units
Why the Climate Fight Will Fail without India
India is at an energy crossroads: if it chooses fossil fuels, it could undermine global climate targets
China Invests $546 Billion in Clean Energy, Far Surpassing the U.S.
China accounted for nearly half of the world's low-carbon spending in 2022, which could challenge U.S. efforts to bolster domestic clean energy manufacturing
Record-High Temperatures across Europe Ease Energy Crisis Imposed by Russia’s War
Extreme heat has provided some relief from Europe’s punishing energy crunch. Trouble looms, though, as it continues to seek alternative energy sources
Global Summit Tries to Slow Biodiversity Crisis as Species Wink Out around the World
Negotiators have gathered in Montreal for a United Nations summit aimed at hammering out a Paris-style agreement to halt and reverse global biodiversity loss by 2030
In a First, U.N. Climate Summit Will Discuss Climate Reparations
For the first time, the formal agenda of the U.N. climate talks will include discussion on how rich nations should pay poorer nations for the unavoidable impacts of climate change
Five Tensions That Could Derail the COP27 Climate Summit
Set against a backdrop of severe weather disasters, the COP27 climate summit is colliding with soaring energy costs, food insecurity and a looming recession