‘The US and China – together responsible for 40% of the world’s carbon emissions – both ratify the Paris global climate agreement.’

Source: Paris climate deal: US and China announce ratification – BBC News

‘…America and the rest of the world are trying to deal with many problems — wars, poverty, inequities, extreme weather events, disease — just to name a few. But the effects that climate change is having on our planet will exacerbate all of these problems, and more. Throw in rising sea levels from the melting ice sheets at both poles, the acidification of the oceans as they absorb the excess carbon dioxide, an increasing number of animal extinctions, and things can look pretty bleak.’

Source: Larry Sleznikow: Fighting WWIII: Climate change | Opinion | lacrossetribune.com

‘CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The federal government needs to consider greenhouse emissions and the potential contribution to climate change before allowing oil and gas development on public land, two environmental groups asserted Thursday in a lawsuit over drilling in Western states.’

Source: Groups Challenge Federal Oil, Gas Leasing On Climate Grounds « CBS Denver

‘OAKLAND, Calif. (August 25, 2016)—The California Legislature today passed Assembly Bill 2800 (Quirk, D-Hayward), a bill requiring the creation of a climate-safe infrastructure working group. If signed into law by Gov. Brown, it would help address a dangerous disconnect between engineering and climate science that threatens the safety and benefits of costly public infrastructure projects. The Senate approved the bill on August 22 in a 32-6 bipartisan vote, and the Assembly gave final approval today.’

Source: California Climate-Safe Infrastructure Bill Passes Legislature, Awaits Governor’s Signature | Union of Concerned Scientists

‘…Surveys by Leiserowitz and his colleagues show that the number of Americans who view climate change as an alarming threat and want action now at 17 percent. Another 28 percent report being concerned, but view it as a more distant threat. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s the 10 percent who reject the idea of global warming and the data behind it. ‘

Source: As Earth warms, Americans more polarized than ever on climate – CSMonitor.com

‘Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Thursday “there could be some impact” from a changing climate, “but I don’t believe it’s a devastating impact.”’

Source: Trump: Climate change won’t be ‘devastating’ | TheHill

‘When issuing marketing materials and press releases, U.S. companies frequently warn that rising global temperatures could cost them money. They tout specific green projects, like solar roofs and increased efficiency. But when it comes time to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the same companies stick to broad terminology and sanded-down statements.’

Source: Climate Risk Is Poorly Represented in Company Financial Filings – Scientific American

‘…The complaint argues that the 47 companies should be held accountable for the effects of their greenhouse gas emissions in the Philippines and demands that they explain how human rights violations resulting from climate change will be “eliminated, remedied and prevented.”‘

Source: World Carbon Producers Face Landmark Rights Case | Climate Central

‘If you watched the political conventions during the past two weeks, you heard a lot about isis and national security and police and race and jobs. You didn’t hear much, though, about climate change, despite the fact that it’s arguably the most consequential long-term problem the U.S. faces, and one that requires government action.’

Source: Where Was Climate Change at the Party Conventions? – The New Yorker

‘…Kaine supports offshore oil drilling and fast-tracking natural gas export terminals, but he was also considered instrumental in the battle against the Keystone XL oil pipeline. When he was governor of Virginia, his administration backed one of the last coal plants built in the country. At the same time, he supported renewable energy and instituted the first-ever climate change commission in Virginia to bring together environmentalists and power companies to chart a way forward on cutting greenhouse gas levels.’

Source: Tim Kaine’s Climate Record Is All over the Map – Scientific American