Today's Climate: September 21, 2009

UN Plans ‘Shock Therapy’ at Climate Summit (Guardian)

This week’s UN summit in New York will force heads of rich states to listen to those of third world nations in the hope that one-on-one meetings can kick-start radical action.

Sen. Lieberman Proposes Cash for Coal, Nuclear (Politico)

In an effort to resuscitate some version of the House climate change bill in the Senate, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) is trying to get Republicans and moderate Democrats on board by adding money for coal power and nuclear plants.

IEA: China Could Lead on Climate by 2020 (Financial Times)

China will be at the forefront of combating climate change by 2020 if it meets government targets on reducing greenhouse gas emissions set out in its five-year plan, the International Energy Agency suggests.

Seeing Opportunity in Carbon Emissions’ Decline Amid Financial Crisis (AFP)

Greenhouse gas emissions have fallen more this year than any year in the past four decades thanks to the global downturn. It hands the world a chance to move away from high-carbon growth, a report said today, citing an International Energy Agency study.

Obama Shifts Focus to Climate Change for the Week (Los Angeles Times)

As President Obama shifts his focus to climate change this week, a look at some hurdles facing the president and his international counterparts when it comes to climate action.

Sen. Boxer Prepares to Release Climate Bill Next Week (ClimateWire)

Sen. Barbara Boxer is widely expected to release her draft of a Senate climate bill next week and start legislative hearings during the week of Oct. 5, with a tentative markup penciled in for the week of Oct. 12.

Australia Plans Copenhagen Compromise (Reuters)

Developing economies shouldn't be locked into carbon lowering targets under a new global climate pact, Australia said today, outlining a deal it hopes will avert failure at make-or-break talks in Copenhagen.

New Japanese PM To Propose Global Climate Funding Plan (Reuters)

Japans’ new prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama, will unveil a plan to support developing countries in technology and funding to fight climate change at a UN meeting this week, Japan's environment minister says.

Wyoming Crafts Plan for Carbon Sequestration (Billings Gazette)

A task force is helping Wyoming lawmakers craft a legal and regulatory framework for commercial-scale carbon sequestration following new state laws passed last year outlining aspects such as pore space ownership and mineral priorities.

New Social Network Aims to Save the Rainforests (Reuters)

Environmental activists plan to announce today the formation of "Team Earth," a social network that includes businesses, NGOs, students and politicians with the hope of battling tropical deforestation.