News: Archive for February, 2009
‘In China, scholars and policy advisers who support the proposals in the “Roadmap” report say talks on energy technology and climate change could foster cooperation between the Obama administration and China. A central question is whether Chinese leaders and American lawmakers will be too focused on reviving their economies to pay serious attention to curbing emissions.’
via Experts in U.S. and China See a Chance for Cooperation Against Climate Change – NYTimes.com.
On February 5, the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings will host a discussion on overcoming obstacles to U.S.-China cooperation on climate change, focusing on ways in which cooperation can gain sustained political support in both countries.
via U.S.-China Climate Change Cooperation: Overcoming Obstacles – Brookings Institution.
Belem, Brazil. Feb 1 2009
Of the myriad issues addressed at the World Social Forum this year, climate had both the first and last word, beginning with the Amazonian downpour which drenched the opening parade several days ago, and ending with today’s heavy rainstorm just prior to the final meeting, the ‘assembly of assemblies’, where the remaining participants gathered in a wet and muddy grass field to listen to the spokespersons from the many issue groups announce their conclusions from several days of discussions.
YouTube video of closing report from the Palestian issue group (English with Portuguese translation)
The climate crisis house of horrors continues:
“The oceans have long buffered the effects of climate change by absorbing a substantial portion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. But this benefit has a catch: as the gas dissolves, it makes seawater more acidic. Now an international panel of marine scientists says this acidity is accelerating so fast it threatens the survival of coral reefs, shellfish and the marine food web generally.”
via Rising Acidity Is Threatening Food Web of Oceans, Science Panel Says – NYTimes.com.
More evidence of anticipation of the ‘green new deal’:
“…Labor experts predict renewable energy and energy efficiency industries could create as many as 37 million jobs — and students at technical colleges like this one are counting on it.”
“The economic stimulus plan approved by the House allocates over $100 billion for green projects. While there is sure to be political back and forth in the coming days, one thing is certain, no matter what the ultimate outcome: We’re going to be hearing a lot more about “green collar” jobs.”
via What the “green collar” economy means for you | Yahoo! Green.