News Roundup
‘Alarmed by the rapid pace of climate change, a key federal science panel is urging a major research effort into high-tech schemes that could cool the planet if prevention fails, potentially including giant machines to suck greenhouse gases from the air, aerosol sprays shot into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight back into space, and fertilizers for the ocean to boost growth of carbon-hungry plants.’
via Man-made climate change may need man-made remedies, science panel says – LA Times.
‘Apple CEO Tim Cook announced plans to build a $850 million solar energy farm in California with First Solar on Tuesday.’
‘The White House stood by its decision on Tuesday to include climate change impacts in its national security strategy released last week.’
via WH: Climate change directly impacts more Americans than terrorism | TheHill.
‘In his interview with Vox, President Obama said the media “absolutely” overstates the threat of terrorism in comparison to the threat of climate change.’
via Climate Change a Greater Threat Than Terrorism, White House Says – ABC News.
‘With the planet facing potentially severe impacts from global warming in coming decades, a government-sponsored scientific panel on Tuesday called for more research on geoengineering — technologies to deliberately intervene in nature to counter climate change.’
via Panel Urges Research on Geoengineering as a Tool Against Climate Change – NYTimes.com.
‘…Specifically, the two techniques it recommends are afforestation—planting trees where there were none before—and biochar—improving the soil by burying a layer of dense charcoal.’
via The Best Technology for Fighting Climate Change? Trees – The Atlantic.
‘Hispanics are far more likely than whites to feel threatened by climate change and support the Obama administration’s efforts to fight it, according to a new survey.’
via Poll: Most Hispanics concerned about climate change | TheHill.
Feb. 7, 2015, Oakland, California
A diverse crowd of thousands marched through downtown Oakland challenging Jerry Brown’s fracking policy and protesting against big oil and climate change. Many groups were represented including 350.org, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, labor unions, students, and others. Soon after the marchers reached Lake Merritt for the rally, many used signs and placards to shield themselves from several minutes of heavy rain.
Colorful banners were displayed throughout the march and rally, with slogans such as “Ban Fracking Now”, “Leave the Oil in the Soil”, “Labor Against Fracking”, “Brown Listen to Science not Carbon Polluters”, “New York Did It So Can We”, “100% Renewable Energy”, “End Fossil Fuels”, “Stand Up To Big Oil”, “Climate Justice”, “Protect Our Water, Protect Our California”, “Save California’s Coast From Offshore Fracking”, and more.
Report by James George
‘HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii island is seeing more frequent heavy storms, and climate change may be the reason, according to two University of Hawaii researchers.’
via Researchers: Climate Change Affecting Hawaii Island Storms.
‘French foreign minister Laurent Fabius launched a round of global climate talks in Geneva on Sunday and warned that world security, as well as the environment, depended on their success.’
via France says UN climate talks crucial for world security | Environment | The Guardian.
