In The News: School of Public Policy and Leadership

Climate scientist Kristen Averyt doesn’t think using the words “climate change” is always necessary to communicate how rapidly the planet is warming.

Dozens of locals called for lower power bills and cleaner energy Tuesday, urging NV Energy to hear their concerns.

On Feb. 10, President Donald Trump issued an executive order ending the procurement and use of paper straws at federal agencies. It was a stark reversal from the Biden era, in which the former president vowed to remove plastic straws and single-use plastics from federal food service in favor of paper straws, which are thought to be better for the environment.
In March 2023, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its sixth assessment report. This report detailed current and projected climate change and established its 2050 goal: achieving global net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2050 so that global warming is limited to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Exceeding that limit significantly increases the risk of severe, irreversible climate impacts that could render the planet uninhabitable. According to the report, meeting the net-zero goal by 2050 requires “immediate greenhouse gas emissions reductions in all sectors this decade.”

On Feb. 10, President Donald Trump issued an executive order ending the procurement and use of paper straws at federal agencies. It was a stark reversal from the Biden era, in which the former president vowed to remove plastic straws and single-use plastics from federal food service in favor of paper straws, which are thought to be better for the environment.

A diverse group of 21 speakers and performers have been selected to make presentations at TedXLasVegas, an event that will explore the intersection of social and environmental topics with added emphasis on the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District.
Research shows we’re drawn to bad news, and President Trump’s actions only amplify the noise. Still, there are hard-fought climate victories worth celebrating in the United States and beyond.

President Donald Trump’s action to pause all federal spending could halt money that proved critical in bringing Lake Mead levels up from historic lows, putting more solar panels on top of Nevadans’ houses and getting more electric vehicles on the road.

In the wake of the raging California wildfires, environmental groups are shifting the climate conversation away from mitigation, toward adaptation and resilience.

Deadly fires tearing through Los Angeles County have displaced thousands of people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures in what might be the most expensive wildfire destruction in the nation's history.
Today: We're learning how climate disasters could set off a shift in policy both here in California and around the country. This, as lawmakers weigh climate action policies and juggle questions of sustainability, development and governance. To talk about that and more, KCBS Radio news anchor Eric Thomas spoke with Dr. Ben Leffel, Assistant Professor of Public Policy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Raging California wildfires have caused two fuel pipelines in Los Angeles to shut down amidst power outages. Now concerns are growing amongst many drivers who say they fear that impact could cause delays and fuel shortages across southern Nevada.