Axios

After having its hottest summer on record, Phoenix saw an unprecedented and sustained heat wave during parts of September through mid-October.

Why it matters: The latest stretch prolonged heat-related health threats and pointed to the growing challenge of how to be resilient in the face of scorching temperatures.

The hottest climate policy news this week is something the Supreme Court didn't do: freeze Joe Biden's big carbon emissions rules for power plants.

Why it matters: The rules target a huge CO2 source — existing coal plants and future gas plants — and avoided being quickly forced into hibernation.

Two of the biggest industries in the world are taking the supply of key resources into their own hands.

Why it matters: Controlling inputs gives businesses more control over costs and outputs.

Amazon is looking to next-generation nuclear plant designs to power its expanding portfolio of data centers, as AI helps to drive up power demands.

Why it matters: The new commitments — along with other companies' recent announcements — show a surge of interest in small modular reactors to prevent burgeoning AI computing tasks from torpedoing climate goals.

The world is entering a new era increasingly dominated by electricity, the International Energy Agency said.

Why it matters: Electricity use has grown at twice the pace of overall energy demand over the last decade, with China leading the way, IEA's new "world energy outlook" finds.

The Small Business Administration has "exhausted funds for its disaster loan program" following increased demand as officials respond to hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA announced Tuesday.

Why it matters: President Biden said in a statement shared with outlets including Axios that the program is "a critical lifeline to small businesses, homeowners, and renters affected by disasters."