Automakers push ahead with DE&I efforts despite testy public atmosphere
Diversity efforts have increasingly become political punching bags in some circles, but automakers have remained steadfast in their dedication to DE&I.
EV buyers are now paying less than luxury prices on average. Here's why
The gap between average EV and luxury ICE vehicle loan payments is roughly $100 wider than it was a year ago.
Tourism oversight board backs $17B Disney World development plan
Florida’s tourism oversight district gave initial approval Wednesday to a proposed $17 billion Walt Disney World development plan, opening the door to a potential fifth theme park.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s board voted unanimously for the 15-year agreement, which outlines how Disney World will grow in the future. It will need a final vote on June 12 to take effect.
“The development agreement will enable us to continue to invest significantly in the district,” said Woody Rodriguez, director of external affairs for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
Disney officials haven’t provided specifics on what is in the works, but the company says in the proposal it will invest up to $17 billion over the next 10 to 20 years. The agreement includes a commitment of $8 billion during the first 10 years.
District officials are committing to fund road and other infrastructure projects to support the new development.
In the deal, Disney also agrees to provide $10 million for affordable housing projects and a “buy local initiative” with at least half of construction goods and services going to Florida businesses.
UN chief wants a tax on profits of fossil fuel companies, calling them ‘godfathers of climate chaos’
By JAMEY KEATEN (Associated Press)
GENEVA (AP) — U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called Wednesday for a “windfall” tax on profits of fossil fuel companies to help pay for the fight against global warming, calling them the “godfathers of climate chaos.”
Guterres spoke in a bid to revive the world’s focus on climate change at a time when elections, inflation and conflict in places like Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan have seized the spotlight.
In a speech timed for World Environment Day, the U.N. chief drew on new data and projections to make a case against Big Oil. The European Union’s Copernicus service, a global reference for tracking world temperatures, said that last month was the hottest May ever, marking the 12th straight monthly record high.
The service cited an average surface air temperature of 15.9 degrees Celsius (60.6 degrees Fahrenheit) last month — 1.52 degrees Celsius higher than the estimated May average before industrial times.
The burning of fossil fuels — oil, gas and coal — is the main contributor to global warming caused by human activity.
Key ways Toyota is tweaking its next-gen EV-fighting engine development
Toyota said its next generation of clean, compact engines is ‘completely different’ from anything today. Here’s a look at two engineering tricks it tapped to turn out a new alternative to EVs.