Today's Climate: March 17, 2010

Renewable Energy Investment May Reach $200 Billion in 2010 (Bloomberg)

Renewable energy investment may rise by 23% this year to between $175 billion and $200 billion, as government stimulus funds mainly in the U.S. and Europe are spent, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

First Solar Joins Desertec Solar Project (Reuters)

U.S. solar power company First Solar has joined the Desertec solar power project, which hopes to supply 15% of Europe's power by 2050 via a network of renewable energy sources.

House Republicans Hit SEC on Climate Disclosure (The Hill)

Twenty-one House Republicans led by Bill Posey (R-Florida) are alleging that an SEC initiative that presses companies to disclose information about climate risks will hurt corporations and investors alike.

UN Climate Envoy Expects Dual-Track Negotiations (AP)

Talks on a new global climate accord, bogged down for years in negotiations among nearly 200 countries, will increasingly move outside the sluggish UN framework and focus on a streamlined group of countries, special UN envoy Gro Harlem Brundtland said.

U.S. Calls 17-Country Green Meet in April (Times of India)

Even though the U.S. climate bill is in the doldrums, the Obama administration is going to organize the 17-country Major Economies Forum meeting in April to spur debate with the key players, such as India and China.

Copenhagen Climate Summit Undone by 'Arrogance' (BBC News)

The "disappointing" outcome of December's climate summit was largely down to "arrogance" on the part of rich countries, according to economist Lord Stern.

Bolivia Summit to Seek Global Climate Change Referendum (AFP)

An alternative "people's conference" on climate change in the Bolivian city of Cochabamba in April will seek to advance an international global warming referendum, organizers said.

Government to Continue Climate Ads Despite Criticism from Watchdog (Guardian)

The UK government has pledged to continue its campaigns on climate change, despite the advertising watchdog banning two of its press ads.

Brown's Government Says Carbon Plants Will Add 100,000 Jobs (Bloomberg)

Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s government said carbon capture and storage projects may add $10 billion a year to the UK economy and create 100,000 jobs by 2030.

Pacific Smelt Listed as Threatened Due to Warming (AP)

The Pacific smelt, a small silvery fish that was a staple of Northwest American Indian tribes, is getting federal protection because it's been declining toward extinction due to global warming and other factors.

Offshore Wind a Boon to the Shipping Industry (Green Inc.)

With ocean-going trade slackening amid the global recession, shipping companies and shipyard operators in Europe are finding the offshore wind industry to be a welcome ally in weathering the bad times.