Today's Climate: November 25, 2009

California Unveils Draft Cap-and-Trade Rules (Reuters)

California on Tuesday released draft rules for its cap-and-trade plan that will be the most ambitious U.S. effort to use the market to address global warming.

US and India Pledge Common Action on Climate Change (Guardian)

America and India have pledged common action to fight climate change, claiming the new "green partnership" would help produce a strong "political" deal in Copenhagen.

New Zealand Passes Carbon Law through Key Stage (Reuters) 

New Zealand's revised cap-and-trade pact is set to become law after parliament approved details of the scheme. The nation has agreed to cut CO2 by 10 to 20 percent from 1990 levels by 2020, depending on the Copenhagen outcome.

Canadian Parliament Votes for Deep CO2 Emissions Cut (AFP)

Canada's parliament has passed a motion urging PM Stephen Harper's minority government to adopt a target of reducing emissions by 25% from 1990 levels in Denmark next month.

Australia's Carbon Scheme Gains Bipartisan Support (Reuters)

Australia's government gained bipartisan backing on Tuesday for its revised carbon-trade plan, avoiding an early election and boosting compensation to coal companies and other big polluters.

China Calls for Stepped Up Climate Cooperation with EU (AFP)

China has called on the EU to step up cooperation on climate change, saying global warming would be at the top of the agenda at next week's China-EU summit.

Poll: Fewer Americans Believe in Global Warming (Washington Post)

The percentage of Americans who believe global warming is happening has dipped from 80 to 72 percent in the past year, according to a new poll, even as a majority still support a national cap on emissions.

3 Southern Co. Power Plants Top List of CO2 Emitters (Greenwire)

Three power plants owned by Atlanta-based Southern Co. top the list of U.S. coal-fired sources of CO2 emissions, according to rankings released by Environment America.

Arctic Ice Volume Lowest Ever As Globe Warms: UN (Reuters)

Ice volume around the Arctic region hit the lowest level ever recorded this year as climate extremes brought death and devastation to many parts of the world, the UN weather agency WMO said.

DOE Announces $620 Million for Smart-Grid Trials (CNET News)

The DOE has awarded $620 million for 32 smart grid projects in 21 states, the second major wave of government funding to modernize America's electricity grid. The money will come from the stimulus and be matched by companies.

Effort to Scrap Anti-Nuclear Law in Minn. Ramps Up (AP)

A push to scrap a Minnesota law barring new nuclear plants gained a pair of influential supporters this week, adding intensity to a debate before a state legislature that has narrowly resisted the change.