Today's Climate: December 26-27, 2009

Obama Faces Tough Senate Fight to Deliver on Climate Pledges Made Overseas (Washington Post)

By brokering a climate deal in Copenhagen, Pres. Obama committed himself to a more daunting task: pushing for climate legislation in the Senate in 2010.

China Adopts Law to Boost Renewable Energy Industry (AFP)

China's national assembly has adopted a law obliging electricity grid companies to buy all the power produced by renewable energy generators.

China Defends Wen Jiabao's Role in Copenhagen Talks (Reuters)

China defended the role played by premier Wen Jiabao at climate talks in Copenhagen after a barrage of international criticism blamed Beijing for obstructing negotiations.

Albertans Snub Climate Change Threat (Calgary Herald)

A new survey found that 31% of Albertans think global warming is a theory that has not yet been proven. Nationally, just 17% of Canadians share that opinion.

Canada Falling Behind U.S. in Clean-Energy Efforts: Experts (CanWest News)

The Harper government is distancing itself from Pres. Obama's clean energy agenda, warn some of those involved in the Canadian wind industry, one of the nation's fastest-growing clean energy sectors.

Nature's Race Against Time as Climate Changes (The Independent)

Global temperatures are set to rise faster than the speed at which most animals and plants can move to cooler areas, according to a study estimating the velocity of climate change.

Greenpeace to Keep Up Pressure Post-Copenhagen (Reuters)

In the lead up to Mexico City, Greenpeace will keep up the pressure on leaders it believes let the world down on global warming, Executive Director Kumi Naidoo said.

Generating Solar Power After Dark (Green Inc.)

Two solar farms being planned in California would store the sun's energy in molten salt, releasing heat at night to generate electricity. The technology is a potential game-changer for the industry.

New Financing Schemes Make Solar More Affordable (San Jose Mercury News)

A number of Bay Area solar companies — including Akeena Solar, SolarCity, Sungevity and SunRun — are pioneering new business models and creative financing mechanisms to make rooftop solar more affordable.

Toyota Develops Solar Charging Station for Electric Cars (Green Car Congress)

Toyota Industries Corp. has developed a grid-connected solar charging station for plug-in hybrids and EVs, which it will test out at 11 locations in Japan come April.

Need for Coal Threatens Zimbabwe National Park (Mail & Guardian)

Zimbabwe's already dim electricity supply faces a new threat, as the country's main power plant says it needs to dig for new coal reserves under a river inside a national park to keep running.