Taking Measure

Climate 'is a major cause' of conflict in Africa

Price of global warming cuts may stop deal at U.N. meeting

Most support GHG action, despite weakening belief in warming

Indonesia disputes World Bank emissions rating

DOE provides stimulus grants for small businesses, S.C. wind project

Good Copenhagen Backgrounder

Excellent piece on how the Copenhagen climate conference can lay the foundation for final agreement on a binding international climate treaty in 2010.

Obama on His Way—Progress Possible?

We like to be right (and now we should quit while we're ahead).  Not only will Obama attend Copenhagen, but he's coming with a provisional U.S. commitment to greenhouse gas emission reductions "in the range of" 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050.  These are the reductions in the Waxman-Markey bill that narrowly passed the House in June.  In the absence of a new U.S. climate law, this is probably the best bargaining position Obama could bring to the Copenhagen table.  It makes progress possible, but an ultimate deal on a binding treaty is still probably one more meeting away. 

An Industry Call for “Cap-and-Innovate”

Established energy players - like utilities - have a lot to gain from cap-and-trade if they're willing to be innovative and forward-thinking. More industry advice like this needs to be heard.

Obama Decision on Copenhagen Soon

The latest: a decision "in the coming days."  The guess here is that he attends.

Best Clean Energy Innovation Engine Is a Hybrid?

Intriguing new policy brief argues that the "green innovation machine" will be less than optimal (read: will not curb climate change) if it relies only on a carbon price-setting mechanism like cap-and-trade.  The authors recommend supplementing with an aggressive program of "directed technological change" through significantly ramped up clean energy R & D subsidies implemented immediately.  And they believe they have the economic proof to back up their claims.    

Taking Measure

Poor women 'bear climate burden'

UN Links Climate With Hunger

Don't blame U.S. for standoff in int'l talks, senators say

Conservation campaigns need a makeover, marketer advises

Companies reconsider carbon offset options

Taking Measure

Five environmental stories of note from the past week:

EPA ordered attorneys to remove video criticizing climate bill

U.N. official says climate deal could be put off

Green jobs aren't ready to lead New England Economy

Ford's fuel-efficient engine draws interest, revenue

Low-emission technologies need assist from policymakers

Taking Measure

Five environmental stories of note from the past week:

Lawmakers oppose stimulus funds for joint Texas-China project

World’s falling fertility rates approach a break-even point

Russia still dragging its feet on climate change 

Climate-agreement deadline may slip to end of 2010

Mass-market U.N. carbon scheme finds favor in India