Today's Climate: July 6, 2009

Oxfam: Hunger Rises as Climate Change Causes Crop Failure (Guardian)

Hunger may become the defining human tragedy of the century as the climate changes and hundreds of millions of farmers already struggling to grow enough food are forced to adapt to drought and different rainfall patterns, a report from Oxfam warns.

Blair: G8 Should Put that Good Will to Use on Energy Issues (Guardian)

"If we focus on clear, practical, and achievable goals, major reductions can be made in order to ensure that, whatever the precise interim target, the world will fashion a radical new approach," writes former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

South Korea to Spend $85B on Green Industries (Reuters)

South Korea will invest $84.5 billion, or 2 percent of its annual GDP, in environment-related industries over the next five years, the presidential office said today.

Nigeria: Country Faces Hard Times With Less US Need for Oil (This Day)

Nigerian government officials warn that their economy, largely depend on crude oil exports, may witness a major shrink in five years time because planned changes in U.S. consumption unless it aggressively pursues a policy of diversifying its revenue sources.

Ex-BP Chief: Make State-Run Banks Invest in Renewables (London Times)

State-controlled banks such as Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group should be forced to invest in renewable energy projects to kick-start a transition to a lower-carbon economy, former BP chief John Browne says.

California Solar Subsidy Program Approaches Limit (Los Angeles Times)

A key state Senate committee is expected to vote on a bill that seeks to quadruple the amount of electricity consumers with roof panels may sell. The solar industry supports it; PG & E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric oppose the bill.

Energy-Pioneering Austrian Town Exports Its Model (AFP)

After 20 years investing in renewable energy, the small Austrian town of Guessing, a model of energy self-sufficiency, is spreading its pioneering technology far and wide.

China To Start Work on 20 GW Wind Farm (Reuters)

China will begin construction of a $17.6 billion wind power project in Gansu province this month dubbed “the Three Gorges Dam on the land.” Its 20 gigawatts will be part of a major push to boost renewable energy and cut the nation's reliance on coal, Xinhua reports.

Congress Must Restore Strength to Climate Bill (Boston Globe)

As the Senate takes up climate legislation this week, John Kassel, president of the Conservation Law Foundation, urges it to restore the strength a real cap and better tools to foster renewable energy and efficiency – flaws inflicted by House negotiations.

Oil Companies Buying Bankrupt Ethanol Plants (Energy Business Daily)

The pressure is on to get the refiners to reduce emissions, so they are exploring new ways to meet these environmental standards ban. The hunt for bargains is on.