With the global climate talks in Lima, Peru halfway done, climate observers are watching with baited breath to see how far countries get to hammering out a draft agreement that can be formalized next year in Paris. However, there are lots of steps being taken to address greenhouse gas emissions at the personal, local and… Keep reading →
On 24 November 2014 the Australian Parliament passed the Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014 (Bill) which puts in place the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF). The ERF is the cornerstone of the Australian Government’s Direct Action Plan climate change policy for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It will provide AUD2.55 billion in financial incentives over four years for companies to voluntarily reduce emissions. The Government says its Direct Action Plan climate change policy will mean that Australia will meet the five percent emissions reduction target by 2020.
Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship was criminally indicted for being responsible for the deaths of 29 coal miners in 2010 and in the interest of ensuring a fair trial U.S. District Judge Irene Berger sealed all court records. However, several major media organizations are challenging the gag order. “The news outlets could have good… Keep reading →
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released what it calls the Synthesis Report on Sunday, which incorporates findings from the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report produced by over 800 scientists and released over the past 13 months. The latest report confirms the serious risks that climate change poses, indicates climate change impacts are already occurring… Keep reading →
“I’m not a scientist,” has emerged as go-to republican messaging on climate change in the run-up to midterm elections. Essentially, the response means “I’m not going to talk about this issue,” but climate change has already come up in several political debates around the US. “It’s got to be the dumbest answer I’ve ever heard,”… Keep reading →
Reports that a new Obama Administration climate plan seeks to circumvent congress have democrats and republicans up in arms. The alleged plan would create binding agreements with other governments that fall short of an actual treaty which would require a majority senate vote many see as unlikely. “Republicans have also sought to portray Obama as… Keep reading →
In a story as much about political campaign finance as about oyster farming in Washington State, climate change, ocean acidification and business competiveness are major themes. “It used to be the canary in the coal mine,” Mr. [Gov. Jay] Inslee said in a recent interview. “Now it’s the oyster in the half shell. You can’t… Keep reading →
The “our” in this case refers to ExxonMobil. Often considered the face of “Big Oil,” the company is the largest intact remnant of John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil empire and the world’s largest US-based oil company in terms of reserves, production and revenue. Love or hate them, Exxon is a well-run company with strict investment… Keep reading →
The National Strategy for the Arctic Region intends to position the U.S. to respond to challenges and economic opportunities in the Arctic, prioritizing security, responsible resource development, and cooperation with other Arctic nations. On May 10, 2013, the White House unveiled the “National Strategy for the Arctic Region,” outlining the administration’s priorities to manage… Keep reading →
