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Presidents of U.S. and Russia Agree to Step Up Cooperation in Bering Strait Region

Submitted by Nick Sundt on 27 May 2011 - 8:38pm

President Barack Obama and President  Dmitry Medvedev of Russia on Thursday (26 May 2011) in a joint statement noted the "effects of climate change and other pressures on the common natural and cultural heritage of the Bering Strait region" and the "significance of unique Arctic ecosystems." The two leaders recognized the "importance of cooperation to protect nature and natural resources ... and to apply effective strategies aimed at sustainable development" in the region.  They declared their "intention to deepen cooperation...including the expansion of interaction between the national agencies that are responsible for the specially protected natural territories/areas of both countries..."

Promoting Clean Energy is in China’s own Self Interest

Submitted by Lynn Englum on 12 April 2011 - 9:55am

China is the world's largest user of clean energy, the leading manufacturer of most renewable energy technologies and the largest recipient of clean energy investments.  China has embraced clean energy to tackle energy security and environmental problems, including climate change.    

China Solidifies Itself as Clean Energy Powerhouse

Submitted by Lynn Englum on 7 April 2011 - 5:07pm

According to a new report, China has solidified its lead over the U.S. in clean energy investment and installed clean energy capacity. With record private clean energy investments in 2010, China ranks first for the second straight year, surpassing the U.S.

“Use 60 minutes of darkness to help the world see the light,” urges Ban Ki-moon

Submitted by Nick Sundt on 25 March 2011 - 4:36pm
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon leads a host of world and civic leaders supporting Earth Hour 2011 as a powerful symbol of a shared wish for a sustainable and secure future.
 

NOAA Releases New Strategy for Addressing a Rapidly Changing Arctic

Submitted by Lynn Englum on 23 March 2011 - 11:56am

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a report on the Arctic, outlining NOAA’s vision and strategy for dealing with a rapidly changing environment and improving forecasts of the region's weather and sea ice conditions.

Record participation with 5 days until the world unites for Earth Hour

Submitted by Nick Sundt on 21 March 2011 - 1:22pm

With just 5 days remaining before Earth Hour (26 March 2011, 8:30 pm), the global lights-out event has reached record participation levels.  Thousands of communities in 131 countries and territories on all seven continents are registered to take part.

EPA Clean Air Regulations Save Lives and Money, According to New Study

Submitted by Lynn Englum on 10 March 2011 - 12:06pm

A new report evaluating the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, show the benefits of the regulation far outweigh the cost by a factor of 30 to 1. These amendments instituted the acid rain cap-and-trade program and covered fine particles, ozone, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. When these amendments were first being proposed, much like proposed bills to regulate greenhouse gases, naysayers predicted the cost to businesses and the economy would be too great. This report proves otherwise. 

Economist Robert Litterman: "Price Climate Risk Immediately" through a Price on Carbon Emissions

Submitted by Nick Sundt on 28 February 2011 - 8:13pm

"The logic is very simple," says economist Robert Litterman.  "Not pricing risk leads to too much risk being taken; and too much risk being taken leads to disasters."

Legislation Passed by U.S. House Would Strip U.S. Funding for International Climate Change Assessment Panel

Submitted by Nick Sundt on 19 February 2011 - 11:45am

Early today (Saturday, 19 Feb 2011) -- after temperatures in Washington, DC, rose to a record high for the date on Friday -- the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would eliminate U.S. funding for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).  Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, who proposed the IPCC amendment that was approved by nearly all his Republican colleagues,  claimed the U.S. would otherwise contribute about $13 million to the IPCC.  Fact-checking shows that his claim may be more than 5 time larger than the actual U.S. contribution.

U.S. House of Representatives Considers Amendments to Eliminate Support for International Climate Change Assessment

Submitted by Nick Sundt on 18 February 2011 - 11:37am

The U.S. House of Representatives is considering amendments  that would eliminate U.S. funding for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).  The amendments are among hundreds that would modify legislation (H.R. 1) to fund the U.S. government through 30 September 2011.  WWF and many other organizations are opposed.

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