Axios

The U.S. cities with the worst air quality in 2023 — mostly in the Midwest — had particle pollution levels two to three times higher than what the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends, according to a new report.

The big picture: It's not coincidental that the cities with the worst air quality last year were in the Upper Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, as those regions were smothered in smoke from Canada's unprecedented wildfire season.

Fresh litigation marks the next phase in the fight over President Biden's pause on new liquefied natural gas export licenses.

Why it matters: A complaint from 16 states asks a Louisiana federal district court for a preliminary injunction that would resume consideration of permits.

HOUSTON — While fossil fuel executives get the biggest spotlight, startups are increasingly all over CERAWeek.

Why it matters: It signals climate technology's growth and intersection with legacy industries, something apparent when startup incubator Greentown Labs chose Houston as its second location in 2020.

Major oil and gas companies are failing to align their business plans with Paris Agreement's goals, a new report finds.

Why it matters: The analysis, by financial climate think tank Carbon Tracker, shows the expansive rift between fossil fuel companies and climate scientists.