Climate News Today — October 9, 2026
‘Digger’ has a lot of haters. Here’s why they’re wrong. and more — today's climate signal.
As the world grapples with the challenges of addressing climate change, today's headlines highlight the complexities and controversies that surround this critical issue. In the UK, a spreadsheet error has led the Tories to overstate the cost of achieving net zero by nearly £500bn, sparking debate about the economic implications of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Meanwhile, in the US, a bipartisan energy bill is causing divisions within the climate movement, with some arguing that it does not go far enough to address the urgent need for action. These developments underscore the political climate for climate politics, where differing opinions and interests often hinder progress.
Despite these challenges, there are also signs of hope and resilience in the face of climate change. In California, the Monterey Bay area is investing in climate change resiliency and training a workforce to prepare for the impacts of a warming world. This proactive approach is particularly important given the forecast that El Niño is likely to bring extreme weather events to the state, posing a significant test of its readiness and ability to respond. As the climate community navigates the complexities of politics and policy, it is essential to recognize the importance of local initiatives and community-led efforts in building a more sustainable and resilient future. By supporting and amplifying these efforts, we can work towards a more hopeful and equitable future for all.
Today's signal:
• ‘Digger’ has a lot of haters. Here’s why they’re wrong. (grist.org)
• Tories overstate net zero cost by nearly £500bn in apparent spreadsheet error (theguardian.com)
• The bipartisan energy bill tearing the climate movement apart (grist.org)
• The political climate for climate politics (yaleclimateconnections.org)
• Monterey Bay area in California is investing in climate change resiliency and training a workforce (yaleclimateconnections.org)
• ‘Like an earthquake’: El Niño is coming for California – is the state ready? (theguardian.com)